Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Apr 16: In his first public appearance since leaving the White House, US President Joe Biden came down heavily on the Donald Trump administration, accusing it of “deliberate cruelty” in cutting down the workforce of the Social Security Administration—the federal agency responsible for disbursing retirement benefits.
Addressing a gathering on Tuesday, Biden, now 82, delivered a sharp critique of his successor’s policies. While visibly aged, he appeared composed and articulate, speaking with conviction and using a teleprompter for his address.
“The last thing they need from their government is deliberate cruelty,” Biden said, referring to the Trump administration’s measures to downsize the Social Security Administration (SSA), which functions similarly to India’s Employees' Provident Fund Organisation. “Social Security is about more than retirement accounts. It's about honouring a fundamental trust between government and people,” he added.
Without directly naming Trump or members of his former cabinet, Biden took veiled jabs at prominent figures. He appeared to reference billionaire entrepreneur and Trump adviser Elon Musk, who controversially called the social security system a “Ponzi scheme.” He also alluded to commerce secretary Howard Lutnick’s insensitive remarks about administrative delays not affecting his 94-year-old mother-in-law.
Biden further criticised the Trump administration’s fiscal record, noting that the massive tax cuts during Trump’s first term added significantly to the national deficit. He warned that within just 100 days of the new administration's return, it had caused “so much damage and so much destruction it's kind of breathtaking.”
Although Trump had campaigned on a promise not to touch social security benefits—often a contentious subject among Republicans—the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Musk, led to drastic budget and workforce cuts. According to sources, the SSA lost nearly 7,000 employees during this restructuring, severely impacting its functioning.
Biden’s remarks come amid criticism from within his own Democratic Party. Many believe he overstayed his time in office and failed to pave the way for a more prepared successor, indirectly contributing to Trump’s return to power. Vice-President Kamala Harris, who stepped in post-primary, was viewed as underprepared by some within the party ranks.
Nonetheless, Biden’s speech signals his intent to continue engaging in public discourse, especially on matters he sees as impacting the core social fabric of America.