In Farewell Speech, Biden Highlights Accomplishments and Cautions Against ‘Tech-Industrial Complex’

WASHINGTON—Five days prior to exiting the presidency, President Joe Biden addressed the nation in a live primetime farewell speech, reflecting on his achievements and cautioning against emerging threats, such as oligarchs and a “tech-industrial complex.”

His remarks, delivered from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening, signified not only the conclusion of his presidency but also the end of his extensive political career spanning five decades.

“After 50 years of public service, I promise you, I still uphold the principles upon which this nation was founded; a nation where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our citizens are vital and must thrive,” Biden concluded. “Now, it’s your responsibility to safeguard that vision.”

Biden’s political journey, which included his role as a senator from Delaware and as vice president under Barack Obama, is set to culminate on January 20, when he transfers power to Republican President-elect Donald Trump.

“Over the past four years, our democracy has remained resilient, and each day, I’ve honored my commitment to serve as president for all Americans through one of the most arduous periods in our nation’s history,” Biden remarked.

Before his farewell address, the White House released a fact sheet detailing his administration’s record, underscoring numerous actions, notably efforts to address the pandemic.

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“Millions of Americans now enjoy the dignity of work. Countless entrepreneurs and businesses are launching new ventures, employing American workers, and utilizing American-made products,” Biden declared. “Together, we’ve entered a new era of American opportunities.”

Biden remarked that while the full effects of his policies may not be felt immediately, he is confident they will yield long-term benefits.

“It will take time to experience the complete impact of our collective efforts, but we have sown the seeds. They will grow and flourish for many decades to come,” he stated.

In his nearly 17-minute address, Biden refrained from naming his successor but expressed hopes for the new administration’s success.

“I’m incredibly proud of our achievements together for the American people. I wish the incoming administration the best, as I genuinely want America to thrive,” Biden said.

Biden Issues a Caution

Farewell addresses are a traditional aspect of American politics, providing outgoing presidents with an opportunity to reflect on their time in office, enumerate their successes, and offer final counsel to the nation.

Biden’s farewell speech adhered to this sentiment.

“I must alert the country to certain issues that deeply concern me,” Biden stated.

“Currently, an oligarchy characterized by extreme wealth, power, and influence is forming in America, which poses a genuine threat to our entire democracy, our fundamental rights and freedoms, and equitable opportunities for all.”

“The possibility of the harmful rise of misplaced power exists and will continue to exist,” Eisenhower remarked in his speech.

“Sixty years later, I share similar concerns regarding the potential emergence of a tech-industrial complex that could threaten our country,” Biden emphasized.

“Americans face an overwhelming tide of misinformation and disinformation, facilitating the misuse of power. The free press is faltering. Mistakes are going unaddressed. Social media is abandoning its commitment to fact-checking.”

Biden recently criticized Meta’s decision to eliminate its social media fact-checking program, branding it “utterly shameful.”

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended the move last week in a video, asserting that fact-checking had become “too politically biased,” leading to censorship and diminished trust.

Biden also raised alarms about the threats posed by AI, stressing the need for governance over this emerging technology.

“As a nation founded on liberty, America—not China—must lead in the development of AI,” Biden asserted.

Additionally, Biden subtly referenced allegations made by his Department of Justice against Trump.

“We need to amend the Constitution to clearly state that no president, no president, is above the law regarding crimes committed while in office,” Biden mentioned.

This was Biden’s fifth and final address from the Oval Office during his presidency.

His last address from behind the Resolute Desk occurred on July 24, when he explained his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.

Farewell addresses represent a vital opportunity for presidents to shape the narrative surrounding their time in office, as noted by Tom McArdle, a former White House speechwriter for George W. Bush.

“Presidents primarily use farewell addresses to attempt to record history before historians can,” he explained to The Epoch Times.

However, their endeavors often fall short because the true evaluation of a presidency is determined more by actions than by words, McArdle elaborated.

Ultimately, it is Biden’s performance that will characterize his legacy, he concluded.

Biden’s farewell speech coincided with a significant development in the Middle East, as Israel and Hamas agreed on a hostage and prisoner exchange and a six-week ceasefire set to commence on January 19.

Prior to his farewell speech, Biden took credit for his administration’s efforts in brokering the Middle Eastern agreement.

“After eight months of relentless negotiation by my administration, a ceasefire and hostage deal has been fully established between Israel and Hamas,” Biden announced.

“This arrangement was crafted and negotiated by my team, and it will primarily be carried out by the incoming administration.”