On Tuesday, former President Joe Biden will step back into the public eye with his first speech since leaving the White House, shining a light on Social Security—a cornerstone issue for Democrats as the Trump administration reshapes federal programs with bold cuts.
A Stage for Advocacy
Biden will take the podium at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago, joined by a bipartisan lineup including former Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), former Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, now Social Security Administration Commissioner, according to NBC 5 Chicago.
“We are deeply honored President Biden is making his first public appearance at ACRD’s sold-out conference. As bipartisan leaders have long agreed, Americans who retire after paying into Social Security their whole lives deserve the vital support and caring services they receive,” said ACRD Executive Director Rachel Buck. “As a result, we are thrilled the President will be joining us to discuss how we can work together for a stable and successful future for Social Security.”
Tensions Over Cuts
The speech comes at a pivotal moment. The Trump administration has pledged to safeguard Social Security but is moving to trim the Social Security Administration’s workforce. In February, the SSA announced a goal to reduce staff to 50,000 from about 57,000, part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative to streamline federal spending. The agency also plans to shutter six regional offices that support SSA employees, per The New York Times.
Democrats have fiercely criticized these reductions, warning they jeopardize the lifeline Social Security provides. Beneficiaries have already reported frustrations, from extended phone wait times to repeated outages on the “My Social Security” online portal since the cuts took effect.
O’Malley, a vocal defender of the program, framed its importance: “Social Security is a sacred promise between generations. We are deeply grateful to the President for joining us at ACRD to discuss how we can keep that promise for all Americans.”
A Spotlight on Leadership
All eyes will be on whether Biden names President Donald Trump directly in his remarks. With Social Security as the focus, subtle—or not-so-subtle—critiques of his successor seem likely.
The speech lands as Democrats grapple with rebuilding a party facing a “record low” approval rating, searching for voices to rally and inspire.
Debating Efficiency and Impact
The Trump administration’s push for efficiency has stirred debate, particularly around senior adviser Elon Musk’s role. Musk has zeroed in on rooting out fraud and waste in programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, drawing sharp rebukes from Democrats.
Last month, the White House stood by Musk amid backlash over his comments about tackling “waste and fraud” in entitlement spending, citing a 2024 Inspector General report stating, “The Social Security Administration made an estimated $72 billion in improper payments between 2015 and 2022.”
As Biden prepares to speak, the conversation around Social Security is heating up, with its future hanging in the balance of policy and politics.
The Fairview Gazette will provide you with any updates to this story.
