In a final foreign policy address before Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House, President Joe Biden asserted that the United States is stronger on the global stage than it has been in decades. Speaking at the State Department, Biden highlighted the progress made in rebuilding international alliances and underscored the nation’s growing influence, particularly when compared to the chaotic foreign policy of the previous administration.
Biden aimed his remarks at key adversaries, including Russia, China, and Iran, urging the West to continue its unwavering support for Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia. But beneath his rhetoric, Biden subtly directed his message at Trump, emphasizing how he had worked to repair and strengthen relationships with global allies after Trump’s first term, which had strained many of these partnerships.
“The United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago,” Biden declared, earning a standing ovation from diplomats at the State Department. “America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger, our adversaries and competitors are weaker.”
Biden further emphasized that America’s ties with its global partners were the strongest they had been in decades, particularly within the NATO military alliance, which he said was now contributing more fairly to collective defense. This stood in stark contrast to Trump’s frequent criticisms of NATO members, whom he had accused of not paying their fair share and even suggested that Russia should be allowed to act freely against allies that failed to meet financial commitments.
One of Biden’s most pointed remarks was directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Trump had previously praised. “When Putin invaded, he thought he’d conquer Kyiv in a matter of days. The truth is, since that war began, I’m the only one that stood in the center of Kyiv, not him,” Biden quipped. He stressed the importance of the US and its allies remaining committed to Ukraine, which has received billions of dollars in military aid from Washington since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Regarding China, Biden confidently stated that the US would remain the world’s dominant superpower, asserting that China would “never surpass us.” He pointed to projections suggesting that China’s current trajectory would not enable it to outpace the United States, emphasizing that the US has managed its complex relationship with Beijing without tipping into conflict during his presidency.
On the topic of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Biden’s speech was notably more measured. Despite facing significant criticism from within his own party for his administration’s unwavering support of Israel, Biden acknowledged that a ceasefire deal in Gaza was “on the brink” of coming to fruition. The issue has sparked significant debate within the Democratic Party, with some members calling for a stronger stance on Palestinian rights.
Biden also addressed one of the most contentious moments of his presidency—the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which saw the collapse of the US-backed Afghan government to the Taliban. Defending the decision, Biden said, “Ending the war was the right thing to do. And I believe history will reflect that.” The withdrawal had been widely criticized, but Biden remained steadfast in his belief that it was the right course of action, particularly after nearly two decades of military involvement in the region.
Finally, Biden called on the incoming administration to continue his efforts to combat climate change, stressing that climate deniers, especially those within Trump’s circle, were “dead wrong” and “come from a different century.” He underscored the need for the US to maintain its leadership in the global transition to green energy, an area in which his administration has made significant strides.
Biden’s foreign policy address marked a key moment in his final days in office, as he prepares for a farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday. In it, he reflected on his international legacy and the ways in which he believes the US has regained its position as a global leader following the tumultuous years of the Trump presidency.
