President Joe Biden, in his farewell address on Wednesday, cautioned that a “dangerous concentration of power” among the ultra-wealthy is threatening democracy in the United States, describing it as an emerging “oligarchy.”
Biden warned, “Extreme wealth, power, and influence are taking shape in America, and it literally threatens our entire democracy.”
The outgoing president also expressed concern over the impact of misinformation on American society, warning that the nation is being “buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power” He linked this phenomenon to a broader decline in press freedoms, which he described as “crumbling.”
Biden’s remarks came just days before Republican Donald Trump is set to assume the presidency. He urged vigilance in protecting democratic institutions and ensuring a free and independent press as pillars of the nation’s stability.
Biden also reflected on his administration’s achievements during his farewell, including job creation, climate action, and healthcare reforms, while cautioning against complacency in the face of rising inequality and disinformation.
Here are the top quotes from Joe Biden’s speech:
On American ideals:
- “The very idea of America was so big, it felt the entire world needed to see it.”
- “We are a nation holding the torch of the most powerful idea ever in the history of the world—that all of us are created equal.”
- “Our system of separation of powers, checks and balances may not be perfect, but it has maintained our democracy for nearly 250 years.”
On achievements:
- “Together, we’ve launched a new era of American possibilities, one of the greatest modernisations of infrastructure in our history.”
- “We’ve created nearly 17 million new jobs—more than any other single administration in a single term.”
- “We proved we don’t have to choose between protecting the environment and growing the economy. We’re doing both.”
On concerns for the Future:
- “Today, an oligarchic concentration of power is taking place in America that literally threatens our democracy.”
- “The existential threat of climate change has never been clearer.”
- “I’m equally concerned about the rise of a tech-industrial complex that can pose real dangers for our country.”
On unity and resilience:
- “Like America, the Statue of Liberty is not standing still—she sways a few inches but never falls into the current below.”
- “Through good times and tough times, we’ve withstood it all—a nation of pioneers and dreamers.”
- “I wish the incoming administration success because I want America to succeed.”
On Climate
- “The existential threat of climate change has never been clearer, and our actions have never been more consequential.
- Biden said that he achieved economic growth while protecting the environment and warned against a drive to undermine his record on global warming. “We’re doing both, but powerful forces want to wield their unchecked influence to eliminate the steps we’ve taken to tackle the climate crisis.”
- “We’ve shown that we don’t have to choose between protecting the environment and growing the economy. We’re doing both, proving that sustainability and prosperity can go hand in hand.”
- “The historic investments we’ve made in clean energy, electric vehicles, and renewable power are paving the way for a healthier planet and a stronger, more resilient economy.”
- “The fight against climate change is not just about preserving our environment—it’s about protecting our communities, creating jobs, and ensuring a better future for generations to come.”