A recent remark from the 36th White House press secretary about the former president’s return to the spotlight has sparked backlash and stirred debate over political decorum.
Karoline Leavitt made headlines with her blunt response to former President Joe Biden’s first public address since leaving office. His speech, delivered on April 15, 2025, focused on Social Security.
In her statement, Leavitt remarked, “My first reaction when seeing former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked that he is speaking at nighttime. I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight.”
The 27-year-old further stated, “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 certain about 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 protecting it,” concluded Leavitt, who happens to be the youngest White House press secretary to date.
The first part of Leavitt’s statement — a jab at Biden’s age and energy — sparked widespread backlash across social media platforms, with many calling her words disrespectful and unprofessional.
On Facebook, several people condemned her tone. One person wrote, “Very rude. She’s talking about a former US President. He deserves at least respect!”
Another commented, “Ok, so, although I do usually like her blunt nature, however, this was immature and disrespectful. I did not care for President Biden, but he was still our President, and he is still a person [sic].”
One netizen said, “Inappropriate.” Another commenter added, “So juvenile, disrespectful, and classless.” One more person commented, “That is just so wrong to say, didn’t need! But I am not surprised from you [sic]!”
On Instagram, reactions were equally strong. One person wrote, “She does a great job, but don’t think her comments are appropriate. Should be above that [sic].”
Another added, “Karoline, you crossed the line!” One netizen remarked, “So unnecessary for a person in her position to speak like this.”
Biden made a rare public appearance on April 15, 2025, delivering a speech at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) in Chicago. The event formed part of a nationwide Social Security Day of Action.
At the conference, Biden criticized President Donald Trump and his administration’s actions related to Social Security. Although Biden has largely avoided public speaking since leaving office, his participation in the event highlighted growing concerns about changes to the program.
The ACRD, which hosted the conference, focuses on equipping disability professionals with the tools, technology, and training to lead the industry forward.
The organization is committed to empowering advocates, counselors, and representatives by providing comprehensive education and fostering leadership within the disability support community. Its mission centers on elevating standards in disability representation and supporting advocates across various sectors.
According to Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries, “This is an all hands on deck moment, which is why President Biden’s voice in this moment is so important.”
The backdrop to Biden’s appearance includes recent and controversial moves by the Trump administration affecting the Social Security Administration (SSA). Upon returning to office, President Trump initiated government workforce cuts, which included plans to lay off 7,000 SSA employees.
Additional policy changes have have resulted in tighter identity-verification requirements and a data-sharing initiative involving the Department of Government Efficiency, led by adviser Elon Musk.
Musk, who has described Social Security as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” has drawn attention to the administration’s efforts to streamline operations.
However, some of these actions have been met with legal challenges and growing public concern. A lawsuit was filed after the SSA granted Musk’s department access to individuals’ Social Security data.
Meanwhile, recipients have reported issues ranging from increased wait times on SSA’s helpline to incorrect notifications about benefit status.
While the agency attributed some issues to system errors, concerns remain, especially among Supplemental Security Income recipients, including disabled individuals and low-income households.
Attorney Jason Turkish, who attended the ACRD event and represents one of the country’s largest disability law firms, said many of his 32,000 clients are anxious. “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 stated.
Despite the turmoil, Turkish expressed cautious optimism. He noted that SSA officials had walked back certain identity verification requirements and acknowledged ongoing modernization efforts at the agency.
Biden’s return to the spotlight came three months after his farewell address on January 15, 2025. At the time, he spoke directly to the American people, expressing hope for the country’s future.
“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,” he said.
In that same speech, Biden urged Americans to continue upholding democratic values, “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.”
As he concluded his term, he stated, “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.”
Biden also voiced support for a peaceful transition, adding, “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.”
Karoline Leavitt’s reaction to Joe Biden’s return to the public stage sparked strong public responses and underscored the political tensions surrounding Social Security.
As debates continue over the program’s future, Biden’s appearance and Leavitt’s remarks reflect the broader national conversation on leadership, policy direction, and public accountability.