WASHINGTON:

In a poignant farewell address delivered on January 15, US President Joe Biden warned Americans to be vigilant against the formation of a perilous "oligarchy" under former President Donald Trump, who is set to take office again next week.

During a primetime broadcast from the Oval Office, aged 82, Biden outlined concerns regarding a burgeoning "tech industrial complex" that could wield unchecked power over the populace. "Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America, characterized by extreme wealth, power, and influence that poses a real threat to our democracy," he cautioned, emphasizing that such a concentration of power endangers the very fabric of American society.

Biden’s stark message included criticisms of major social media platforms, particularly as figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg align themselves with Trump’s new administration. He lamented that Americans are inundated with misinformation that enables the spread of disinformation, undermining the democratic process. "Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power," he stated.

In his remarks, Biden also touched on the implications of artificial intelligence, stressing the necessity for the United States to maintain leadership over China in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. He underscored that various "powerful forces" pose a threat to the climate initiatives he championed during his presidency.

As he prepares to leave office on January 20, Biden urged citizens: "Now it's your turn to stand guard." His speech transitioned from a celebration of his administration's achievements in healthcare, economy, and climate policy to a somber reflection on the challenges ahead.

Biden's legacy, however, is clouded by perceived shortcomings, especially regarding his age and the decision to run for a second term following a disappointing debate performance against Trump. A CNN poll released just before his speech showed a dismal 36 percent approval rating—one of the lowest in his term—casting a shadow over his efforts to solidify his place in history as a transformative leader.

In an implicit jab at Trump, Biden articulated his motivation for seeking the presidency: "I ran because I believed that the soul of America was at stake. And that remains true today." His administration has generated a voluminous dossier showcasing accomplishments, although many express skepticism over whether these efforts resonate with the public.

On the eve of his address, excitement in the White House mounted, amplified by a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which Biden claimed his administration facilitated in collaboration with Trump's team.

In her farewell interview, outgoing First Lady Jill Biden voiced her disappointment over the Democratic Party’s pressures on her husband to retire from the race, a sentiment that reflects the tumultuous climate surrounding his leadership as he departs office.

As the Biden administration draws to a close, the nation's gaze now turns to the future and the possibilities—and perils—that lie ahead under a Trump presidency. The ramifications of his warning about oligarchy will reverberate throughout American society in the years to come.