President Biden will be delivering his farewell address to the nation at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, just five days before he hands over the presidency to President-elect Donald Trump. This will mark Mr. Biden’s fifth and final formal address from the Oval Office, bringing an end not only to his time as president but also to his long career in elected office.
Throughout his political career, Mr. Biden has held elected office every year since 1973, with the exception of the four years following his vice presidency. In a farewell letter released by the White House on Wednesday morning, Mr. Biden reflected on his decades of service to the nation, calling it “the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years.”
The president expressed gratitude for the support and love he has received from the American people, acknowledging his humble beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware. He marveled at the journey that led him to the highest office in the land, stating, “Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as President of the United States.”
In his farewell letter, Mr. Biden did not reveal any excerpts from his upcoming address. However, he has been on an informal farewell tour in recent days, delivering speeches on foreign policy, his conservation legacy, and is expected to speak at a Pentagon commander-in-chief farewell ceremony on Thursday.
One of the key moments leading up to Mr. Biden’s farewell address was the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, a deal in which the U.S. played a significant role. The president emphasized the importance of bringing an end to the conflict through a hostage deal, stating, “There was no other way for this war to end than with a hostage deal.”
As Mr. Biden prepares to leave office, he faces a mixed legacy. While he has touted his accomplishments in strengthening relationships with allies and addressing key international issues, he also leaves with a 39% approval rating, according to Gallup. The president has faced criticism for his handling of the economy, particularly in light of rising inflation and escalating costs for American families.
On the foreign policy front, Mr. Biden has highlighted his efforts to strengthen alliances and confront adversaries like Iran and Russia. He has defended his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, which brought an end to America’s longest war but came at a cost of lives lost in a terrorist attack at the Kabul airport.
Economically, the Biden administration points to achievements such as lowering unemployment rates and passing the bipartisan infrastructure law. However, rising inflation has placed a strain on American households, with expenses like groceries and housing costs seeing significant increases.
One of the key legislative accomplishments of Mr. Biden’s presidency was the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, which allowed for the rebuilding of critical infrastructure across the country. Additionally, the administration passed significant gun control legislation and measures to address climate change.
A defining moment of Mr. Biden’s presidency was his decision to grant a full and unconditional pardon to his son Hunter for felony gun crimes and tax evasion. This move has sparked controversy and debate about the role of presidential pardons in the justice system.
In his final days in office, Mr. Biden achieved a major diplomatic victory with the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage deal in the Middle East. This deal, which involved the release of American hostages captured by Hamas, was a significant step towards ending the conflict in the region and building peace and security.
As President Biden prepares to deliver his farewell address, he leaves behind a complex legacy marked by both achievements and challenges. His address will be a moment to reflect on his time in office and to set the stage for the incoming administration.
