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Jakarta, VIVA – Former President Joe Biden sharply criticized Donald Trump's administration, accusing it of destroying America’s social security system.
While Biden didn’t mention Trump by name in his speech, he said the new administration had already created chaos.
He pointed to the staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is responsible for disbursing $1.6 trillion annually in social benefits.
Presiden Donald Trump mengumumkan tarif masuk barang impor ke AS.
Photo :
- AP Photo/Evan Vucci
"In less than 100 days, this new administration has caused so much damage and destruction. It's astonishing that it happened so quickly," Biden said, as reported by BBC on Wednesday (Apr 16).
He described social security as a "sacred promise" between the government and its people.
"We know how vital social security is to the lives of millions," Biden said.
The Social Security Administration provides basic income for Americans who are retired or unable to work due to disabilities, covering around 67 million citizens, mostly senior citizens.
The Democratic politician has repeatedly accused the Trump administration of planning massive cuts to the social security program.
Elon Musk, a member of the Department of Government Efficiency, has been implementing budget cuts at the agency since February, aiming to eliminate 7,000 workers — about 10 percent of the SSA’s total workforce — including some of its most experienced career officials.
"Now they are preparing to force even more employees out. We're already seeing the consequences," Biden said.
"For example, thousands of people use the Social Security website daily to check their benefits and file claims. But now, the technology division has been slashed in half, causing the site to crash. People can’t access their accounts," he continued.
Meanwhile, Musk has described social security as "the biggest scam of all time."
Trump had previously stated that his focus was on targeting fraudulent claims and payments made to illegal immigrants, and insisted he would not make large-scale cuts to benefits.
On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order banning illegal immigrants and "other unqualified individuals" from receiving social security payments.
Ahead of Biden’s Chicago speech, Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is "deeply committed" to protecting benefits for "law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors."
"He will always safeguard the program," Leavitt added.
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The Democratic politician has repeatedly accused the Trump administration of planning massive cuts to the social security program.
