In his first public address since leaving office, former U.S. President Joe Biden sharply criticized Donald Trump’s administration, accusing it of undermining the Social Security system and exacerbating national division.
Speaking at a Democratic-organized national day of action aimed at opposing proposed cuts to Social Security, Biden accused the Trump administration of spreading misinformation and inflicting rapid, damaging policy changes.
“Look what’s happened now. In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage, it’s breathtaking,” Biden said, referring to Trump’s second term. He also ridiculed Trump’s previous claims that hundreds of centenarians — even people allegedly 300 years old — were receiving Social Security benefits. “I want to meet those 300-year-old folks,” Biden joked. “Hell of a thing, man. I’m looking for longevity.”
The escalating criticism is a symptom of the deepening political polarization in the U.S., said Lü Xiang, a Chinese expert on U.S. affairs. “Social Security was once a bipartisan issue. Now it’s a political battleground,” Lü told Global Times.
Amid domestic friction, economic alarm bells are also ringing. Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, warned during NBC’s Meet the Press that the U.S. could face “something worse than a recession” if the current administration’s tariff policies continue unchecked.
These policies, a hallmark of Trump’s economic approach, have already drawn backlash from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Cory Booker condemned the tariffs as “all just wrong” and blamed them for wrecking savings and destabilizing the economy.
Lü echoed the growing sentiment among American business leaders like Warren Buffett, stating, “Tariffs will not solve the U.S.’s economic problems — they’ll only accelerate decline.”
As Biden steps back into the spotlight, his speech signals that the battle over America’s future — both economically and ideologically — is far from over.