As Americans look to the future of the incoming Trump Administration, former President Joe Biden’s farewell address left many with a feeling of uncertainty.
Biden’s farewell address had a melancholy tone as the former President had originally sought reelection before handing the torch off to former vice president Kamala Harris, who eventually lost the election. He began by announcing that he and his team had reached a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas after months of nonstop negotiations. Although the ceasefire was organized by his administration, he kept the incoming administration fully informed, as he believed that Americans should work together despite their differences.
Following this announcement, he spoke of the Statue of Liberty, a 305-foot-tall monument representing the enduring soul of the nation, “Like America, the Statue of Liberty is not standing still. Her foot literally steps forward atop a broken chain of human bondage. She’s on the march, and she literally moves.” During his time in office, he passed a painting of steelworkers reaching for the flame held by the Statue of Liberty nearly every day—a symbol of enlightenment, freedom, and the power of knowledge—these are the very ideals that the former President fears may be in danger in the coming months.
While Biden addressed many of the triumphs from his term and thanked Vice President Harris for being a fantastic partner, he also delivered a blunt and alarming warning: “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.” As President Trump begins his term in cahoots with several ultrawealthy individuals such as Mark Zuckerburg, Jeff Bezos, and, notably, Elon Musk (who were all present at his inauguration on Jan. 20), Biden warns the nation that there is a dangerous concentration in the hands of the few. He went on to explain that the consequences of this could disrupt the checks and balances that the forefathers of the nation engrained into the Constitution.
Following this jarring statement, he addressed how Americans overcame the robber barons acting against the best interests of the people just over a century ago, not by punishing the wealthy but by making them follow the same rules and regulations as the people. This gentle reminder shows Americans that they can overcome what the next four years may bring. He claims that this is exactly what his administration has done over the past four years, as they worked to support the middle class rather than those who are already wealthy.
He ended his final address from the Oval Office with a call to action for the American people. The former President’s warning of a rising oligarchy was followed by his telling the people that it was in their hands to keep the flame of democracy alive, for he loves America, and so do the people.
Sophia Mix • Jan 29, 2025 at 2:23 pm
ATEEEEE!!!