In his farewell address at the State Department, President Joe Biden sought to defend his foreign policy legacy, emphasizing the strength of international partnerships while downplaying his many scandals.
The Gazette reported that in his final speech as president, Biden addressed key foreign policy decisions and challenges that marked his term, including the Afghanistan withdrawal, global conflicts, and U.S. relations with major powers.
President Biden's speech marked the end of an era as he prepared to transfer power to the incoming administration led by President-elect Donald Trump.
Throughout his tenure, Biden claims he strengthened international alliances, which he claimed are more robust than they have been in decades. He urged Trump to maintain this legacy, particularly on pressing global issues such as climate change and international leadership.
In the address, Biden defended his controversial decision to end the long-standing war in Afghanistan. He highlighted that his presidency broke a historical cycle by not passing the war on to his successor. This move, although followed by a chaotic withdrawal in August 2021 that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members, was described by Biden as necessary.
Reflecting on the Afghanistan withdrawal, Biden acknowledged the loss of service members, expressing grief over the tragic events.
Despite the turmoil, he maintained that ending American involvement in Afghanistan was the correct decision. He expressed confidence that history would ultimately vindicate his choice.
Biden also focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russia invaded in February 2022. He took pride in his administration's actions, which included military and economic aid to Ukraine, asserting that the country remains free and independent.
Biden underscored his personal commitment, pointing out his visit to Kyiv during the conflict as a testament to U.S. support.
The geopolitical landscape during Biden's presidency was further complicated by North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, as North Korean forces aided Russia. This support highlighted the intricate web of international relations the Biden administration navigated.
Biden’s tenure also saw significant turmoil in the Middle East. An attack by Hamas affiliates on Israel in October 2023 triggered a renewed conflict, with Iran playing a role through its support for pro-Iranian factions against Israel.
In late 2024, the Syrian regime faltered under the pressure of coordinated rebel efforts led by Hayat Tahrir al Sham. This collapse added a layer of complexity to an already unstable region, prompting Biden to caution the incoming administration about a potential resurgence of ISIS in Syria.
Turning his attention eastward, Biden discussed the careful management of U.S.-China relations, emphasizing that, despite fierce competition, his administration managed these interactions responsibly.
By maintaining diplomacy, Biden aimed to prevent tensions from escalating into conflict, a testament to his strategy of balancing competition with restraint.
As Biden passed the baton to Trump, he highlighted the economic struggles facing Iran, noting the country's weakened state.
Biden also called for vigilance in preventing the resurgence of extremist groups as a new era of U.S. foreign policy began.
As Trump prepares to step into the presidency, Biden underscored the importance of continuity in addressing major issues such as Ukraine, the Middle East conflict, and U.S.-China trade relations. The outgoing president emphasized the need for sustained efforts to uphold the gains and manage the challenges left in the wake of his administration.