Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: As he packs his bags to leave the White House before his successor, Donald Trump’s January 20 Inauguration, outgoing US President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (Joe Biden), 82, on Wednesday warned the people that oligarchy is taking shape in America.
In his Farewell Address to the Nation, he indirectly cited Trump’s close ties to billionaire Elon Musk and other tycoons and said “a dangerous concentration of power” is taking shape in America.
He also urged the people to “stand guard” against threats from oligarchs, disinformation, and AI in a future under Trump.
He noted that after eight months of nonstop negotiation by his administration, a ceasefire and hostage deal had been reached by Hamas.
The President is leaving office with a low approval rating – though higher than his predecessor and successor did. Biden’s term officially ends on January 20 with Donald Trump’s Inauguration.
In a brief Oval Office speech, the Democrat leader touted his achievements in steering the US economy out of the deep crisis inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic and said he had made the nation’s alliances abroad stronger, the media reported.
“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedom, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” Biden said.
“It’s been the privilege of my life to serve our nation for over 50 years.
I’ve given my heart and soul to you, and I’ve been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people.”
Recalling the warning issued by former president Dwight Eisenhower in his own farewell address in 1961 about the dangers of an out-of-control military-industrial complex, he said, “I’m equally concerned about the potential rise of a tech industrial complex.”
The retiring President also warned that Americans are succumbing to misinformation and that press freedoms are deteriorating and noted a “crumbling” media means people are increasingly vulnerable.
“Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power,” he said, adding that “the free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing.”
He said that social media is giving up on fact-checking. “The truth is smothered by lies- told for the power and profit. We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families, and our very democracy, from the abusive power,” he said.
Referring to Trump’s plans to roll back environmental protections and withdraw from a major international global accord on combating global warming, Biden said, “Powerful forces want to wield their unchecked influence to eliminate the steps we’ve taken to tackle the climate crisis, to serve their own interest for power and profit.”
Naming another increasingly global challenge, Biden said artificial intelligence (AI) “is the most consequential technology of our time” that could bring huge benefits but also poses “risks for our economy and our security, our society.”
During the 20-minute speech, Biden recounted his four decades of public service and the accomplishments of his presidency. He credited his administration for achieving a Gaza ceasefire and cleverly brushed off Trump’s credit. As he walked away, a journalist asked him, “Who gets credit for this? You or Trump?”, Biden quickly replied, “Is that a joke?”
“It will take time to feel the full impact of all we’ve done together. But the seeds are planted, and they’ll grow and they’ll bloom for decades to come,” he said.
“I wish the incoming administration success because I want America to succeed. That’s why I have held my duty to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power, to ensure we lead by the power of our example,” he cautioned.
Biden also took a moment to thank his family, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, praising Harris as a “historic vice president.” His wife, Jill Biden, showed a warm gesture by holding Harris’ hand during the speech amidst rumors of tension between the two women.
“It’s been the highest honor of my life to lead you as commander in chief… My eternal thanks to you, the American people,” Biden added.