In his inaugural speech four years ago, President Joe Biden characterized former President Donald Trump’s chaotic presidency as an anomaly, positioning his own election as a return to traditional political practices.

“Much to repair. Much to restore. Much to heal,” Biden proclaimed in 2021, with sunlight illuminating his face as he addressed the crowd on the West Front of the Capitol. He called out for “Unity! Unity!”

However, in Biden’s farewell message on Wednesday evening, it appeared that his four years might be viewed as the unusual period, while Trump’s influence has settled into the mainstream.

Biden seemed to recognize this shift, issuing a strong caution about the “dangerous concentration of power among a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals.” His remarks clearly targeted Trump and his associates, including Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, despite not naming anyone specifically.

“An oligarchy is forming in America,” the president stated, “focused not on safeguarding democracy or ensuring opportunities for the average citizen, but rather on accumulating wealth and influence for themselves.”

He advocated for significant reforms, proposing 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices, prohibiting Congress members from trading stocks, eliminating undisclosed “dark money” in politics, and establishing a constitutional amendment clarifying that a president is not above the law regarding crimes committed while in office.

His description of a “tech-industrial complex” intentionally recalled a warning from President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his memorable farewell address in 1961, when he alerted the nation about the rising influence of a “military-industrial complex.”

Speaking from the Oval Office—a setting that allows for intimate communication with the nation—Biden appeared serious and earnest at the Resolute Desk, occasionally stumbling over his words. He spoke directly to the camera except at the conclusion when he acknowledged first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and a few other guests positioned beside him, out of view of the camera.

His presidency will always be framed by Trump’s two terms, marking just the second instance in U.S. history where a president’s terms do not follow directly one after the other. Trump has already expressed intentions to undo many of Biden’s key policies, ranging from environmental initiatives to support for Ukraine against Russia, potentially affecting the legacy that Biden hopes to establish.

Even Biden’s last significant achievement, the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas announced Wednesday after a year of negotiations by his administration, bore Trump’s influence. The president-elect’s demands for a resolution before his inauguration provided the final nudge that may have facilitated reaching the agreement.

“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November,” Trump claimed in a statement on Truth Social, omitting any mention of Biden and posting it before the president had made the announcement.

When Biden spoke later in the day, he acknowledged “coordination” with “the incoming team,” but when asked by a reporter whether he or Trump deserved credit for the ceasefire, he responded sharply, “Is that a joke?”

A Skeptical Public

Biden faces a challenging task in convincing the public that he is leaving behind a notable and impactful legacy, let alone a transformative one. In his speech, he stated that he had guided the nation through “one of the toughest periods in our history,” which began with a “once-in-a-century pandemic.”

However, as he concludes his long public service career, only 44% of Americans approved of his performance according to a recent YSL News/Suffolk University poll, with 55% expressing disapproval. The survey also found that just 5% believed he would be remembered as a “great” president, while 44% thought he would be seen as a “failed” leader.

Biden hopes that future assessments will be more favorable.

“You know, it will take time to fully appreciate the impact of all we’ve accomplished together,” he said during his address. “But the seeds are planted, and they will grow and flourish for decades to come.”

He did not provide an extensive list of his achievements as some had anticipated, nor did he indicate what role he might play in future national discussions.

“Now it’s your turn to stand guard,” he instructed those viewing the broadcast.