### Biden's First Post-Presidency Speech: A Strong Condemnation of Trump's Social Security Cuts In his first major public address since leaving the White House, former President Joe Biden delivered a scathing critique of Donald Trump's administration, particularly focusing on its handling of the Social Security Administration. Biden accused Trump of implementing damaging cuts that threaten the financial security of millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits. This speech marks a significant re-emergence for Biden, who has largely remained out of the public eye since his presidency ended in January 2025. ### Structure of Biden's Critique 1. **Accusations Against Trump**: Biden directly accused Trump of "taking a hatchet" to Social Security, suggesting that the current administration's policies have severely undermined the agency's ability to serve the public effectively [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/15/joe-biden-accuses-trump-of-taking-a-hatchet-to-social-security/83098486007]. 2. **Impact on Americans**: He emphasized that over 70 million Americans depend on Social Security, and the cuts made by Trump's administration could jeopardize their livelihoods [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-16/biden-slams-trump-on-social-security-in-first-speech/105185740]. 3. **Context of the Speech**: Delivered at a national conference for disability advocates in Chicago, Biden's remarks were framed as a defense of a critical safety net for vulnerable populations [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/north-america/biden-warns-trump-has-taken-a-hatchet-to-social-security/a2056319806.html]. 4. **Biden's Return to Politics**: This speech signifies Biden's return to the political arena, where he aims to rally support for Social Security and counteract the narrative set by the Trump administration [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2025/apr/16/trump-caused-damage-destruction-says-biden-video]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Staff Cuts**: Biden highlighted that approximately 7,000 employees were let go from the Social Security Administration within the first 100 days of Trump's administration, which he described as a "hatchet job" that could lead to a collapse of the system [https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-biden-warns-of-social-security-collapse-after-trumps-major-cuts-8968308]. - **Public Sentiment**: Polls indicate that Social Security remains a top concern for voters, with many expressing fears about its future under the current administration [https://fortune.com/2025/04/16/biden-trump-social-security-hatchet-retirement-democrats]. ### Conclusion: Biden's Call to Action Biden's speech serves as a rallying cry for Democrats and advocates of Social Security, emphasizing the need to protect this vital program from further cuts. His accusations against Trump are not just political rhetoric; they reflect a broader concern for the welfare of millions of Americans who depend on Social Security for their daily needs. 1. **Biden's Accusation**: Trump has "taken a hatchet" to Social Security, threatening the financial security of millions [https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2025/04/15/biden-alleges-trump-has-taken-a-hatchet-to-social-security-in-first-post-presidency-speech]. 2. **Impact on Vulnerable Populations**: The cuts could lead to significant hardships for those reliant on Social Security benefits [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/biden-slams-destructive-donald-trump-admin-first-public-speech-white-house-bedtime-jibe-101744761374476.html]. 3. **Biden's Political Re-emergence**: This speech marks a strategic return to the political stage for Biden, aiming to galvanize support for Social Security [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/biden-speech-trump-destruction-defend-social-security-doge-musk-5068596]. In summary, Biden's first post-presidency speech not only critiques Trump's policies but also seeks to mobilize public support for the protection of Social Security, a critical issue for many Americans.