As it happened | Biden in farewell speech takes credit for Gaza truce, issues warnings to Americans
World news | Discover all the details of United States President Joe Biden's farewell speech from the Oval Office. WION brings you all the live updates.
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Jan 16) capped his time in the White House with a farewell speech to the nation. Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden addressed America for over 15 minutes.
Biden reflected on his decades-long political career while issuing stark warnings about the state of American democracy. As he prepares to hand over power to Donald Trump, the current president highlighted economic progress and environmental protection under his leadership, but cautioned against growing threats to democratic values.
In what could be a subtle swipe at US President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet — which has a large number of ultra-wealthy individuals — the 46th President of the United States in his farewell speech warned Americans about "dangerous concentration of power" among a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals.
Here's what he said.
Concluding his speech, US President Joe Biden made multiple references to the Statue of Liberty and told Americans that it was their turn to stand guard and protect democracy.
Referencing last year's Supreme Court decision granting wide executive immunity, Joe Biden urged for a constitutional amendment explicitly stating "no president, no president is immune from crimes that he or she commits while in office."
82-year-old Joe Biden, who has faced a plethora of questions for his advanced age and his ability to lead the nation is stumbling through his address.
The US President warns the nation of power in the hands of a few, saying Oligarchy is forming in the US.
In what might be considered advice for President-elect Donald Trump, Joe Biden argued for protecting governmental institutions and upholding the separation of powers and checks and balances. The constitution, he said, has “maintained our democracy longer than any other nation in history.”
US President Joe Biden began his final address by taking credit for the Gaza ceasefire deal and said that it would be largely implemented by the incoming Donald Trump administration.
Ahead of his farewell speech, outgoing US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Jan 15) said that it has been the "privilege of my life" to serve this nation for over 50 years, further reflecting on what all his administration looked after, including the Covid pandemic and January 6 attack.
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