Biden jabs at Trump in farewell address, but pledges peaceful transition
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President Biden delivers his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Photo: Mandel Ngan - Pool/Getty Images
President Biden took swipes at President-elect Trump during his farewell address Wednesday as he reflected on his legacy from the Oval Office.
The big picture: The 82-year-old, one-term president who has spent five decades in politics will hand over the White House keys to 78-year-old Trump next week, after initially running to rid him from Washington.
Driving the news: Biden in his speech took aim at Trump and the U.S. Supreme Court majority ruling that presidents have immunity for "official acts" in the Republican's since-dismissed federal Jan. 6 case.
- "We need to amend the Constitution to make clear that no president is immune from crimes that he or she commits while in office," Biden said.
- In another prod at the incoming Trump administration, Biden said: "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."
- He added that the tax code must be reformed, "not by giving the biggest tax cuts to billionaires, but by making them begin to pay their fair share."
Yes, but: Biden wished the incoming administration "success," saying he wants the U.S. to succeed, and pledged "to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power."
What he's saying: "I've kept my commitment to be president for all Americans through one of the toughest periods in our nation's history," Biden said in his first speech from the Oval Office since announcing he wasn't running for re-election.
- He called Vice President Harris a great partner in that effort, and said she and husband Doug Emhoff have become "like family."
Zoom in: In a letter to the public Wednesday, Biden praised his administration's accomplishments and called on Americans to continue building on its progress.
- "It has been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years ... I have given my heart and my soul to our nation," Biden wrote.
- He also delivered remarks earlier Wednesday about the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal.
Zoom out: Rather than focusing on policy successes, Biden reflected on American values and on the importance of the institutions that "govern a free society."
- He said: "After 50 years of public service, I give you my word I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands, a nation where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure."
- Addressing the American people, he added, "Now it's your turn to stand guard."
Flashback: Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race in July after a poor performance in a debate against Trump.
- He quickly endorsed Vice President Harris to be the party's nominee, though she ultimately lost.
More from Axios:
- Biden warns against extreme wealth and rise of "tech industrial complex"
- "History is in your hands" Biden tells Americans ahead of farewell address
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
