President Joe Biden warned in his final Oval Office speech that an oligarchy is forming in the United States, threatening democracy and basic rights and freedoms. He warned of a “tech industrial complex” that is spreading misinformation and disinformation, and the free press is “crumbling.” Biden’s farewell address came as he prepares to hand over power to Donald Trump, who takes office on Monday.
Biden’s speech was a stark warning about the concentration of wealth and power in the United States, which he said is threatening the country’s democracy. He noted that the country is facing an “avalanche of misinformation and disinformation” and that the free press is struggling to hold those in power accountable.
Biden’s farewell address was also a defense of his own record, which has been overshadowed by the Democratic Party’s failure to stop Trump’s return to the White House. He pointed to his administration’s achievements, including the recovery from COVID-19, funding for infrastructure, and efforts to address climate change.
However, Biden’s presidency has also been marked by controversy and division. He was unable to heal the country’s divisions, and his administration’s handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan was widely criticized. He also faced criticism for his support for Israel in its war in Gaza, which split the Democratic Party.
Despite his accomplishments, Biden’s legacy is likely to be shaped by his failure to stop Trump’s return to power. His presidency will be remembered as an “interlude” between the two Trump presidencies, and his solid achievements will be overshadowed by the country’s ongoing divisions and challenges.
