Biden’s Farewell Address: A Stark Warning Against Rising “Tech Oligarchy”

Joe Biden Farewell Speech
President Biden Delivers Remarks On The Debt Ceiling. May 10, 2023, Valhalla, New York. Photo by thenews2.com/Depositphotos

In his farewell address on January 15, 2025, President Joe Biden delivered a 17-minute speech from the Oval Office, reflecting on his presidency and issuing a stern warning about the future of American democracy.

Biden began by announcing the ceasefire deal brokered between Israel and Hamas, stating: “After eight months of nonstop negotiation, my administration — by my administration — a cease-fire and a hostage deal has been reached by Israel and Hamas, the elements of which I laid out in great detail in May of this year,” as reported by the New York Times

The president then reflected on the achievements of his administration, highlighting the resilience of essential workers, the economic recovery, and the modernization of infrastructure. He emphasized the creation of millions of jobs, advancements in healthcare and gun safety, and progress in veterans’ care. Biden also noted international successes, including strengthening NATO and supporting Ukraine. He expressed pride in the accomplishments, was optimistic about the future, and wished the incoming administration success, emphasizing his commitment to America’s continued prosperity.

The speech then shifted to more serious concerns. “Tonight, I want to warn the country about some things that deeply concern me,” Biden said. He pointed out the “dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultra-wealthy people” and expressed his worries about the “dangerous consequences if their abuse of power is left unchecked.”

In a way similar to President George Washington’s farewell, Biden warned that democracy was facing serious threats. “Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” he said, as reported by CNN.

Biden also raised alarms about the growing power of social media, artificial intelligence, and tech billionaires, who are now part of the incoming administration. “I’m equally concerned about the potential rise of a tech industrial complex that can pose real dangers for our country as well,” Biden said. “Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power. The free press is crumbling … social media is giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit.”

Biden also addressed the dangers posed by misinformation, particularly within social media platforms. “We cannot allow lies to dictate the course of our future,” he emphasized, urging Congress to take more decisive action to regulate tech companies and hold them accountable.

While reflecting on the challenges faced during his presidency, Biden also expressed hope for the future. “It’ll take time to feel the full impact of what we’ve done together but the seeds are planted and they’ll grow and they’ll bloom for decades to come,” he said, calling on Americans to unite across political divides and rebuild a stronger, more inclusive society, as reported by AP News.

The farewell address closed with a personal message to his family and supporters. Biden thanked his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and his children for their unwavering support throughout his political journey. “My deepest appreciation to our amazing first lady who is with me in the Oval today. For our entire family. You are the love of my life and the life of my love,” he shared, as reported by the New York Times. Biden gave the speech with images of his family, including his late son, Beau, displayed behind him.

The speech comes at a pivotal moment in American history, as Biden’s successor, expected to be elected in the 2024 election, will face many of the issues he raised. Biden’s farewell was both a reflection on his legacy and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to preserve the democratic values of the nation.

As his presidency comes to a close, Biden’s farewell address serves as both a summary of his time in office and a final plea to Americans to continue the fight for justice, equality, and a democratic future. “Now it’s your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame, may you keep the faith,” Biden concluded, “I love America. You love it too. God bless you all.”