President Joe Biden is set to deliver two significant speeches before concluding his term, focusing on his long-standing public service legacy, according to sources familiar with the plans.
The first of these speeches centers on foreign policy and is anticipated shortly after Biden’s return from Italy on January 12. This address is expected to highlight Biden’s perspective that America’s strength is derived from investing in global alliances. Key points likely include efforts to enhance the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the U.S.’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as military and financial support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts.
The farewell address will likely echo sentiments of past presidents, offering reflections on Biden’s extensive public office career, including his four years as president. As part of his farewell message, Biden intends to communicate hopes for the country’s future. Comparisons might be drawn to the farewell speeches of former Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Obama, who each delivered their closing remarks in distinctive manners.
While the foreign policy speech will address alliances and support abroad, it remains unclear how much focus will be placed on the controversial 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. This decision, widely criticized for resulting in American casualties, might receive only a brief mention. Additional topics could include efforts to combat international terror threats, although less emphasis is expected on domestic issues like the New Year’s attack in New Orleans.
Ahead of leaving office, Biden has a busy itinerary that includes trips to meet victims of attacks and to highlight environmental achievements in California. A planned visit to Rome and the Vatican City marks his final international engagement. In his concluding days, Biden is expected to issue pardons, targeting sentencing disparities, though decisions on broader pardons remain unresolved.
As President Biden approaches the end of his term, he seeks to cement his legacy through key speeches and initiatives, reiterating his decades of commitment to public service. These final addresses aim to provide a comprehensive reflection on his tenure while setting a hopeful tone for the future of the nation.
