At a time when political tensions are rising ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, former President Joe Biden has reentered the national conversation with a strong and passionate message on one of America’s most vital social programs: Social Security. Speaking at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago on April 15, 2025, Biden addressed ongoing concerns about funding for Social Security and criticized policies he believes threaten the integrity of the program.

His remarks did not name specific individuals but made pointed references to past decisions made under the administration of Donald Trump, and comments by members of Congress advocating for periodic reauthorization of Social Security.

In this article, we’ll break down Biden’s remarks, explore the facts about Social Security proposals, and look at the implications for voters heading into the 2024 presidential election.

A Return to the Public Stage

Biden’s Chicago appearance marked one of his first major public speeches since stepping away from elected office. At 82 years old, the former president remains an active voice in the Democratic Party, and his recent speech indicates that he still sees himself as an advocate for working-class Americans and those who rely on federal support programs.

At the event, hosted by ACRD, a national nonprofit organization that advocates for people with disabilities and Social Security beneficiaries, Biden opened with personal reflections on his childhood and his family’s economic struggles. He transitioned into his main topic with a focus on Social Security National Day of Action, an observance championed by Democratic lawmakers.

Biden’s Message: Social Security Is a Promise, Not a Program

Biden emphasized that Social Security is not just a government policy — it’s a commitment to the American people. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than 70 million Americans receive benefits through retirement, disability, and survivor programs. These benefits are funded by payroll taxes paid by workers and employers throughout a person’s career.

Biden stated:

“From their very first paycheck, Americans pay into Social Security. In return, they count on it to be there when they need it. We must never betray that trust.”

He stressed that during his presidency, his administration worked to protect and strengthen Social Security, including investments to reduce processing delays and modernize services.

Responding to Policy Proposals That Raise Concerns

Without naming individuals, Biden criticized proposals that would require Congress to reapprove Social Security every five years, calling such plans a threat to economic stability for millions of Americans.

This comment references a 2022 proposal from Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), who suggested that all federal programs, including Social Security and Medicare, be subject to sunset every five years unless explicitly reauthorized by Congress. Although the plan did not become law, it sparked significant backlash and concern among Democrats and advocacy groups.

Biden asked,

“Who are they to decide that seniors have to live in fear every five years, wondering if the benefits they paid into will still be there?”

He went on to criticize the passage of large-scale tax cuts under the Trump administration, which he said increased the national debt and made future budget negotiations more difficult.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, passed under President Trump, was estimated to add nearly $1.9 trillion to the federal deficit over 10 years. Source: Congressional Budget Office

A Broader Message on Economic Justice

Biden framed the fight for Social Security as a broader issue of economic justice and fairness. Speaking directly to the crowd of disability advocates and Social Security recipients, he said:

“You make sure people get the benefits they earned after a lifetime of hard work. What you do is more than a profession — it’s a calling.”

He continued,

“They want to wreck it so they can rob it.”
A quote Biden credited to Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, reinforcing his argument that efforts to defund or privatize Social Security would harm everyday Americans.

The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, reinforcing that this issue resonates not just as a policy concern but as a deeply personal one for millions.

The Impact of Social Security

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), Social Security lifts more than 21 million Americans out of poverty, including nearly 15 million seniors. It is the largest source of income for most elderly Americans, with around 50% of married couples and 70% of unmarried beneficiaries relying on it for the majority of their income.

This critical role is why any suggestion of program cuts often triggers significant political and public concern. Advocates argue that instead of being reduced, Social Security should be expanded or strengthened to meet rising costs of living, particularly as the U.S. population ages.

Looking Toward 2024: A Defining Issue?

As Biden concluded his speech, he emphasized the duty of elected officials to uphold their promises to the American people:

“One of the most important jobs of any elected official is to make sure the government works for all the people—and to keep the promises made to them.”

This moment underscores a larger debate in American politics: Should programs like Social Security be adjusted to meet changing economic conditions, or are proposals to reevaluate or reduce them fundamentally at odds with their original purpose?

With the 2024 presidential election looming, Social Security is expected to remain a key campaign issue. Polls conducted by Pew Research Center and Gallup consistently show that Social Security is one of the most important federal programs in the eyes of voters across party lines.

Conclusion: A Clear Line in the Sand

Joe Biden’s return to the national stage was marked by passion and clarity on where he stands regarding Social Security. He delivered a firm message: The program must not be subject to political gamesmanship or budgetary trade-offs that place vulnerable Americans at risk.

His speech serves as a reminder of the stakes involved in upcoming elections and policy debates. As the nation continues to grapple with economic uncertainty, debates over federal spending, and the role of government programs, Social Security remains one of the most consequential and personal topics for millions of Americans.

Whether voters agree with Biden’s approach or believe in alternative reforms, one thing is clear: Social Security will remain at the forefront of political discourse as a symbol of the nation’s promises—and its responsibilities.

Sources:

• Social Security Administration
• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
• Congressional Budget Office
• Rick Scott’s 11-Point Plan
• Pew Research Center
• Gallup – Importance of Social Security