In a rare and direct rebuke, former U.S. President Donald Trump has responded to Joe Biden’s recent speech in Chicago, where the 82-year-old Democrat criticized proposals that he said could weaken or defund Social Security. While it is not common for former presidents to publicly criticize each other after leaving office, both Biden and Trump have increasingly broken that precedent amid a tense political climate heading into the 2024 election.
Their ongoing policy and rhetorical clashes — particularly over economic matters and immigration — highlight the ideological rift between the two leaders and their respective political platforms. Here’s what happened, and how each side is framing the issues at the heart of the national conversation.
Biden’s Chicago Speech: A Defense of Social Security
On April 15, 2025, Joe Biden delivered a keynote speech at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago. The event marked Biden’s first major public appearance since leaving office and came at a critical moment as debates over Social Security reform and federal spending continue to dominate headlines.
In his remarks, Biden focused on protecting Social Security benefits, calling the program “a promise kept between the government and working Americans.” He emphasized that nearly 73 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits, a figure supported by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and that any proposal to sunset the program every five years — requiring periodic reauthorization — would place undue risk on seniors, people with disabilities, and working families.
While Biden did not mention Trump by name, he referred to policies implemented during Trump’s presidency, including the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated would add approximately $1.9 trillion to the national deficit over 10 years.
He stated:
“Last time this guy had the job, he raised the debt ceiling after approving what I consider a profligate tax break for the ultra-wealthy.”
Biden also cited concerns about proposals from members of Congress to review Social Security every five years, a reference to Senator Rick Scott’s 2022 plan, which included sunsetting all federal legislation unless specifically reauthorized. That plan faced widespread opposition from both Democratic leaders and some within the GOP.
Trump Responds via Truth Social
In his signature style, Donald Trump swiftly responded on Truth Social, his proprietary social media platform. In a post dated April 16, 2025, Trump condemned Biden’s comments and accused him of misrepresenting both past economic decisions and current immigration policy.
Trump referred to Biden as “the worst president in the history of the United States” — a phrase he has used repeatedly during campaign rallies and media appearances — and pushed back on Biden’s economic claims by highlighting what he called “record job creation and tax relief during my term.”
He also used the opportunity to shift attention to immigration policy, accusing the Biden administration of pursuing what he described as an “open-border” approach. Trump claimed that under Biden, the U.S. experienced a surge in undocumented immigration, though this remains a subject of ongoing policy debate and analysis.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, total border encounters did increase in 2021 and 2022, with officials citing multiple causes including post-pandemic economic migration and regional instability. However, not all individuals crossing are “criminals,” as Trump claimed. Many are asylum seekers or families seeking legal status.
Trump stated:
“Millions of criminals are flooding into the United States, including drug traffickers, gang members, and people who’ve been released from prisons and mental institutions.”
These broad statements have not been verified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or ICE, which regularly publish enforcement data.
Expanding the Criticism: Higher Education and Federal Funding
Trump also extended his critique beyond Social Security and immigration, turning his attention to higher education. In another post on Truth Social, he responded to comments by former President Barack Obama, who had criticized the decision to block $2.3 billion in federal funding earmarked for universities such as Harvard.
Trump claimed that universities like Harvard were “hiring woke, radical left ideologues” and that the institution had become a breeding ground for “hate and division.”
He added:
“Harvard is a joke. It teaches hate and stupidity and should no longer receive federal funds.”
While Trump’s administration had previously supported efforts to combat what it viewed as ideological bias on college campuses, there is no federal law targeting specific universities based solely on perceived political views.
What’s Next? Political Rhetoric vs. Policy Action
The exchange between Biden and Trump underscores the intensifying rhetoric in the lead-up to the 2024 general election. While both leaders are currently not holding office, their voices carry significant influence among voters, especially within their respective parties.
Policy debates around Social Security, tax reform, immigration, and higher education are expected to remain central issues throughout the election cycle. According to polling data from the Pew Research Center, a majority of Americans — including both Democrats and Republicans — support preserving Social Security without major cuts, though they differ on how to manage the program’s long-term funding.
Trump’s sharp response and Biden’s speech in Chicago both highlight the importance of tone and messaging in shaping public opinion. However, analysts note that policy details — and legislative outcomes — matter more than social media posts when it comes to long-term economic direction.
Conclusion: A Preview of the 2024 Debate?
Joe Biden’s direct criticism of Donald Trump’s economic record and Trump’s immediate response via Truth Social have reignited public debate around Social Security, tax fairness, and border security. These issues are not only deeply personal for millions of Americans — particularly seniors, working families, and immigrants — but are likely to dominate headlines in the months to come.
As Biden framed Social Security as a sacred promise and Trump emphasized law-and-order and immigration control, the contrast between their visions for America remains stark. With both leaders still wielding immense influence, the 2024 election may see a return to familiar debates — but with even higher stakes.
Sources:
- Social Security Administration – Fast Facts
- Congressional Budget Office – 2017 Tax Cut Impact
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Border Stats
- Rick Scott’s 11-Point Plan
- National Science Foundation – Research Funding
- Pew Research Center – Public Views on Social Security
