President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address on Wednesday night, speaking directly to the nation from the Oval Office. In his parting words, Biden reflected on the challenges of his presidency, his hopes for the future, and the influence of his successor, Donald Trump, who will take office as the 47th president in a few days. Although he refrained from mentioning Trump by name, his speech contained clear references to the shifting political climate and the consolidation of power among wealthy elites.
Biden highlighted the dangers of what he described as an emerging “oligarchy” in the United States, one he claimed is more focused on accumulating wealth and influence than on protecting democracy or creating opportunities for average Americans. Without naming individuals, his remarks pointed to prominent figures like Trump and Elon Musk. He called for significant reforms to safeguard democratic institutions, including term limits for Supreme Court justices, bans on congressional stock trading, stricter transparency in political donations, and a constitutional amendment to ensure presidents can be prosecuted for crimes committed while in office.
Seated at the Resolute Desk, Biden adopted a serious and reflective tone as he addressed the nation. He compared his warnings to those issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1961, who cautioned against the rising power of the “military-industrial complex.” Biden updated this message for modern times, describing a “tech-industrial complex” that he argued wields outsized influence over society. The setting of the Oval Office and the presence of First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris added weight to his somber message.
Biden’s presidency will be uniquely defined by the bookends of Trump’s two terms, making him the first president in modern history to be succeeded by the same predecessor. Trump has already vowed to dismantle many of Biden’s key initiatives, including his climate policies and support for Ukraine. Even Biden’s final major diplomatic achievement, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, has been overshadowed by Trump. The deal, which took over a year to negotiate, was finalized just days before Trump’s inauguration. Trump claimed credit for the breakthrough, posting on Truth Social that the agreement “could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November.” When asked by a reporter whether he or Trump deserved credit for the deal, Biden tersely responded, “Is that a joke?”
As he leaves office, Biden faces challenges in shaping his legacy. Public approval ratings show a divided perception of his presidency. According to a recent USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll, 44% of Americans approve of Biden’s performance, while 55% disapprove. Only 5% of respondents believe he will be remembered as a great president, compared to 44% who think he will be viewed as a failure. Despite these numbers, Biden expressed optimism about the long-term impact of his administration’s work. He said the accomplishments of his presidency would take time to bear fruit, but he was confident that the seeds of progress had been planted.
Biden chose not to list his achievements during his address, focusing instead on the challenges ahead and the responsibility of Americans to continue protecting democratic values. He ended his speech with a call to action, urging citizens to remain vigilant and engaged. “Now it’s your turn to stand guard,” he said.
Biden’s farewell speech encapsulated the trials and triumphs of his administration while acknowledging the lasting influence of Trump’s political legacy. As he steps away from public life, Biden leaves behind a vision for reform and a challenge to the nation to uphold the principles of democracy in an increasingly polarized era.
