Biden To Deliver Farewell Speeches On Foreign Policy Legacy

Jan. 5, 2025, 3:25 pm ET

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  • President Joe Biden will deliver two major speeches in his final days in office.
  • The speeches will focus on foreign policy and his legacy in public service.
  • Biden’s addresses are set to reflect on his 50-year career and key policy initiatives.

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Quick Brief

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Essential Context

As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office, he has planned two significant speeches to cap his tenure. These addresses are designed to summarize his foreign policy achievements and reflect on his extensive career in public service.

Core Players

  • Joe Biden – Outgoing President of the United States
  • Donald Trump – Incoming President of the United States
  • NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a key alliance emphasized in Biden’s foreign policy
  • Ukraine – Recipient of significant US military and financial aid under Biden’s administration

Key Numbers

  • 50 years – Length of Biden’s career in public service
  • January 12 – Date Biden returns from Italy, after which he will deliver the first speech
  • January 20 – Date of the inauguration of President Donald Trump
  • $ billions – Financial aid provided to Ukraine under Biden’s administration

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The Catalyst

Biden’s decision to deliver these speeches marks a significant moment in his transition out of office. The speeches are part of a traditional farewell process, similar to those given by his predecessors like George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

“These speeches will be a reflection of his 50-year career and the key policies he has championed,” a source close to the administration noted.

Inside Forces

The first speech, scheduled after January 12, will focus on foreign policy. Biden will emphasize the importance of global alliances, particularly NATO expansion, and the strengthening of relations in the Indo-Pacific region. He will also highlight the military and financial aid provided to Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion.

The second speech will serve as a farewell address, reflecting on his work in the White House and his broader public service career.

Power Dynamics

Biden’s speeches come at a time of heightened political transition. With the inauguration of Donald Trump set for January 20, Washington is on high alert, especially following recent terrorist attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas.

The security measures have been increased, and the city is preparing for three major events in the coming weeks.

Outside Impact

The speeches are expected to have broader implications for US foreign policy and domestic politics. They will likely set the stage for the incoming administration’s approach to global relations and public service.

International allies and adversaries will be watching closely, as these addresses could signal ongoing commitments or shifts in policy priorities.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, Biden’s legacy will be closely scrutinized. His speeches will provide a final opportunity to shape public perception of his administration’s achievements and challenges.

Key areas to watch include:

  • Continuation or modification of current foreign policy strategies under the new administration
  • Impact on global alliances and partnerships
  • Domestic reaction to Biden’s farewell address and its reflection on his public service career

Data Points

  • 1973 – Year Biden first entered public service as a U.S. Senator
  • 2009-2017 – Term as Vice President under Barack Obama
  • January 20, 2021 – Date Biden assumed the presidency
  • January 20, 2025 – Date of Donald Trump’s inauguration

As Biden prepares to leave office, his final speeches will be a poignant conclusion to a long and storied career. These addresses will not only reflect on past achievements but also set the stage for the future of U.S. policy and global relations.