Biden Criticizes Trump for the First Time Since Leaving Office
World
Former U.S. President Joe Biden made his first public appearance since leaving the White House and delivered sharp criticism of Donald Trump. The speech was broadcast live by American television channel ABC.
"In just one hundred days, this administration has caused so much harm and destruction — it’s astounding how fast it’s happening," Biden said at a conference of disability rights advocates in Chicago. "We’ve never been this divided," he added.
The 82-year-old politician did not mention Trump by name, referring to him only as “that guy.”
“They took an axe to the Social Security Administration, laying off 7,000 employees,” said the Democrat, referring to the SSA — the U.S. agency responsible for pensions and disability benefits. “For the first time in history, Social Security payments could be delayed or suspended,” Biden claimed.
“Social Security is more than a government program. It is a sacred promise we made as a nation,” the former president stated. He opposed the Trump administration’s budget-cutting policies, arguing they would harm low-income Americans. “What about the 94-year-old mother who lives alone and doesn’t have a billionaire in the family?” Biden asked.
According to Reuters, the SSA pays out $1.4 trillion annually to 73 million elderly and disabled people. In response to Biden’s criticism, the White House said: “President Trump is fully committed to protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding taxpayers and seniors. He will always defend this program.”
Biden’s speech was also criticized by some Democrats. Democratic Party strategist Karen Finney noted that Biden’s lack of confidence during the speech might distract from his substantive critique of Trump’s policies.
The 82-year-old politician did not mention Trump by name, referring to him only as “that guy.”
“They took an axe to the Social Security Administration, laying off 7,000 employees,” said the Democrat, referring to the SSA — the U.S. agency responsible for pensions and disability benefits. “For the first time in history, Social Security payments could be delayed or suspended,” Biden claimed.
“Social Security is more than a government program. It is a sacred promise we made as a nation,” the former president stated. He opposed the Trump administration’s budget-cutting policies, arguing they would harm low-income Americans. “What about the 94-year-old mother who lives alone and doesn’t have a billionaire in the family?” Biden asked.
According to Reuters, the SSA pays out $1.4 trillion annually to 73 million elderly and disabled people. In response to Biden’s criticism, the White House said: “President Trump is fully committed to protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding taxpayers and seniors. He will always defend this program.”
Biden’s speech was also criticized by some Democrats. Democratic Party strategist Karen Finney noted that Biden’s lack of confidence during the speech might distract from his substantive critique of Trump’s policies.
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