Joe Biden warns ‘oligarchy is taking shape in America’ in farewell address

President sounds alarm about growing power of ultra-wealthy before handing presidency back to Trump

Joe Biden’s final address to the nation struck an ominous tone after warning of the growing power of America’s ultra-wealthy, and cautioning that an emerging oligarchy threatens the foundations of US democracy.

The Wednesday prime-time Oval Office speech came as Biden prepares to hand the presidency back to Donald Trump, who he defeated in 2020 only to see return to power after Biden’s own dramatic exit from politics last summer.

Topics

In Farewell Address, Biden Warns of an ‘Oligarchy’ Taking Shape in America

President Biden did not explicitly name President-elect Donald J. Trump, but his remarks went straight at the tension at the heart of the incoming White House.
The New York Times - 21m
Biden, in farewell address, warns about dangers of unchecked power in ultra-wealthy

President Biden, in his farewell address to the nation, said there is a "short distance between peril and possibility."
ABC News - 1h
Full Transcript of President Biden’s Farewell Address

The president delivered the 17-minute speech from the Oval Office in the White House.
The New York Times - 2h
Biden argues 'oligarchy,' social media are threats to democracy in farewell address

President Joe Biden's farewell address on Wednesday came with a series of warnings for the future of the country, including a rising “oligarchy taking shape” that he said threatens American democracy.
NBC News - 2h
Biden warns ‘oligarchy is taking shape in America’ in farewell address – live

US president also took credit for Gaza ceasefire deal, which was agreed hours earlier. Joe Biden says ‘soul of America’ still at stake in farewell letter as president Fact-checking and ...
The Guardian - 3h
Biden announces he will deliver farewell address from Oval Office

President Biden will deliver a farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday. The news comes after he recently highlighted his administration’s economic performance following a ...
NBC News - 4d
Biden to give prime-time farewell address to nation

President Joe Biden will give his farewell address to the nation in prime time on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
ABC News - 5d
Biden to deliver a farewell address to the nation on Wednesday

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will deliver a farewell address to the country next Wednesday, the White House announced on Friday.
NBC News - 5d
Biden to give farewell address Wednesday

President Biden will deliver his farewell address Wednesday to the nation to mark the end of his four years as president, the White House announced. He will deliver his last address at 8 p.m. EST ...
The Hill - 5d
Biden to deliver farewell address from Oval Office on Wednesday night

President Biden will deliver a farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Jan. 15, the White House announced.
CBS News - 5d

More from The Guardian

Israeli strikes on Gaza reported after Sunday ceasefire deal with Hamas announced – live

Medics in Palestinian territory say more than 30 killed in strikes late on Wednesday; Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says ‘final details’ of deal still being worked on ahead of security cabinet ...
The Guardian - 43m
A ceasefire deal is here. For Gaza, the Middle East and the world, the future remains unknown

The sacrifice has been so great, the misery so complete, that few can claim with certainty that this was all worthwhile. There may be no winners in war, but history suggests combatants are often ...
The Guardian - 4h
‘A stern message’: how return of Trump loomed over Gaza ceasefire negotiations

US president-elect demanded a deal – while success against Iran and Hezbollah gave Israeli PM room to make one. The phone call from Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steven Witkoff, ...
The Guardian - 9h
The devastating impact of 15 months of war on Gaza

The Israeli response to Hamas’s attacks on 7 October 2023 has killed tens of thousands, left most schools and hospitals in ruins, and caused long-term damage to agricultural land in the territory. ...
The Guardian - 9h
Polish PM accuses Russia of planning ‘acts of terrorism’ around the world

Donald Tusk claims Warsaw has been involved in countering ‘acts of sabotage’, referencing incendiary parcel attacks in Poland and the UK. Russia planned to conduct “acts of terrorism in the air”, ...
The Guardian - 10h

More in World

Middle East Crisis Updates: Gaza Cease-Fire to Start on Sunday, Mediator Says

The Israeli cabinet still has to ratify the deal, and some details remained unresolved. President Biden said hostages were to be released over 42 days.
The New York Times - 15m
Australian Open 2025: De Minaur in action; Raducanu sets up Swiatek clash on day five – live

Updates from Thursday’s action at Melbourne Park Any thoughts? Get in touch with Jonathan on email Early danger signs for 18th seed Hubert Hurkacz who is serving to stay in the first set ...
The Guardian - 19m
Israeli strikes on Gaza reported after Sunday ceasefire deal with Hamas announced – live

Medics in Palestinian territory say more than 30 killed in strikes late on Wednesday; Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says ‘final details’ of deal still being worked on ahead of security cabinet ...
The Guardian - 43m
‘Their human resources are unlimited’: Russia’s advances signal bleak spring for Ukrainians

If Moscow’s forces manage to take all of Donetsk oblast it would be a symbolic moment for Putin – and Kyiv . In an underground command post in eastern Ukraine, a Ukrainian soldier peered at a map. ...
The Guardian - 1h
Israeli Hospitals Brace for Hostages Who Have Spent Over a Year in Captivity

Facilities have been preparing by conducting simulations and poring over medical records and Hamas videos.
The Wall Street Journal - 1h