Photo: MANDEL NGAN / AFP / Getty Images
President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address from the Oval Office on Wednesday (January 15), highlighting his administration's achievements and addressing key issues facing the nation. He began by taking credit for brokering a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which was agreed upon just hours before his speech.
Biden emphasized the importance of democratic principles and called for constitutional amendments to ensure no president is immune from prosecution for crimes committed while in office.
“After 50 years at the center of all of this, I know that believing in the idea of America means respecting the institutions that govern a free society — the presidency, the Congress, the courts, a free and independent press,” he said.
“Our system of separation of powers, checks and balances. It may not be perfect, but it’s maintained our democracy for nearly 250 years, longer than any other nation in history that’s ever tried such a bold experiment,” he added.
During his speech, Biden expressed concerns about climate change and warned against corporate efforts to roll back climate protections. He also highlighted the challenges of misinformation, stating that "the free press is crumbling" and social media is neglecting fact-checking responsibilities.
“Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power. The free press is crumbling; editors are disappearing," Biden said.
“Social media is giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit. We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families, and our very democracy from the abuse of power,” he urged.
Biden wished the incoming administration, led by President-elect Donald Trump, success and promised a peaceful transition of power. However, he cautioned against potential abuses of power and spoke of an emerging oligarchy in America characterized by extreme wealth and influence.
"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.
Reflecting on his presidency, Biden claimed that his administration had revitalized the economy, which he said was inherited in poor condition due to the pandemic during Trump's first term. He stressed the importance of safeguarding institutions and maintaining the separation of powers.
In closing, Biden delivered an ode to America, invoking the Statue of Liberty and the enduring values of American democracy. He reiterated his belief that the soul of America was at stake when he ran for president, a belief he maintains as he leaves office.
The farewell address comes just days before Donald Trump is set to assume the presidency.