Biden Warns of Potential Cuts to Social Security Benefits

CHICAGO, Ill. — Former President Joe Biden delivered a poignant warning during his first public speech since leaving the White House, addressing a conference focused on disability advocacy on April 15, 2025. He raised concerns that, for the first time in history, Social Security benefits may not be paid due to significant budget cuts affecting the agency responsible for disbursing funds.

“In the 90 years since Franklin Roosevelt created the Social Security system, people have always received their checks, even during wars, recessions, and pandemics. Now, that reliability is under threat,” Biden emphasized, adding that failure to appropriately fund the Social Security Administration (SSA) would lead to catastrophic consequences for millions of families.

Biden’s remarks came on the heels of substantial budget reductions proposed by the Trump administration, which have raised alarms among advocates and beneficiaries. He criticized the new administration’s approach, stating that it has inflicted “so much damage and destruction” in less than 100 days, a sentiment echoed throughout the speech.

The SSA currently provides vital financial support to over 70 million Americans, making its stability a key concern for many. Biden highlighted that the cuts could lead to delays or interruptions in payment, which would have devastating effects on individuals who rely on this income as their primary source of support. “Social Security deserves to be protected for the good of the nation as a whole,” he stated.

In his speech, Biden employed familiar rhetoric to connect with his audience, referring to Donald Trump only as “this guy” while discussing the current political climate. He characterized the ongoing political battle as being increasingly divisive and hypothesized that a united front is necessary to safeguard essential services like Social Security.

Notably, Biden’s comments resonated beyond party lines as Jason Turkish, a Michigan-based attorney who specializes in disability law, expressed concern over the shifting political landscape. Turkish noted, “Regardless of who is in power, Social Security has historically been an untouchable issue. We are at risk of that changing, and it’s causing significant anxiety among my clients.”

In the midst of heightened discussion about Social Security, House and Senate Democrats have taken proactive steps to respond to the emerging challenges. On the same day as Biden’s speech, House Democrats declared April 15 as a national day of action dedicated to advocating for Social Security. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats launched their first campaign advertisements targeting Republican incumbents over their stances on budget cuts.

Biden’s attempts to return to the political limelight have seen him actively participating in various public events since exiting office, including receiving a lifetime achievement award from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and attending a Model UN event. His speech in Chicago aimed to bolster his relevance in the ongoing national conversation about Social Security.

Despite his intentions, reactions to Biden’s message varied among observers, with some recalling his past political successes while others noted a lack of enthusiasm in his delivery. His quips about historical legislation he championed in the Senate seemed to invoke more nostalgia than urgency. Nevertheless, Biden remains cognizant of the importance of Social Security as a pivotal issue as he explores avenues to remain engaged in public discourse.

The looming threats to Social Security have prompted intense discourse in Washington, with many rallying around the need to preserve this critical safety net. As the budget discussions unfold, the outcomes will affect the lives of millions, emphasizing the significance of advocacy at this pivotal moment in American political history.