Former President Joe Biden (2021-2025) reappeared publicly on Tuesday with a forceful speech in which he harshly criticized the policies of his successor, Donald Trump, particularly for cuts to Social Security and the massive layoff of public employees.
The event took place in Chicago, during a conference organized by the group Advocates, Counselors and Representatives of the Disabled (ACRD). Biden, visibly energetic, pointed out that the new Republican mandate “has taken the axe” against essential programs for millions of Americans, especially Social Security.
Cuts that could affect millions
One of the highlights of his speech was a warning about the real and imminent consequences of budget cuts pushed by the Trump Administration, including the layoff of thousands of Social Security Administration (SSA) employees and the closure of numerous offices across the country.
“In less than 100 days, this new administration has caused a tremendous amount of damage and destruction. It is staggering,” Biden declared.
Responsible for implementing these measures is the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by entrepreneur Elon Musk, appointed by Trump to lead a campaign to reduce government spending.
According to official reports, more than 17,000 SSA employees have lost their jobs since February, significantly affecting benefits processing capacity and customer service.
Biden underscored the seriousness of this situation by pointing out that, for the first time in nearly a century, Social Security payments could be at risk:
“Since Franklin D. Roosevelt created the system in the 1930s, people have always received their checks. Even in times of war, recession or pandemic,” he warned.
Pero hoy, por primera vez, eso podría cambiar. Sería una calamidad para millones de familias
Joe Biden
Why does this matter to the Hispanic community?
This issue is of particular interest to the Latino community in the United States, as a significant portion of Social Security beneficiaries are older Hispanics, many of whom are completely dependent on these payments for their livelihood.
In addition, closed or understaffed offices directly affect those who require assistance in Spanish or help navigating the system, which is already complex in nature.
In states with large Hispanic communities such as California, Texas, Florida and New York, office closings have caused long delays, which aggravates the situation for seniors, people with disabilities and workers with pending paperwork.
A political and social message
Biden’s speech also took place in a broader context of international tension, especially with China, due to the aggressive tariff policy taken up by the Trump Administration.
Although the former president did not elaborate on the international issue, he did mention that these types of decisions are “isolating the U.S. from its historical partners” and putting long-term economic stability at risk.
Biden, who until now had kept a low profile since leaving the White House, appeared for the first time in public in March with his wife Jill Biden, during the premiere of a new version of Othello in New York.
His speech in Chicago marks his return to active political life, in a year in which the debate over the future of social programs promises to be central.
What can you do?
Buzzy
If you or a loved one is affected by President Donald Trump’s actions, you can:
Check the status of your local SSA office at ssa.gov.
Call 1-800-772-1213 for personalized attention (Spanish language option available).
Contact local organizations that provide legal or social assistance.
Your voice matters. Participating in local and national policy decisions is key to protecting the benefits that sustain millions of Hispanic families in the United States.
For more news, visit QuéOnnda.com.
