WASHINGTON – In a parting speech focused on foreign policy, President Joe Biden emphasized that he has made the nation stronger and more secure by renewing America’s international relationships amidst ongoing conflicts that began during his presidency and are still unresolved.

Reflecting on his time in office, Biden noted that U.S. partnerships were weakened when he took over four years ago, highlighting that the U.S. was falling behind China and was still engaged in its longest war in Afghanistan.

“America is stronger today than it was four years ago,” he stated during his address at the State Department. “Our alliances have strengthened, while our adversaries are now less formidable. We achieved this without going to war.”

These comments were among various speeches Biden is set to deliver as he readies to pass the presidential baton to President-elect Donald Trump, a populist whose agenda includes compelling American allies to share more of their defense costs.

Trump has voiced intentions to steer the U.S. away from multilateral organizations like NATO, which Biden has supported, in favor of a national security approach that prioritizes America’s interests.

Biden exits office amid global unrest, with the current Israel-Hamas conflict, Syria under rebel control following the ousting of its dictator Bashar al-Assad, and a civil war ongoing in Sudan.

The outgoing president argued that strong U.S. leadership throughout his administration has led to the isolation of Russia following President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which posed the risk of escalating into a conflict between two of the world’s largest nuclear powers.

“When Putin invaded Ukraine, he believed he would capture Kyiv swiftly,” Biden remarked. “Yet the reality is, since that conflict began, I’ve stood in Kyiv, not him.”

According to Biden, his administration developed a coalition of 50 nations to confront Putin, and now, most NATO members allocate 2% of their GDP towards defense.

“Our alliances are the strongest they’ve been in decades. NATO is more capable than ever,” Biden asserted.

He also highlighted efforts to forge alliances like AUKUS with Australia and the U.K., enhance the Quad (comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.), and help mend rifts between South Korea and Japan.

Additionally, the U.S. has consistently supported Israel since the October 7, 2023, attacks and created a coalition of over 20 nations to combat Houthi assaults on maritime trade in the Red Sea.

Biden pointed out that Iran’s air defenses are in “disarray,” with its economy in “dire conditions,” and its key proxy, Hezbollah, has been “badly hurt.” “Our actions have certainly played a significant role,” he claimed.

While a hostage exchange and ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remain out of reach, the administration insists it is striving to achieve an agreement before Trump’s inauguration.

Currently, around 100 hostages are still being held, including seven Americans, three of whom are thought to have died.

Biden reaffirms claim that America has returned

Biden’s predecessor and incoming successor, Trump, presented himself as an outsider, while Biden described himself as an experienced statesman, drawing on his 36 years in the Senate and previous chairmanship of the Foreign Relations Committee to navigate a path for the country.

At the start of his presidency, Biden made a statement that has become synonymous with his tenure: “I want the world to hear today: America is back. America is back. Diplomacy is back at the forefront of our foreign policy,” he declared.

In his reflection on his legacy on Monday, he asserted that he has bolstered alliances, diminished enemies, and avoided initiating new military engagements.

“My administration is passing on a robust foundation to the next administration, leaving them an America with more friends, stronger partnerships, and a weakened adversary,” Biden remarked. “An America that once again is leading, bringing nations together, and pursuing our collective objectives.”

Biden was joined at the speech by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who have all been part of his administration throughout his tenure.

Before Monday’s address, Sullivan told reporters he does not believe Biden’s foreign policy was the determining factor for voters who chose Trump over outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic nominee after Biden withdrew from the reelection race.

Sullivan emphasized the administration’s intention to prepare the incoming team in the best way possible regarding alliances and defense capabilities.

“What they choose to do with that is entirely up to them. The American people will evaluate whether they agree with it or not. We will simply do our utmost,” he stated.

Biden also urged the incoming Trump administration to continue the momentum his administration begun towards clean energy.

“I recognize some in the new administration are doubtful about the importance of clean energy and even question the reality of climate change. They seem to belong to a different era. They are mistaken,” he expressed. “They are profoundly mistaken. Climate change is the greatest existential threat humanity faces.”

Biden further highlighted endeavors to position the U.S. as a leader in technology advancements and artificial intelligence.

However, he faced criticism regarding his 2021 decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, an action Trump and several Republicans argue signified weakness and provided a window for Russia to invade Ukraine shortly after.

“When they observed that, they concluded these individuals are incompetent, that they don’t know what they are doing. But we have a clear strategy now, and that will all change,” Trump stated at a January 7 news conference.

During the withdrawal, which was initiated by the Trump administration and carried out by Biden, a terrorist attack near the Kabul airport resulted in the deaths of 13 Americans.

Biden expressed his sorrow for the service members lost during the withdrawal process, stating, “Ending the war was the right decision, and I trust history will acknowledge that,” he said.

Contributing: Joey Garrison