Chicago (Illinois/USA) - In his first major speech after the change of power, former President Joe Biden (82) sharply criticized the policies of his successor Donald Trump (78).

It is "breathtaking" how much Trump has destroyed in less than 100 days. The country has never been so divided, said Biden at a conference in Chicago.

"We can't go on like this - as divided as we are. They've really taken an axe to the Social Security Administration," said the former US president .

The speech was officially intended as an acceptance speech to the disability organization "Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled". The organization had honored Biden for his many years of service in social policy.

However, the 82-year-old did not miss the opportunity to turn it into a harsh attack on the incumbent president, as reported by CNN and other media.

The government wants to destroy Social Security, Biden said. "What the hell are they talking about? People deserve these benefits. They've already laid off 7,000 civil servants, including the most experienced," criticized the ex-president.

Social security must be protected "for the good of the entire nation", said the Democrat. This is not just about old-age pensions. "It's about honoring a fundamental relationship of trust between the state and the people."

"Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Regardless of economic considerations, regardless of who you are," said the 82-year-old.

At the end of his speech, Biden appealed: "There is nothing America cannot accomplish if we do it together." He then took slow steps down from the podium and spoke briefly to members of the audience in the front row.

Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt, 27, responded to Biden's criticism, saying, "President Trump is absolutely certain that he will protect Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program."