Former President Joe Biden sparked fresh controversy Tuesday when he referred to Black children as “colored kids” during his first public address since leaving the White House in January.

The remark came as he recounted a story from his childhood while speaking at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago.

Biden, 82, recalled his family’s move from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Wilmington, Delaware, when he was in fourth grade.

During the anecdote, he remarked on the racial segregation he witnessed at the time.

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“I was only going in fourth grade,” Biden said. “And I remember seeing kids going by, at the time called ‘colored kids,’ on a bus go by — they never turned right to go to Claymont High School.”

He added that seeing Black children on a separate school bus helped shape his early views on racial inequality.

“I’d never seen hardly any Black people” before moving to Delaware, Biden noted.

He said the experience “sparked my sense of outrage as a kid.”

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The outdated term used by Biden has been widely considered offensive for decades and prompted immediate scrutiny. It came during a speech that was largely focused on Social Security and its future.

“Social Security is more than a government program. It’s a sacred promise,” Biden said.

He went on to criticize Republican lawmakers, accusing them of attempting to undermine the program. “Who the hell do they think they are?” Biden said, before pausing. “I will not go further. I’ll get in trouble,” he added.

While Biden did not mention President Donald Trump by name, he indirectly referenced criticism that has come from Trump and Department of Government Efficiency Director Elon Musk regarding waste and potential fraud in Social Security.

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“Those 300-year-old folk getting that Social Security, I want to meet them,” Biden said.

“I’d like to figure out how they live that long. Hell of a thing, man. I’m looking for longevity.”

The event marked Biden’s first speech since leaving office and was closely watched by both allies and critics.

The speech lasted about 30 minutes and included a number of unscripted moments.

At the start of his remarks, Biden appeared momentarily confused as loud music continued playing over the sound system while he began speaking.

The Springsteen song used as his entrance music drowned out his opening lines.

After concluding his speech, Biden looked around the stage, seemingly unsure of where to exit.

He eventually pointed to the stairs and left the stage.

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The former president’s comments come amid ongoing debate over his political future and public role following the end of his term.

While he did not address the 2024 election or future plans, the speech has reignited public scrutiny over his off-script remarks and continued influence in Democrat politics.

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