Biden warns of growing American oligarchy.
Referring to former President Donald Trump’s close associations with billionaire Elon Musk and other influential tycoons, Biden warned of an emerging oligarchy threatening democratic values. He emphasized the importance of addressing this imbalance to protect the nation’s principles. Biden urged Americans to remain vigilant, advocating for policies that prioritize fairness, accountability, and equitable power distribution.
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a solemn farewell address on Wednesday, cautioning Americans about a “dangerous concentration of power” among a select group of wealthy individuals and urging the nation to remain vigilant against threats from oligarchs, disinformation, and artificial intelligence. Speaking from the Oval Office just days before stepping down, Biden reflected on his administration’s achievements while expressing concern about the direction the country might take under the leadership of his successor, Donald Trump.
In his brief but impactful speech, Biden described the growing influence of billionaires and their unchecked power as a significant threat to American democracy. “An oligarchy is taking shape in America,” he warned, adding that this consolidation of power undermines the principles of equality and fairness upon which the nation was built. Without naming individuals directly, Biden made a veiled reference to Trump’s close associations with tech mogul Elon Musk and other tycoons, suggesting that these relationships reflect a troubling shift toward prioritizing the interests of the ultra-wealthy over those of ordinary Americans.
The outgoing president also called on Americans to “stand guard” against disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence, which he described as emerging challenges that could further destabilize democratic institutions. Biden noted that these forces, if left unchecked, could exacerbate inequality and erode trust in public systems, emphasizing the importance of protecting truth and transparency in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Reflecting on his presidency, Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to pull the U.S. economy out of the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, which had plunged the nation into an unprecedented crisis. He praised the resilience of the American people and credited his policies with steering the country toward recovery. “We faced a once-in-a-generation challenge,” Biden said, “and we rose to meet it together.” He also pointed to strengthened alliances abroad as a key achievement, stating that the U.S. now stands on firmer ground with its international partners than when he took office.
Biden didn’t shy away from addressing his concerns about Trump’s agenda. In particular, he criticized the incoming administration’s plans to roll back environmental protections and withdraw from key global agreements aimed at combating climate change. “Their motivation is clear: to serve their own interests for power and profit.”
While Biden acknowledged the deeply divided state of American politics, he remained hopeful about the country’s future, urging citizens to stay engaged and uphold democratic values. He concluded his address with a heartfelt appeal to the nation: “This democracy belongs to all of us. It is our shared responsibility to protect it, nurture it, and leave it stronger for the generations to come.”
As Biden prepares to step down, his words serve as both a reflection on his legacy and a warning about the challenges ahead. His farewell address underscored the importance of vigilance, unity, and a commitment to the values that have long defined the United States.