President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address on Jan. 15 from the Oval Office, just five days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
While not all presidents have given farewell speeches, the tradition dates back to George Washington, the nation’s first president. Farewell addresses typically reflect on a president’s accomplishments during their tenure. Biden followed this tradition, opening his remarks by highlighting the recently brokered peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, which resulted in a ceasefire earlier this week.
Reflecting on America’s past and its implications for the future, Biden urged citizens to exercise and defend their freedoms. He quoted the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing its foundational principles: “We hold these truths to be self-evident…” and the promise of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Biden reminded Americans of their right to challenge the government if it becomes destructive to those ends.
“Through good times and bad times, we’ve withstood it all,” Biden said. “We must defend democracy and our rights.”
His call to unity and defense of democratic values resonated with some Americans.
“I think he was a very honorable man for not bashing our next president, as we know they don’t have the same views,” West Chicago Community High School sophomore Olivia Zurko said.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Biden highlighted his administration’s accomplishments. He cited progress in gun safety laws, healthcare and education support for veterans and their families, job creation, and infrastructure modernization.
“It will take time to feel the impact of all we’ve done together,” Biden said. “But the seeds are planted, and they’ll grow and bloom for decades to come.”
While Biden reflected on his accomplishments with optimism, some observers had a different perspective.
“I think most people, even his own party, will think of him as a president who couldn’t give up power and couldn’t read the writing on the wall,” AP U.S. History teacher John Chisholm said.
Before concluding, Biden addressed concerns about America’s future. He warned about the potential misuse of government power during the transfer of authority and highlighted the emergence of an oligarchy threatening democracy and basic freedoms.
“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America that literally threatens our democracy, basic rights, and freedoms,” Biden said. He referenced “robber barons” and called on Americans to take action, as they had in the past, to secure the future for the next generation.
Another topic of concern was the increasing influence of technology, particularly artificial intelligence. While acknowledging its benefits, Biden cautioned against its potential for harm. He noted the decline of fact-checking on social media and the erosion of truth in public discourse.
“The free press is crumbling, editors are disappearing,” Biden said.
Biden’s farewell speech balanced realism with optimism, addressing America’s challenges while emphasizing its potential.
“The America of our dreams is always closer than we think,” Biden said. “I still believe in the idea on which this nation stands.”
