In a farewell letter released just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, outgoing President Joe Biden reflected on the privilege he felt serving in politics. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation, calling it “the privilege of my life.”

Biden recounted the challenges America faced four years ago, noting, “Four years ago, we stood in a winter of peril and a winter of possibilities. We were in the grip of the worst pandemic in a century, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, and the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.” Despite these difficulties, he emphasized, “But we came together as Americans, and we braved through it. We emerged stronger, more prosperous, and more secure.”

He further explained his motivation for running for president: “I ran for president because I believed that the soul of America was at stake. The very nature of who we are was at stake. And, that’s still the case,” adding that this belief remains central to his vision.

The president continued, saying, “America is an idea stronger than any army and larger than any ocean. It’s the most powerful idea in the history of the world. That idea is that we are all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We’ve never fully lived up to this sacred idea, but we’ve never walked away from it either. And I do not believe the American people will walk away from it now.”

Biden also reflected on his extraordinary journey, calling his more than 50 years of service a personal honor. “It has been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years. Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as President of the United States,” he said. He shared, “I have given my heart and my soul to our nation. And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people.”

Looking ahead, Biden spoke directly to the future of the country, asserting, “History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are. We are the United States of America, and there is simply nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together.”

Biden is scheduled to attend the inauguration of President-elect Trump at the Capitol on January 20. However, earlier in the month, Trump criticized Biden for making the transition process as difficult as possible. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated, “Biden is doing everything possible to make the TRANSITION as difficult as as [sic] possible, from Lawfare such as has never been seen before, to costly and ridiculous Executive Orders on the Green New Scam and other money wasting Hoaxes.”

Trump further promised, “Fear not, these ‘Orders’ will all be terminated shortly, and we will become a Nation of Common Sense and Strength. MAGA!!!”

At the inaugural ceremony, Biden will be accompanied by first lady Jill Biden and former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. However, former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend. Her team has not provided a reason for her absence. Michelle Obama also missed the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter on January 9, with Barack Obama sitting next to Trump during the event, where the two were seen sharing a lighthearted moment that went viral.

{Matzav.com}