President Joe Biden plans to deliver two major speeches before leaving office to outline key parts of his legacy from over 50 years in public service. The first speech will focus on foreign policy and is expected after his return from Italy on Jan. 12, while the second will be a farewell address to the nation. The speeches have been developed but not fully drafted. In his farewell address, Biden will reflect on his decades in public office, including his time as president, in a spirit similar to past presidents’ farewell speeches.
Biden’s foreign policy speech will emphasize the importance of investing in alliances worldwide and strengthening NATO and relationships in the Indo-Pacific. He will also highlight support for Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, and efforts to combat terrorist groups like ISIS. The speech may touch on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, but is not expected to focus on domestic terrorism threats.
Before leaving office, Biden plans to travel to New Orleans to meet with attack victims’ families, California to highlight environmental achievements, and Rome for a three-day visit. He will also issue additional pardons focused on sentencing disparities, and may consider pardons for those at risk of retribution from a new administration. The president’s final weeks in office will be busy as he works to solidify his legacy and prepare for the transition of power.
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