WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is scheduled to give a farewell speech to the American people on Wednesday from the Oval Office, just five days prior to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The address, set for 8 p.m. Eastern Time, will serve as one of Biden’s final opportunities to communicate with the nation and the international community before he officially steps down from the presidency at noon on January 20. Following this farewell address, he will also speak on Monday at the State Department, focusing on the legacy of his foreign policy initiatives.
During remarks made on Friday in the Roosevelt Room, Biden expressed that he did not believe his decision to withdraw from the presidential race over the summer ultimately facilitated Trump’s election. His exit was prompted by considerable pressure from fellow Democrats after a lackluster debate performance. Subsequently, Kamala Harris ran in his place, having to quickly establish her campaign in a matter of months, a feat that typically requires years of preparation.
“I believe I could have defeated Trump, and I think Kamala could have done the same,” Biden stated. He emphasized the importance of party unity during a critical time, saying, “I thought it was better to unify the party, even though I believed I could have won again.”
Biden further explained his motivations, stating that he wanted to avoid causing a split within the party that could jeopardize a win in the election. “That’s why I stepped aside. But I was confident she could win,” he added.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre informed reporters earlier that Biden’s upcoming speech on Monday would include reflections on his extensive career spanning over 50 years in public service.
“He has some thoughts on the future, not just for this country, but also on how we can progress as a leader in light of pressing global events and issues,” she indicated, promising a comprehensive overview of his perspectives moving forward.