President Biden delivers his farewell address after four years in office.
U.S. President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address in the Oval Office, marking the end of his four-year term in office.
In a televised national address on the evening of January 15 (morning of January 16 in Hanoi time), US President Joe Biden reviewed his nearly five-decade-long political career.
Reflecting on the legacy and achievements of his administration over the past four years, President Joe Biden said he hopes they will endure for many years to come.
"It will take time to feel the full impact of what we have done together. But the seeds have been sown, and they will sprout and flourish for decades to come," Biden said.
He listed several achievements during his presidency, including lowering prescription drug prices for the elderly, passing gun safety laws, and improving healthcare access for veterans.
President Biden also praised foreign policy achievements and pointed out how he “strengthened NATO.”
"Ukraine remains free, and we have moved ahead of competitors like China and many others," Biden said.
In his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden praised the democratic institutions governing America.
He stated, "After 50 years at the center of all this, I know that believing in the idea of America means respecting the institutions that govern a free society—the president, Congress, the courts, a free and independent press."
Biden added that while America's system of checks and balances may not be perfect, it has sustained democracy for nearly 250 years, longer than any other nation in history.
Also in his final speech, President Joe Biden warned of the rise of an oligarchy in America as he stressed the importance of keeping the super-rich on the same level as the working and middle classes.
“I want to warn the country about some things that worry me deeply. And this is a dangerous concern. And that is the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a few extremely wealthy people and the dangerous consequences if their abuse of power goes unchecked,” Biden said.
He added: "Today, an oligarchy is emerging in America with immense wealth, power, and influence, threatening our entire democracy, our fundamental rights and freedoms, and the equal opportunity for everyone to advance."
President Biden referred to the concentration of power more than a century ago in the hands of "plundering tycoons," which was broken up through antitrust efforts, an issue that Biden has prioritized in his administration more than a century later.
“They didn’t punish the wealthy. They just made the wealthy play by the same rules that everyone else has to play by. Workers want their fair share,” Biden said. “They were put into the deal, and it put us on the path to building the biggest middle class and the most prosperous century any country in the world has ever seen. We have to do that again.”
Concluding his farewell address, President Joe Biden expressed optimism, saying that he still believes in "the ideals this nation upholds."
“To you, the American people. After 50 years of public service, I promise. I still believe in the ideals this nation is pursuing. A nation where the strength of our institutions and the identity of our people matter and must endure,” President Biden said.
Indirectly criticizing his successor in his speech, Biden concluded his address by urging Americans to continue pursuing his hopeful vision for the country.
“Now it’s your turn to stand guard. I hope you all will keep that flame burning. I hope you all hold fast to the faith. I love America. You love America. God will bless you all. And may God protect our military. Thank you for this great honor,” Biden said.
