As President Joe Biden’s term is coming to a close, it seems, much of the nation spent the majority of his term mourning former President Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 election.
President Joe Biden ends his term with a historically low approval rate of 37%.
After years of being deemed controversial by millions of Americans, many wanted to see Trump back in office as Biden’s presidency left supporters feeling empty. Though Biden announced he would be running for reelection on April 25, 2023, he would later drop out and endorse Vice-President Kamala Harris as the new democrat running for president.
Nov. 5, 2024, would prove to be a disappointing day for Harris and supporters, but hopeful for millions of Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters, as Trump would sweep Harris in the 2024 election.
Months later, the nation sat on edge waiting to see what Biden had to say regarding his presidency in his farewell address on Jan. 16, 2025. Rather than addressing COVID, one of the biggest influences at the start of the Biden Administration, he took the time to raise concerns and announce a cease fire and hostage deal for the Israel-Hamas war.
With this introduction, Biden segued into a discussion on the strength of America, enforcing numerous cliches to tie his opening statement together. He then continued by thanking Harris and our first-responders for their continuous work and effort.
Biden next listed numerous accomplishments completed through his term– many concerning his contributions to the middle and lower classes.
“You know, it will take time to feel the full impact of all we’ve done together,” Biden explained regarding his achievements. “But the seeds are planted, and they’ll grow, and they’ll bloom for decades to come. At home, we have created nearly 17 million new jobs, more than any other single administration in a single term. More people have health care than ever before. And overseas, we have strengthened NATO.”
Interestingly, however, he proceeded to voice his concern regarding the free-press crumbling– which many would consider him to be contributing to through his ban against TikTok.
He also discussed his worry of the tech-industrial complex, echoing similar concerns to President Eisenhower’s farewell address.
Artificial intelligence was another concern, along with warnings of the United States becoming an oligarchy.
Despite not mentioning Trump, Biden has thrown shots at the president-elect for months, and didn’t seem to stray away during his farewell address.
“I want to warn the country of some things that give me great concern,” Biden continued, likely referring to Trump. “And that’s the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultrawealthy people, and the dangerous consequences if their abuse of power is left unchecked. 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. We see the consequences all across America. And we’ve seen it before.”
Ending his 17-minute speech with numerous more thank-you’s and displays of gratitude, Biden left office Jan. 20, 2025.
