The former US president, who had long maintained he would run for re-election, shared why he ultimately changed course.

In his first sit-down interview since stepping out of the 2024 presidential race, Joe Biden opened up about his decision to withdraw his candidacy and pass the baton to a new generation of leadership.

Speaking with BBC’s Nick Robinson, Biden reflected on the events that led to his July 21, 2024, decision to end his re-election campaign. Although he had previously insisted on remaining in the race, he announced that he would not seek another term but would finish out his presidency.

At the same time, he endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Robinson pressed him on whether he should have made the decision sooner. “I don’t think it would have mattered,” Biden said, “I don’t know how that would have made much difference.”

He explained that his campaign had gained strong momentum and support, which made it difficult to walk away. “I meant what I said when I started, that I’m preparing to hand this to the next generation, to transition government, but things moved so quickly, and it made it difficult to walk away and it was a hard decision,” he noted.

Still, Biden stood by the timing of his withdrawal, emphasizing that the campaign was in a solid position when he stepped aside. When asked if he had any regrets, he replied, “I think it was the right decision.”

Despite the Republican win in 2024, Biden stands by his choice to exit the race, highlighting his commitment to party unity and generational change. His reflections offer insight into a historic moment that reshaped the political landscape.

Aside from the BBC interview, Joe Biden made a rare public outing on April 15, 2025, when he delivered his first formal, high-profile address since leaving office. Speaking at a bipartisan conference in Chicago, he sparked conversation not only with his remarks but also with his visibly changed appearance.

The event, held at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, was hosted by Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) and centered on the protection of Social Security.

During his address, Biden criticized the current administration’s handling of the Social Security Administration. “Fewer than 100 days, this administration has done so much damage, and so much destruction – it’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” he stated.

He specifically pointed to cuts and changes within the agency, claiming, “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security, pushing 7,000 employees out the door.”

Biden also commented on reported access issues, “People can’t sign on to their accounts,” adding, “Who in the hell do they think they are?”

Continuing his remarks, the former president alleged ulterior motives behind the changes, “They’re shooting first and aiming later. They want to wreck it so they can rob it. Why do they want to rob it? In order to give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations.”

The former president wore a deep blue suit, white shirt, and matching blue tie as he stood before a backdrop of American flags and the ACRD logo.

His silver hair was neatly styled, and he appeared focused and composed at the podium. Several attendees watched intently as he delivered his speech, standing confidently behind a black lectern.

Photos from the event show Biden addressing the crowd with visible energy, using hand gestures to emphasize key points during his remarks. The setting included two teleprompters and a U.S. presidential seal on display.

Biden’s appearance quickly sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms. Many viewers expressed surprise and admiration. On X, one person wrote, “Biden looks younger.” Another added, “Biden looks good and refreshed.”

Comments on YouTube also followed suit. One viewer wrote, “Holy moly he looks healthy and stress free again. This proves how the Presidency takes a toll on you [sic].”

Another said, “I miss you, Joe Biden. You look wonderful.” A separate comment read, “He looks freshed. I’m glad he has had a minute to take a break [sic].” One viewer noted, “He’s had some work done.”

On Instagram, emotional reactions accompanied praise for the former president. One person commented, “Omg. I miss him so much. We are scared over here.” Another wrote, “President Biden is so Amazing [sic].”

Apart from touching on social security, Biden shared personal childhood memories, marked by segregation and injustice. Though he never named names, the subtext was clear. The past, and its unresolved echoes, remain central to his vision for the future.

Biden recalled growing up in Delaware, where racial inequality shaped his earliest lessons. “I remember pulling into the parking lot. I had never seen hardly any Black people,” he said, describing a moment in fourth grade when he saw a bus filled with “colored kids” drive past Claymont High School.

Curious, he asked his mother why those kids weren’t going to his school. Her answer opened his eyes to segregation. “That sparked my outrage,” Biden admitted. He used the moment to draw a line between personal memory and public policy.

Speaking to children at the event, he said, “These young kids right here can tell you things affect them when they learn about something that’s really just unfair and unjust.”

Biden shifted from policy to principle, sharing wisdom from his father. “Joe, a job’s a lot more than a paycheck. It’s about your dignity,” he recalled his father’s words. “It’s about being able to look your kid in the eye and say, ‘Honey, it’s going to be okay.’ And mean it.”

Though he never mentioned President Donald Trump, Biden made his message clear: dignity, fairness, and inclusion should guide legislation. “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity,” he said, emphasizing that over 60 million Americans rely on that principle being upheld.

Biden didn’t hold back. His tone sharpened as he addressed economic pressures and political resistance. “I won’t go further. I’ll get into trouble,” he said, with a knowing pause. Then, he pressed on and criticized Congress for what he called a failure to protect vulnerable Americans.

“Every five years, Congress steps up,” he said. “Can you imagine this Congress stepping up?” His voice rose with frustration. He pointed to threats to raise the retirement age — a change he said might not matter to those with desk jobs, but one that would hit hard for workers on their feet, doing manual labor, or living with disabilities.

The crowd responded warmly. But it wasn’t just the audience in the room that paid attention. Hours later, Donald Trump responded — but not with words. On his Truth Social account, he reposted a clip from Biden’s speech where the former president was speaking about racial segregation. No caption. No comment. Just the video.

Meanwhile, Biden’s speech sparked a wave of commentary from the public. Some expressed surprise. One comment read,” WoW,” a reaction that echoed the unexpected nature of the moment.

Many saw more than just a political speech. They saw a return. “FINALLY A SPEECH WIITH SOME MEANINGFUL CONNTENT [sic] FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE,” one comment read. Others welcomed Biden’s reappearance. “It’s good to see sir again,” said one person. “Glad you are back. Keep speaking out,” added another.

Some praised his tone and clarity. “Wonderful job.” Another echoed, “He is speaking coherently and seriously.” A third person added, “He seems very coherent.” There was even a personal note in some of the replies. “You look good Mr. President. Hope you are doing well.”

Reactions to Biden’s public address weren’t confined to social media. Earlier in the day, the 36th White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt took a shot at him, sparking backlash and stirring debate over political decorum.

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 — 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.”

The backdrop to Biden’s appearance includes recent and controversial moves by Trump’s administration affecting the Social Security Administration (SSA). Upon returning to office, Trump initiated government workforce cuts, which included plans to lay off 7,000 SSA employees.

Additional policy changes 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 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.