Biden told a church in Charleston, SC, ‘I’m not going anywhere’ on his last day in office
President Biden has vowed to remain in public life after his departure from the White House, telling a church community in South Carolina on Sunday, “I’m not going anywhere.”
On his last full day in office, Biden traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, where he spoke at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of an early celebration of Martin Luther King Day.
Regarding pardons, Biden praised himself for issuing more commutations and individual pardons than “any other president in American history,” adding that he also sought to “abolish the federal death penalty” by commuting most sentences to life in prison without parole. The president also said he commuted the sentences of individuals “who served disproportionately heavy, long and harsh sentences for non-violent drug offenses” and showed “grace” for individuals who have served theirs or have served a significant amount of time and “have shown significant remorse and rehabilitation.”
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President Biden speaks during a church service at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, South Carolina, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
“These decisions are difficult. Some have never been made before, but, in my experience, with my conscience, I believe that combining justice and mercy requires us as a nation to bear witness, to see people’s pain, not to look away and do work, to redirect pain to purpose, to show that we can bring a person, a nation to the day of redemption,” Biden said. “We know that the struggle to redeem the soul of this nation is difficult and ongoing.”
“This is the coast between danger and opportunity. But faith, faith teaches us that the America of our dreams is always closer than we think. It is the faith we must hold on to for the coming Saturdays. We must hold on to hope. We must stay engaged. I must always keep faith in a better day,” Biden said, adding, “I’m not going anywhere… People in South Carolinathank you for keeping the faith. It has been the honor of my life to serve as your president.”
President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and Rep. James Clyburn attend a service at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
“As I finish this journey with you, I’m as passionate about our work as I was as a 29-year-old kid when I was elected,” Biden added. “I’m not tired at all.”
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Biden, who turned 82 in November, must return to Washington, DC, on Monday at inauguration ceremony newly elected President Trump.
After a disastrous debate against Trump over the summer, Biden suspended his re-election campaign amid serious concerns within the Democratic Party about his age and mental capacity.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as your president,” President Biden told the congregation in North Charleston, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Vice President Kamala Harris headed the Democratic ticket in place of Biden and suffered a decisive defeat by Trump in November.
Biden was the oldest American president who took office four years ago. On Monday, Trump (78) will break that record in a few months.
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Earlier on Sunday, Biden was pardoned to an additional five people, including the pardons of political activist and black nationalist Marcus Garvey.
