Biden Issues Warning on Democracy in Farewell Speech

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In a poignant farewell address delivered from the Oval Office, outgoing President Joe Biden raised alarms about the threats facing American democracy. Addressing the nation on January 16, 2025, Biden emphasized the emergence of a "new oligarchy," drawing parallels with Dwight Eisenhower's warnings about the military-industrial complex. He expressed concern over the "extreme wealth, power, and influence" amassed by certain tech leaders, implicitly referencing figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, which he believes jeopardizes fundamental democratic rights.

Biden criticized Facebook's decision to reduce its efforts against misinformation, stating, "The truth is being suffocated by lies." In response to the current state of American institutions, Biden advocated for significant reforms including an 18-year term limit for Supreme Court justices, a proposal aimed at countering recent controversial rulings by the court's conservative majority. He also suggested a constitutional amendment to ensure no president enjoys complete immunity from crimes, targeting a previous ruling that protected Donald Trump.

Reflecting on his nearly 50-year political career during the 18-minute address, Biden described his journey from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the White House as a testament to "the magic of America." He expressed gratitude to American voters, although he acknowledged facing challenges during his presidency, marked by low approval ratings—only a third of Americans approve of his performance. He noted, however, that legislative measures such as the infrastructure package and climate laws will take time to manifest in tangible results.

Biden concluded his speech with a heartfelt farewell, thanking the nation for the honor of serving as president. After his remarks, he embraced First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who many speculate could succeed him.

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