Biden Bids Farewell with a Powerful Warning to the Nation

In his farewell address on Wednesday, President Biden warned that an “oligarchy” of the ultra-wealthy was emerging in the U.S., expressing concern that the concentration of wealth and power could jeopardize democracy, civil liberties, and the fairness of opportunities for all. While not directly naming President-elect Donald Trump, Biden’s comments pointed to the conflict at the heart of the incoming administration, with influential billionaires like Elon Musk poised to shape policy. Biden questioned whether these figures were genuinely fighting for the people or simply serving their own interests.

Biden also referred to a “tech-industrial complex,” highlighting how the spread of misinformation through social media and artificial intelligence is undermining trust and enabling the abuse of power. He urged Americans to remain active in protecting democratic institutions and continue pushing for progress, particularly on issues like climate change, despite efforts from powerful forces to reverse the strides made in tackling such challenges.

Reflecting on his long public service career, Biden called for reforms to strengthen democratic structures, including term limits, ethics reforms in the Supreme Court, and measures to prevent conflicts of interest in Congress. He also proposed a constitutional amendment to ensure that no president is above the law, especially in light of recent Supreme Court decisions that could shield presidents from accountability.

Biden’s speech, aimed at cementing his legacy as a stabilizing figure both domestically and internationally, came as he faced low approval ratings. He admitted that some of his policies had not resonated deeply with the public but remained hopeful their benefits would be seen in the future. Despite stepping down, Biden pledged his continued involvement in the Democratic Party and its future direction.

The speech concluded with Biden expressing gratitude to his family, including his son Hunter and granddaughter Finnegan, and to Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband. He ended by calling on the next generation to preserve the nation’s democratic ideals and unity.

In his farewell speech from the Oval Office on Wednesday, President Biden began by announcing the successful completion of a cease-fire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas, a deal that his administration had been working on for months. Biden emphasized that the agreement was negotiated by his team and would be largely implemented by the incoming administration, highlighting the importance of cooperation across administrations for the country’s success.

Reflecting on America’s past, Biden recalled the construction of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom built by many people from diverse backgrounds. He noted that like the statue, America itself is a dynamic, ever-evolving nation, shaped by both forces of unity and division. Biden reaffirmed his belief in the American ideal: that all people are created equal and deserve justice, dignity, and fairness. However, he also acknowledged the ongoing challenges the country faces, including debates over the use and abuse of power.

Biden spoke about the importance of respecting the institutions that uphold a free society, such as the presidency, Congress, courts, and a free press. He stressed the significance of the Constitution and the separation of powers, which have kept the American democracy intact for nearly 250 years. Reflecting on his own tenure, Biden pointed to his administration’s achievements, including job creation, infrastructure improvement, and the passage of key legislation like the most significant climate law in history. Despite these successes, he warned of the dangers posed by an increasing concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals, which could undermine democracy.

He also expressed concern over the role of misinformation, the unchecked influence of social media, and the rise of artificial intelligence, which he called the most consequential technology of our time. Biden warned that these developments could pose risks to privacy, security, and democracy unless carefully regulated. He urged for reform in areas like tax policy, campaign finance, and ethics standards, including term limits for Supreme Court justices and measures to ensure that presidents are held accountable for any crimes they may commit while in office.

Biden emphasized the need to stay engaged in democracy, urging Americans to continue fighting for a fair shot at success, where hard work and talent can lead to opportunity. He spoke of America’s unique promise of possibility, referencing his own journey from modest beginnings to the Oval Office as an example of that potential.

The President concluded by expressing gratitude to his administration, the American people, and his family, particularly Vice President Kamala Harris and his wife, Jill. He called on the nation to safeguard its democracy and preserve the values that define America. Biden’s final words urged Americans to “keep the faith” and continue working toward the betterment of the country, with a focus on unity, resilience, and hope for the future.