In his farewell address, Biden cautions that the ultra-wealthy pose a serious risk to democracy and Americans’ rights.
Washington: President Joe Biden gave his farewell address, and wow, he really laid it out there. He talked about how an “oligarchy” of super-rich folks is forming in the U.S. and how it could really mess with our democracy.
He was in the Oval Office, getting ready to hand over the reins to President-elect Donald Trump. This was his last chance to speak to the nation, and he didn’t hold back. Biden pointed out that a small group of ultra-wealthy people is gaining way too much power and influence, which could threaten everyone’s rights and freedoms.
Biden even compared this situation to what President Eisenhower warned about back in the day with the military-industrial complex. He’s worried about a “tech-industrial complex” too, saying it could be a real danger for the country.
In his 15-minute speech, he also emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power, subtly hinting at concerns about Trump without mentioning him directly. It was a big moment for Biden, who has been in politics for over 50 years, and he’s trying to make sure his legacy is remembered positively.
He also touched on a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which could finally bring some peace to the Middle East after a long time of conflict. Biden acknowledged that it might take a while for people to see the benefits of his policies, but he believes the groundwork is there for a better future.
As he spoke, he noted how some of the richest people, like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, have been cozying up to Trump lately. He criticized social media companies for not doing enough to fact-check information, which he feels has hurt his standing with the public.
Biden’s exit from the White House isn’t what he envisioned. He tried to run for reelection but faced pressure and eventually dropped out. Now, he’s wrapping up his political career, which started when he was just 30 years old.
During his speech, he also called for a constitutional amendment to end immunity for sitting presidents, especially after a Supreme Court ruling that gave Trump a lot of protection from legal issues related to the 2020 election.
As he spoke from the Resolute desk, his family was there, showing their support. It was a heartfelt moment, especially when he mentioned Vice President Kamala Harris, who he said has become like family to him.
