In his final address to America as president of the United States, Joe Biden warned about the concentration of power and wealth in government as well as a “tech-industrial complex” that threatens democracy and basic freedoms.
“I want to warn the country of some things that give me great concern: the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultra-wealthy group of people and the dangerous consequences if their abuse is left unchecked,” Biden said while speaking from the Oval Office for his final time as president.
“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America that literally threatens our democracy, our basic rights, our freedoms,” he added, alluding to the number of billionaires that will comprise the Cabinet of his successor Donald Trump’s administration, as well as those outside with tremendous influence, like Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Biden also invoked President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s famous farewell warnings of a “military-industrial complex,” raising alarms about a “tech-industrial complex,” including artificial intelligence and the rise of misinformation and lies on social media.
“The free press is crumbling, social media is giving up fact-checking, the truth is being smothered by lies,” Biden said. “We must hold social platforms accountable to protect our children and our democracy.”
Biden is leaving office after one term, with his approval rating now similar to his worst level ever. Overall, only 36% of U.S. adults said they approve of the way Biden handled the presidency, according to a CNN poll released this week.
Many in his party questioned his decision to run for reelection and not step aside earlier in order to give a more energetic candidate a chance to lead Democrats into the future. He didn’t do so until last August, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the job and giving her just a few months to run a campaign against Trump, which ultimately failed.
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Nevertheless, much of Biden’s legislative legacy will outlast his time in office, including his infrastructure and environmental investments. And historians are likely to look favorably on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his stewardship of an impressive record creating millions of jobs.
“It will take time to feel the full impact of all we’ve done together, but the seeds of what we’ve planted will grow and bloom for decades to come,” Biden said on Wednesday.