In his farewell speech, President Biden alerted Americans to the rise of a "dangerous" oligarchy driven by extreme wealth, while reflecting on his administration's achievements and underscoring the importance of protecting democracy.
Biden Cautions Against Emerging Oligarchy in Farewell Address
Biden Cautions Against Emerging Oligarchy in Farewell Address
Outgoing President warns of elite power threatening democracy
In an emotional farewell address from the Oval Office, outgoing President Joe Biden alerted the nation of the formation of a "dangerous" oligarchy that threatens the very fabric of American democracy. Emphasizing the influence of a wealthy "tech-industrial complex," Biden expressed concerns about the concentrated power and wealth that could undermine citizens' rights and freedoms.
Biden, addressing viewers as well as his family gathered in the room, recounted significant achievements during his single-term tenure, including job growth, infrastructure improvements, and measures taken to combat the pandemic. However, he cautioned that the benefits of such initiatives would take time to materialize. "We've planted the seeds of progress; they will take root and flourish," he stated confidently.
He extended goodwill to the incoming administration led by Donald Trump but simultaneously articulated a fervent call to action for Americans, emphasizing that "so much is at stake right now." In addressing climate change, Biden warned against the powerful forces aiming to erase progress made in environmental protections in pursuit of profit.
Biden also condemned social media platforms, specifically calling out firms like Meta for abandoning independent fact-checking services. "Truth is being buried under a mountain of misinformation," he lamented, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue to protect democracy.
Further remarks included criticism of tech giants like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg for their engagement with Trump, who Biden suggested had garnered substantial support from such powerful figures.
Concluding his address, Biden rallied Americans to safeguard their democratic ideals, urging them to "be the keeper of the flame." This farewell moment coincided with his announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, a negotiation he described as one of the toughest of his career. The agreement is set to take effect on January 19, the day before Trump assumes office, with both men claiming credit for its successful negotiation.
Biden, addressing viewers as well as his family gathered in the room, recounted significant achievements during his single-term tenure, including job growth, infrastructure improvements, and measures taken to combat the pandemic. However, he cautioned that the benefits of such initiatives would take time to materialize. "We've planted the seeds of progress; they will take root and flourish," he stated confidently.
He extended goodwill to the incoming administration led by Donald Trump but simultaneously articulated a fervent call to action for Americans, emphasizing that "so much is at stake right now." In addressing climate change, Biden warned against the powerful forces aiming to erase progress made in environmental protections in pursuit of profit.
Biden also condemned social media platforms, specifically calling out firms like Meta for abandoning independent fact-checking services. "Truth is being buried under a mountain of misinformation," he lamented, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue to protect democracy.
Further remarks included criticism of tech giants like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg for their engagement with Trump, who Biden suggested had garnered substantial support from such powerful figures.
Concluding his address, Biden rallied Americans to safeguard their democratic ideals, urging them to "be the keeper of the flame." This farewell moment coincided with his announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, a negotiation he described as one of the toughest of his career. The agreement is set to take effect on January 19, the day before Trump assumes office, with both men claiming credit for its successful negotiation.
