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President Joe Biden, in a speech at the State Department on Monday, proclaimed that the United States is “winning” on the global stage, leaving President-elect Donald Trump with a strong position to confront challenges posed by China, Russia, and other adversaries.
Biden highlighted his administration’s foreign policy successes and outlined the foundation built for the next administration to maintain U.S. leadership worldwide.
Biden began by emphasizing that his administration has revitalized alliances, strengthened America’s global standing, and avoided unnecessary conflicts.
“My administration is leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play,” Biden stated. “The United States is stronger, our alliances are more unified, and our adversaries are weaker compared to four years ago.”
One of Biden’s hallmark foreign policy achievements was the rallying of NATO allies and other democratic nations to support Ukraine against Russia’s full-scale invasion. He highlighted how the coalition provided military and economic assistance to Ukraine, ensuring Kyiv’s resistance.
However, Biden acknowledged the challenges that remain. Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Moscow has stalled, and the conflict in Gaza continues to rage after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023. Trump, meanwhile, has claimed that neither war would have erupted under his leadership.
Biden also discussed his administration’s efforts to counter China’s growing global influence. He urged the incoming administration to capitalize on the diplomatic and geopolitical opportunities created during his tenure.
“The United States should take full advantage of the alliances and partnerships we’ve strengthened to address challenges posed by China and ensure Putin’s war in Ukraine ends with a just and lasting peace,” Biden said.
On climate change and technological innovation, Biden underscored the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership. He criticized climate change skeptics and warned against ceding ground to China in clean energy and artificial intelligence.
“We must not repeat the mistakes of the past by offshoring critical technologies like artificial intelligence,” Biden said. He called for a commitment to dominating emerging markets and shaping the global economy for decades to come.
Biden reflected on his controversial decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021. While the withdrawal was chaotic and deadly, he defended it as a necessary step to redirect American resources toward countering China and Russia.
He pointed to recent developments in Syria as evidence of Iran and Russia’s waning influence in the Middle East. “If you want proof of a weakened Iran and Russia, look at Syria,” Biden said. “Neither could keep Assad in power, and neither made significant efforts to do so.”
The president also addressed domestic divisions over foreign policy, particularly growing Republican skepticism about continued support for Ukraine. Trump’s ambiguous stance on the issue has raised concerns about the future of U.S. aid to Kyiv.
Biden urged the next administration to prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty and maintain pressure on Russia. “There’s more to do,” Biden said. “We can’t walk away from our commitments to freedom and democracy.”
Another key focus of Biden’s remarks was the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The president expressed optimism about brokering a ceasefire before the end of his term.
The proposed agreement would involve Hamas releasing hostages, increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and a roadmap for lasting peace and governance in Gaza. Biden emphasized the importance of a stable and integrated Middle East, an area where his administration and the incoming Trump team surprisingly share common ground.
“I’ve learned in my years of public service to never, never give up,” Biden said, expressing hope for a resolution.
As his presidency draws to a close, Biden highlighted the legacy he hopes to leave behind—a foundation of strengthened alliances, bold climate action, and leadership in emerging technologies. He encouraged the Trump administration to build on these achievements to maintain America’s global leadership.
“Four years ago, I promised to rebuild our global standing. Today, we’ve achieved that, but there’s still more work to do,” Biden concluded.
