Former President Joe Biden is set to deliver his first public address since leaving the White House, speaking at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) in Chicago on Tuesday, according to a press release from the organization.
“We are thrilled the President will be joining us to discuss how we can work together for a stable and successful future for Social Security.”
Rachel Buck, ACRD Executive Director
Biden will headline the event, which is set to focus on rallying bipartisan support for Social Security. The event will also feature Martin O’Malley, who served as the 17th commissioner of the Social Security Administration from 2023 to 2024 under President Biden. O’Malley and Biden will be speaking at 4:45 CDT Tuesday. A bipartisan slate of advocates and leaders including former Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and former Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) will also speak during the event.
“We are deeply honored President Biden is making his first public appearance at ACRD’s sold-out conference,” said Rachel Buck, ACRD Executive Director. “As bipartisan leaders have long agreed, Americans who retire after paying into Social Security their whole lives deserve the vital support and caring services they receive. As a result, we are thrilled the President will be joining us to discuss how we can work together for a stable and successful future for Social Security.”
While O’Malley has frequently spoken in public about what he views as the dangers of staffing and service cuts at SSA under the Trump Administration and the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Biden has been conspicuously absent from the public since leaving office on Jan. 20. While he pledged upon leaving Washington that “we’re not leaving the fight,” it is notable that this is his first publicized appearance despite being a frequent target of blame for a variety of issues from President Trump.
“Social Security is a sacred promise between generations. It’s a promise that ensures dignity in retirement, security after tragedy, and support for those with disabilities,” said O’Malley, who serves as Chair of ACRD’s Advisory Board. “We are deeply grateful to the President for joining us at ACRD to discuss how we can keep that promise for all Americans.”
Social Security and its essential programs have been getting a great deal of attention on major media platforms recently as the operational and staffing issues cause some to be concerned for the millions of older and disabled Americans who depend on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). As a result, ACRD said in the release it convened its conference on April 15-16 to unite key policymakers and leading advocates in a mutual effort to support Social Security now and for decades to come.
“Our focus is on enabling the Social Security Administration to meet claimants’ needs by reducing red tape, strengthening claims processing, and ensuring unnecessary spending is eliminated,” said former Senator Blunt. “Such progress is of profound importance to these vital programs and the millions of Americans who depend on them.”
The 2025 ACRD Conference convenes leading voices from across the political spectrum to reassert the nation’s collective responsibility to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
“As bipartisan leaders point out, Americans who retire after paying into Social Security their whole lives deserve the vital support and caring services they receive,” said Rachel Buck, ACRD Executive Director. “By rallying all Americans across the political spectrum, we are committed to a stable and successful future for Social Security.”
SEE ALSO:
• Social Security Issues: Flurry of Changes Sparks Confusion
• Social Security Administration Cutting 7,000 Jobs in DOGE-Initiated Restructuring
Veteran financial services industry journalist Brian Anderson joined 401(k) Specialist as Managing Editor in January 2019. He has led editorial content for a variety of well-known properties including Insurance Forums, Life Insurance Selling, National Underwriter Life & Health, and Senior Market Advisor. He has always maintained a focus on providing readers with timely, useful information intended to help them build their business.