President Joe Biden was accused of abandoning traditional farewell address optimism Wednesday night, January 15, delivering what some critics called a “dark,” and “divisive” speech, warning of oligarchs and suggesting presidents should not be immune from prosecution, sparking a fierce backlash from both Republicans and Democrats.
The outgoing president specifically identified what he dubbed the “tech-industrial complex,” discussing the dangers of unchecked power in Silicon Valley. He pointed to tech industry titans and billionaires aligning with the incoming administration, specifically noting Elon Musk’s substantial financial support and visits from executives like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos to Trump’s private club. Biden expressed particular concern about these tech leaders’ growing political influence and their control over vast communication platforms.
Social media erupted with criticism immediately following the speech. Red State writer Bonchie declared it “may be the worst farewell speech in presidential history,” saying Biden’s rhetoric “would be right at home in a third-world communist dictatorship.” Conservative commentator Clay Travis wrote that “Joe Biden can’t even read. Every time he speaks it gets worse,” while Fox News host Greg Gutfeld called it “What an embarrassing and pathetic end to an embarrassing and pathetic term.”
Breaking sharply from the historically uplifting tone of presidential farewells, Biden warned that “an oligarchy is taking shape” in America, targeting the concentration of wealth and power while calling for constitutional amendments to ensure presidential accountability.
On the other hand, commentator Harry Sisson posted on X, “President Biden just gave the best speech of his presidency.”
In his address, Biden cautioned about excessive power consolidation among a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals while expressing concerns about social media companies failing to fact-check content and the risks posed by unregulated artificial intelligence development.
The president called for sweeping reforms, including constitutional amendments to ensure presidential accountability, higher taxes on billionaires, 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices, and a ban on congressional stock trading.
Independent Women’s Forum Center for Energy & Conservation director Gabriella Hoffman harshly criticized Biden, stating his failure to unite Americans and his implementation of comprehensive government policies had weakened the nation across multiple sectors, including energy, national security, economics, small business, foreign affairs, and civil liberties. She predicted history would view his presidency unfavorably, noting his record-low popularity ratings.
Before delivering his warnings, Biden revealed that his administration had achieved an Israel-Hamas cease-fire and hostage agreement following eight months of continuous negotiations.
In defense of Biden’s presidency, former President Barack Obama praised his leadership during the pandemic, crediting him with setting politics aside to guide the country through economic recovery, resulting in millions of new jobs, increased wages, and reduced healthcare costs. He expressed gratitude for Biden’s leadership and friendship during his time in office, characterizing the farewell speech as a powerful culmination of Biden’s service.
GOP Senator Markwayne Mullin attacked Biden’s focus on climate issues, arguing he prioritized environmental concerns over more supposedly pressing matters such as securing the border, reducing costs, and maintaining peace through military strength.
Despite facing challenges including inflation, war, and a contentious bid for reelection, Biden expressed faith in American ideals, saying: “The most powerful idea ever in the history of the world that all of us, all of us are created equal.”
Biden’s presidency concludes Monday with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Biden plans to travel to California following the transition, though his specific post-presidency plans remain unannounced.
