Joe Biden Warns of ‘Oligarchy Taking Shape’ in Farewell Oval Office Address
(Image: twitter/@CNBC)
In his final Oval Office address as president, Joe Biden reflected on over five decades in public service, delivering a speech that balanced optimism with stark warnings about the challenges ahead. As he prepares to return to private life, Biden’s remarks were met with both praise and criticism, highlighting the deep political divides that have defined his presidency.
Biden cautioned the American public about the dangers of misinformation, disinformation, and what he called a growing “tech-industrial complex.” He also raised concerns about an “oligarchy taking shape in America” while expressing hope for the nation’s resilience under the leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris, who succeeded him on the Democratic ticket after he chose not to run in 2024.
“That was maybe one of the best speeches I’ve ever heard Joe Biden give,” former Obama advisor David Axelrod said on CNN. “This was a love letter to the country, and I think it was a very, very appropriate farewell.”
Harry Sisson, a Gen Z activist, shared similar sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), calling Biden’s address “the best speech of his presidency” and “incredibly moving.” Ashley Etienne, a former communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris, described Biden’s warnings about an oligarchy and the tech-industrial complex as “incredibly poignant and relevant.”
Former President Barack Obama also praised Biden, writing on Facebook, “Four years ago, in the middle of a pandemic, we needed a leader with the character to put politics aside and do what was right. That’s what Joe Biden did.” Obama thanked his former vice president for “a lifetime of service to this country we love.”
However, criticism poured in from MAGA-aligned voices. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) accused Biden of failing to address key foreign policy issues in his speech. “Joe Biden didn’t call out Iran, China, or the wars he helped create—but he attacked American citizens, calling them ‘oligarchs’ and a threat to democracy,’” Mace wrote on X. “A fitting end to a presidency defined by blame and failure.”
Biden was surrounded by family, including First Lady Jill Biden, his son Hunter Biden, and Vice President Harris, as he delivered his remarks. Calling Harris a “historic vice president,” Biden signaled confidence in her ability to continue the Democratic agenda.
As the president closes the chapter on his long political career, his farewell address leaves a legacy marked by both admiration and division, reflecting the turbulent political era in which he served.
