WASHINGTON — In a farewell address on Wednesday night, outgoing President Biden expressed frustration and concern over what he described as a growing "tech-industrial complex," warning that "an oligarchy is taking shape in America." This pointed remark appeared to target prominent business figures like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, some of whom have been attempting to align with President-elect Donald Trump.
Biden, 82, condemned the concentration of power among a small group of wealthy individuals, which he believes poses a significant threat to American democracy, basic freedoms, and the ability for citizens to thrive. "Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America, with extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our democracy and our rights," he stated.
As he addressed the nation, Biden’s son, Hunter, seated nearby, was referenced as part of a larger call for Americans to respect the judicial system and ensure fair tax contributions. "To me, family is everything," Biden remarked in closing his speech.
While not naming specific individuals, Biden made clear his targets through indirect comments. Drawing on President Eisenhower’s warnings about the military-industrial complex, Biden expressed similar concerns about the growing influence of the tech sector. "Six decades later, I’m equally concerned about the potential rise of a tech-industrial complex," he warned.
Biden pointed to the spread of misinformation and the decline of traditional media, calling it a major factor in the growing abuse of power. He called for greater accountability from social platforms, urging action to protect families and democracy. His criticism appeared aimed at Zuckerberg, particularly in light of Facebook’s recent shift away from third-party fact-checking in favor of a community-based model, a move seen as catering to Trump’s supporters.
Though Biden decried misinformation, he himself has been called out for offering inaccurate or unverifiable statements, including recent false claims about dry water hydrants in Los Angeles.
The president also took aim at policies related to "dark money" in campaigns, advocating for tax changes to ensure that the wealthy pay their fair share, even though much of this financial influence has supported his own party.
Biden closed with remarks on the potential risks and rewards of artificial intelligence. While acknowledging AI’s possible benefits, including advancements in medical research, he also cautioned against unregulated development that could harm privacy, security, and society at large.
The address concluded with Biden touting the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, which was announced earlier that day, though he did not credit Trump for his role in the negotiation, despite widespread recognition of Trump’s influence in brokering the deal. Biden also reiterated the need for constitutional amendments to ensure no president is immune from legal accountability for actions taken in office.
0 Comments