In his final Oval Office address, President Joe Biden reflected on his political legacy while sounding alarms about the concentration of wealth and power threatening the core principles of democracy. Days before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office, Biden used his farewell remarks to urge vigilance in protecting America’s democratic values.

Highlighting key achievements from his tenure, Biden pointed to progress in infrastructure, climate policy, gun safety, and economic reforms. He described Vice President Kamala Harris as a “remarkable partner” and emphasized the long-term impact of his administration’s initiatives, such as lowering prescription drug prices and bolstering semiconductor manufacturing.

The president also celebrated a recent breakthrough in foreign policy—a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas—expressing hope that bipartisan collaboration with the incoming administration would sustain its implementation.

However, Biden spent much of his address discussing what he sees as a growing oligarchy in the United States, where wealth and influence are concentrated in the hands of a select few. He warned that this imbalance undermines democracy, fosters division, and diminishes opportunities for ordinary citizens.

Biden also touched on concerns about advancing technologies, including artificial intelligence, cautioning against unchecked developments that could amplify misinformation and erode public trust in a free press. Drawing a parallel to President Eisenhower’s warnings about the military-industrial complex, Biden urged Americans to remain vigilant against a rising “tech-industrial complex.”

The outgoing president called for reforms to the tax code, ensuring billionaires contribute fairly, and advocated for constitutional amendments to reaffirm that no president is above the law. Without directly naming Trump, Biden hinted at his predecessor’s legal controversies and underscored the necessity of accountability in leadership.

Closing on a personal note, Biden recounted his journey from a stuttering child in Scranton to the presidency. He described America as a nation defined by struggle and perseverance, where dreams are always within reach.

“It’s up to all of us to guard the values that make this country great,” Biden concluded. “May we all keep the faith and protect the flame of democracy for generations to come.”