Biden says the ‘soul of America’ is at stake as Trump’s inauguration approaches | News about Joe Biden
The outgoing US president is calling for unity ahead of his farewell address from the White House, just days before Trump takes office.
Outbound United States President Joe Biden said he believes the “soul of America” is still at stake, less than a week before Donald Trump is set to enter the White House for a second term as president.
In a letter released Wednesday morning, just hours before he is to deliver a farewell address to the country, Biden urged Americans to come together.
“I ran for president because I believed it was the soul of America. The very nature of who we are was at stake. And that’s still the case,” he wrote.
“History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America is 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 capabilities when we do this together.”
While Trump was not explicitly named in the letter, Biden and his Democratic allies were forewarned that the Republican president-elect — who will take office on Monday — poses a threat to democracy.
On January 6, 2021, a crowd of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol building in Washington, DC, to try to prevent Congress from confirming Biden’s 2020 election victory over his Republican rival.
Trump continues to falsely claim that the 2020 vote was rigged, and it was promised pardon those convicted of their actions during the January 6 riots.
Wednesday’s letter comes as Biden — who will address the country at 8 p.m. (01:00 GMT Thursday) from the White House — sought to highlight what he sees as his administration’s achievements over the past four years.
“I signed one of the most significant bills to help millions of veterans who have been exposed to toxic materials and their families, as well as the most significant climate change legislation ever and the first major gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years,” he said in the letter.
Earlier this week, Biden also made a broad statement foreign policy speech during which, among other things, he praised his administration’s commitment to global alliances.
But the Democratic president has also been widely criticized for his handling of major global issues, including his unwavering support for Israel, which the country has led deadly war in the Gaza Strip.
Amid reports that a Gaza ceasefire deal could be reached this week ahead of Trump’s inauguration, observers say Biden has failed for months to put significant pressure on Israel to end its military offensive, including making US aid to the key ally conditional.
The US gives Israel at least $3.8 billion in military aid annually, and Brown University researchers recently estimated that the Biden administration has provided an additional $17.9 billion since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Biden’s time as president will also be marked his decision last year drop out of his re-election campaign amid concerns about his age and ability to serve another term.
He was forced to drop out of the race for the White House in July after he disastrous debate performance against Trump prompted widespread criticism, including from top Democrats.
Biden was replaced at the top of the Democratic presidential list by his vice president, Kamala Harris, whom Trump soundly defeated in the November 5 election.
“All Joe Biden wanted was to be remembered for the great things he did for this country and, at least in the short term, those were overshadowed by his ill-conceived decision to run,” David Axelrod, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, said. Reuters news agency.
“He became a historic president when he defeated Trump. So, obviously, the fact that Trump is reviving and returning to power, more powerful than he was when he left, is an unfortunate thread of the story.”
