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In a heartfelt letter ahead of his farewell address, President Joe Biden urged Americans to continue building on the progress achieved during his four years in office. Reflecting on his tenure, Biden highlighted key accomplishments and called for unity in addressing the nation’s ongoing challenges.
Biden began by recalling the circumstances under which he took office, with the nation grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty. “We came together as Americans and braved through it. We emerged stronger, more prosperous, and more secure,” he wrote.
The president cited significant improvements in the economy, such as declining inflation, rising wages, and a recovering job market.
He touted major legislative achievements, including the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021, which funded transformative projects across the U.S., and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which positioned America as a leader in the semiconductor industry.
Biden highlighted his efforts to lower prescription drug costs through the Inflation Reduction Act and his work to support veterans exposed to toxic materials via the PACT Act.
He also pointed to bipartisan progress on gun safety legislation, strides in combating climate change, and a reduction in violent crime as part of his legacy.
“I ran for president because I believed the soul of America was at stake,” Biden wrote. “The very nature of who we are was at stake. That’s still the case.”
Biden emphasized the enduring power of America’s founding principles, writing, “America is an idea stronger than any army and larger than any ocean. It’s the most powerful idea in history: that we are all created equal and endowed with unalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We’ve never fully lived up to this idea, but we’ve never walked away from it either.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Biden expressed gratitude for his time in public service, calling it the privilege of his life.
“Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office,” he wrote.
Biden shared that he and Vice President Kamala Harris had tasked their staff with preparing a summary of their administration’s accomplishments, which he included in the letter.
He encouraged Americans to “do their part” to build on the progress made over the past four years.
In a preview of his farewell address, Biden reaffirmed his belief in the resilience and potential of the American people.
“History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are. We are the United States of America, and there is simply nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together,” he wrote.
Biden exits the presidency after withdrawing his bid for reelection in July. Vice President Harris carried the Democratic ticket but lost to President-elect Donald Trump in November. Trump will take the oath of office on Monday.
Biden’s farewell address is scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday night from the Oval Office.
As he prepares to pass the torch, Biden leaves a message of hope and unity for the nation, urging Americans to stay committed to the ideals that define the United States.
