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The president delivered a somber message that “extreme wealth, power and influence” threatens the country’s democracy
President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address from the White House on Wednesday, speaking to Americans from the Oval Office for the final time.
“In the past four years, our democracy has held strong and every day, I’ve kept my commitment to be president for all Americans for one of the toughest periods in our nation’s history,” Biden said from behind the Resolute desk. “I’ve had a great partner, Vice President, Kamala Harris.”
While the president looked back at his long political career and said he was proud of what his administration had achieved following the coronavirus pandemic and its strides in the fight against climate change, he also issued a warning as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House.
“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” he said.
The address came hours after Israel and Hamas agreed to the framework of a ceasefire that would bring an end to the 15-month war that has ravaged the Middle East. Biden and his administration have been widely criticized for supplying military aid to Israel, whose attacks against Gaza have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. The conflict began when Hamas orchestrated a terrorist attack that killed 1,195 Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023. Hundreds more were taken hostage. Biden said in a statement after news of the ceasefire broke that “we are determined to bring all of the [hostages in Gaza] home under the deal.”
Biden’s address comes days before Donald Trump is slated to be inaugurated as president on Jan. 20. Biden initially sought reelection against Trump, but dropped out of the race last summer following a catastrophic performance during a June 27 debate against Trump and calls within the Democratic party for him to step down. Trump went on to defeat Vice President Kamala Harris, who took Biden’s place in the race.
