Joe Biden Re-Emerges with Powerful Message in First Major Speech Since Leaving Office
The former president stepped back into the spotlight this week, making headlines with a powerful appearance in the heart of Chicago. On Tuesday, April 15, Joe Biden delivered his first formal speech since leaving office at a high-profile bipartisan conference—his presence sparking buzz and renewed attention from both sides of the aisle.
A Netizen Reacts to Biden’s Comeback — April 16, 2025 | Source: X / @pmodon059
Held at the elegant Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, the event was organized by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) and focused on a pressing issue: the future of Social Security.
In his highly anticipated speech, Joe Biden didn’t hold back, taking direct aim at the current administration’s handling of the Social Security Administration.
“In fewer than 100 days, this administration has done so much damage—so much destruction—it’s almost breathtaking that it could happen that fast,” Biden said, drawing strong reactions from the crowd.
Former President Joe Biden delivers a speech at the bipartisan Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Former President Joe Biden addresses a crowd during the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled bipartisan conference on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Biden’s rare public appearance quickly ignited a wave of conversation across social media platforms. Many viewers expressed surprise and admiration for his refreshed appearance.
On X, one user commented, “Biden looks younger,” while another remarked, “He looks good and refreshed.”
YouTube comments echoed the sentiment, with one viewer writing, “Holy moly, he looks healthy and stress-free again. This just proves how much the presidency takes a toll on you.”
Former U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at a conference hosted by the ACRD on April 15, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois | Source: Getty Images
Biden’s appearance generated an outpouring of positive reactions across social media. On X, one user wrote, “I miss you, Joe Biden. You look wonderful.” Another commented, “He looks refreshed. I’m glad he’s had a chance to take a break.” Meanwhile, one viewer speculated, “He’s had some work done.”
On Instagram, the emotional responses were just as heartfelt. One person expressed, “Omg. I miss him so much. We are scared over here,” while another praised, “President Biden is so amazing.”
Former U.S. President Joe Biden delivers a speech at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference on April 15, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois
Biden’s first public speech since leaving office garnered widespread attention, not only for its content but also for the buzz surrounding his appearance online.
As he stepped back into the public eye at the Chicago conference, Biden left a lasting impression on both supporters and critics—capturing attention with both his message and his refreshed appearance.
Earlier in the day, Karoline Leavitt, the 36th White House press secretary, took a swipe at Biden, igniting backlash and fueling a broader debate on political decorum.
A Netizen Responds to Karoline Leavitt’s Remarks, Dated April 15, 2025 | Source: Facebook/TND
Karoline Leavitt sparked controversy with her remarks, stating, “My first reaction when I saw former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked he’s speaking at night. I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
The 27-year-old press secretary began by addressing Biden’s upcoming speech, saying, “I understand the topic of his speech will be Social Security. Let me make it very clear ahead of former President Biden’s remarks — President Trump is absolutely committed to protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program.”
“He will always protect this program. He campaigned on it, he protected it in his first term, and he’s back again to continue defending it,” Leavitt continued. Notably, Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary in history.
However, the opening portion of her statement, which many perceived as a jab at Biden’s age and energy, quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media. Users on multiple platforms blasted her tone, calling it disrespectful and unprofessional.
On Facebook, one user commented, “Very rude. She’s talking about a former U.S. President. He deserves at least some respect!”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt takes a question during a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
The backlash to Leavitt’s remarks continued to build online, with many users criticizing her tone as unnecessarily harsh and unprofessional.
One Facebook user wrote, “Ok, so, although I do usually like her blunt nature, this was immature and disrespectful. I did not care for President Biden, but he was still our President, and he is still a person.”
Another simply called the remark “Inappropriate.” Additional comments echoed similar sentiments:
“So juvenile, disrespectful, and classless,” one said.
“That is just so wrong to say—didn’t need! But I am not surprised from you,” another added.
Karoline Leavitt is seen during a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
The criticism didn’t stop on Facebook—Instagram users also weighed in with strong reactions.
One commenter wrote, “She does a great job, but I don’t think her comments are appropriate. She should be above that.”
Another added bluntly, “Karoline, you crossed the line!”
A third echoed the sentiment, saying, “So unnecessary for someone in her position to speak like this.”
Karoline Leavitt is pictured at a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Biden’s reappearance comes amid growing controversy surrounding recent decisions by the Trump administration that have significantly impacted the Social Security Administration (SSA). Since returning to office, President Trump has implemented broad workforce reductions across federal agencies—including a proposed layoff of 7,000 SSA employees.
Further policy shifts have introduced stricter identity-verification requirements and launched a new data-sharing initiative in collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency, now overseen by senior adviser Elon Musk.
President Donald Trump gestures while meeting with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador in the Oval Office of the White House on April 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Elon Musk, now serving as a senior adviser and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, has stirred both headlines and controversy with his role in Social Security reform. Musk, who has previously called Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” has positioned himself as a champion of streamlining government systems.
However, the administration’s aggressive push for efficiency has sparked legal and ethical concerns. One major flashpoint came when the SSA granted Musk’s department access to sensitive Social Security data—an action that quickly led to a lawsuit and heightened public scrutiny.
U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to watch the Ultimate Fighting Championship with Elon Musk at the Kaseya Center on April 12, 2025, in Miami, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Social Security recipients have reported a growing number of issues, including prolonged wait times on the SSA helpline and erroneous notifications regarding their benefits. While the agency has attributed some of these disruptions to technical glitches, concerns continue to mount—particularly among Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, which include disabled individuals and low-income families.
Jason Turkish, a prominent disability rights attorney and speaker at the ACRD conference, voiced deep concern over the situation. Representing one of the nation’s largest disability law firms, Turkish noted the growing anxiety among his 32,000 clients.
“We go from Republican to Democrat, Democrat to Republican—and there’s always been a belief that Social Security is just something we do not touch,” he said.
A view of the Social Security Administration headquarters in Washington, D.C., on April 15, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Joe Biden’s return to the public stage comes three months after his emotional farewell address on January 15, 2025. In that final speech as president, he spoke directly to the American people, offering a message of hope, unity, and resilience for the nation’s future.
Joe Biden speaks to a crowd on January 27, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina | Source: Getty Images
During his farewell tour, Biden delivered a heartfelt message that underscored his lifelong commitment to public service. In a speech that resonated deeply with many Americans, he stated:
“And my eternal thanks to you, the American people. After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands—a nation where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure.”
His words served as both a farewell and a reaffirmation of the values he championed throughout his career.
Joe Biden delivers remarks during a public address on January 27, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina | Source: Getty Images
In that same speech, Biden called on Americans to uphold the ideals of democracy and civic duty, leaving the audience with a heartfelt charge:
“Now it’s your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame. May you keep the faith. I love America. You love it too. God bless you all. And may God protect our troops.”
Reflecting on the legacy of his administration, he added:
“You know, it will take time to feel the full impact of all we’ve done together. But the seeds are planted, and they’ll grow and they’ll bloom for decades to come.”
As Biden stepped away from office, his words served as both a farewell and a call to carry forward the work still to be done.
Joe Biden shares his thoughts during a public address on January 27, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina | Source: Getty Images
In a moment of statesmanship, Biden also emphasized the importance of unity and democratic continuity, expressing his support for a peaceful transition of power:
“I wish the incoming administration success, because I want America to succeed. That’s why I’ve upheld my duty to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power—to ensure we lead by the power of our example.”
With those words, Biden closed his chapter in office with grace and a reaffirmation of the democratic principles he long championed.
Joe Biden smiles while speaking to a crowd on January 27, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina | Source: Getty Images
Karoline Leavitt’s reaction to Biden’s return to the public stage ignited a wave of public responses, highlighting the deep political divides and sensitivities surrounding Social Security.
As debates over the program’s future intensify, Biden’s measured appearance and Leavitt’s pointed remarks serve as reflections of a broader national conversation—one centered on leadership, the direction of public policy, and the enduring demand for accountability from those in power.