Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Reacts to Former President Joe Biden’s First Public Address Since Leaving the White House

The 36th White House press secretary's recent comments about the former president have ignited criticism and started conversations about appropriate political conduct.

Karoline Leavitt drew attention for her direct comments regarding former President Joe Biden's first public speech since departing the White House. His address, given on April 15, 2025, centered on Social Security matters.

In her statement, Leavitt said, "I was surprised to see former President Biden speaking tonight. I thought he would be asleep much earlier than when his speech took place."

The 27-year-old press secretary added, "I know his speech topic will be Social Security. I want to clarify before former President Biden speaks — President Trump firmly believes in safeguarding Social Security benefits for law-abiding American citizens and seniors who have contributed to this system."

"He will never stop defending this program. He promised this during his campaign. He kept this promise in his first term, and he has returned to continue this commitment," said Leavitt, who holds the distinction of being the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary.

The initial part of Leavitt's remarks — mocking Biden's age and stamina — caused significant outrage across various social media platforms, with numerous users describing her words as lacking respect and professionalism.

Many Facebook users criticized her approach. One person stated, "Extremely impolite. She's referring to a former US President. He should receive basic respect!"

Another user wrote, "While I typically appreciate her directness, this was childish and disrespectful. I wasn't a fan of President Biden, but he served as our President, and deserves dignity as a person."

Someone simply called it "Unacceptable." A different commenter noted, "So childish, rude, and without class." Another person remarked, "That statement was completely wrong and unnecessary! But I'm not surprised she said it!"

Instagram users shared similar reactions. One comment read, "She performs her job well, but her remarks seem inappropriate. She should maintain higher standards."

Another stated firmly, "Karoline, that was out of line!" Someone else observed, "A person in her position should not speak this way."

Biden made an unusual public appearance on April 15, 2025, delivering remarks at the national conference for Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) in Chicago. This event was part of a nationwide Social Security Day of Action.

During his speech, Biden criticized President Donald Trump and his administration's policies regarding Social Security. While Biden has mostly stayed away from public speaking since leaving office, his participation in this event highlighted growing worries about changes to the program.

The ACRD, which organized the conference, works to provide disability professionals with necessary resources, technology, and education to advance their field.

The organization aims to strengthen advocates, counselors, and representatives by delivering thorough training and building leadership in the disability assistance community. Its purpose focuses on improving standards in disability advocacy and helping representatives across different areas.

Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, "This requires everyone's involvement, which makes President Biden's voice particularly valuable right now."

The context of Biden's speech includes recent controversial actions by the Trump administration affecting the Social Security Administration (SSA). After returning to power, President Trump began government staff reductions, including plans to remove 7,000 SSA workers.

Further policy shifts have created stricter identity-checking requirements and a data-sharing program with the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by advisor Elon Musk.

Musk, who has called Social Security "the largest Ponzi scheme ever created," has highlighted the administration's efforts to improve efficiency.

However, several of these changes face legal disputes and increasing public worry. A lawsuit emerged after the SSA allowed Musk's department to access people's Social Security information.

At the same time, beneficiaries have experienced problems from longer waiting periods on SSA's phone line to wrong messages about their benefit status.

While the agency blamed some issues on technical errors, worries continue, particularly among Supplemental Security Income recipients, such as people with disabilities and low-income families.

Attorney Jason Turkish, who joined the ACRD event and works for one of the nation's biggest disability law firms, explained that many of his 32,000 clients feel worried. "We shift from Republican to Democrat, Democrat to Republican and there's always been a belief that Social Security remains untouchable," he explained.

Despite these challenges, Turkish showed careful hope. He mentioned that SSA officials had reversed certain identity verification rules and recognized ongoing improvement efforts at the agency.

Biden's return to public view happened three months after his goodbye speech on January 15, 2025. During that address, he spoke to Americans, showing optimism for the nation's future.

"And my deepest gratitude to you, the American people. After 50 years in public office, I promise you, I still believe in the ideal that this country stands for, a country where the power of our institutions and the nature of our citizens matter and must continue," he said.

In that same address, Biden encouraged Americans to keep supporting democratic principles, "Now it's your responsibility to stand watch. May you all protect this flame. May you maintain this belief. I cherish America. You cherish it too. God bless you all. And may God protect our military personnel."

As he finished his term, he remarked, "You know, we won't immediately see the complete results of everything we've accomplished together. But the foundations are established, and they'll develop and flourish for generations to come."

Biden also expressed backing for a smooth transition, saying, "I hope the new administration succeeds, because I want America to prosper. That's why I've fulfilled my responsibility to guarantee a peaceful and organized transfer of power to ensure we guide by the strength of our example."

Karoline Leavitt's comments about Joe Biden's public reappearance triggered intense public reactions and highlighted the political disagreements regarding Social Security.

While discussions persist about the program's direction, Biden's speech and Leavitt's statements reflect the wider national dialogue on leadership, policy choices, and government responsibility.