Washington: Joe Biden said in his final address as the US President on Wednesday that there is an oligarchy taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence, threatening the US’s democracy, The Guardian reported.
Speaking from the Oval Office, 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, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” The Guardian quoted.
He mentioned some pressing issues that have arisen, such as the “crumbling” free press, the outsized influence of the military-industrial complex, rising disinformation and the need to remove dark money from politics. He said that there is a need for constitutional amendments to ensure presidential accountability and added that no president should be immune from prosecution for crimes committed while holding the post.
The Guardian writes that Biden’s presidency, which began with promises to restore America’s sole, ends with a single term. He was pressured by his own party to abandon his election bid, and Democrats replacement, Kamla Harris, lost to Trump.
He said that he had given his heart to the nation. He believes that America and its people’s dreams are always closer than they think. It is up to them to make their dreams come true, he said.
He highlighted his government’s significant achievements, including investments in infrastructure and clean energy, as well as the measures it took to reduce prescription drug costs and work towards a recovery after the pandemic.
On Wednesday, Biden also announced a breakthrough ceasefire deal in Gaza.