Biden Defends Foreign Policy Legacy as Trump Prepares for Inauguration

President Biden delivers a farewell speech emphasizing foreign policy successes and urging the incoming Trump administration to prioritize clean energy and alliances.

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Politics

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Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by multiple sources.

In a farewell speech, President Biden highlighted achievements in foreign policy, seeking to define his legacy against criticisms, particularly regarding the Gaza conflict, as he prepares to hand over to Donald Trump.

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From the Left

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by left-leaning sources.

Biden delivered a speech reiterating his administration’s commitment to restoring U.S. leadership and alliances, asserting that the current geopolitical landscape sees America with stronger partnerships and weaker adversaries compared to four years ago.
Despite facing criticism over various foreign policy decisions, Biden maintains that his administration managed to bolster U.S. credibility through decisive actions like supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression and navigating the complex situation in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza.
The outgoing president defended the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan by framing it as a necessary decision that enabled the U.S. to redirect resources towards more pressing global challenges, asserting that history would recognize the importance of ending the war.

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From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

Biden continues to tout his military withdrawal from Afghanistan as a success, even as experts and military leaders warned it would result in chaos, ultimately leading to a resurgence of the Taliban and a humanitarian crisis for Afghans.
Critics from the right point out that Biden's policies have led to a deterioration of U.S. standing globally, with adversaries like Russia and China taking advantage of what they perceive to be American weakness, underscored by increased aggression during Biden's term.
Republicans argue that Biden's assertions of U.S. strength and credibility are unsubstantiated, emphasizing that the administration’s mishandling of key foreign policy issues, especially in conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza, will have lasting negative consequences for national security.

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Highlights (13)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

The outgoing national security adviser confidently asserts that the United States is in a stronger, more secure position today, having fortified alliances and diminished adversaries, ultimately presenting a legacy of safety and stability for the nation.
Jake Sullivan: America Became Safer and Better Off Under Biden
Epoch Times
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
As his term comes to an end, Biden's legacy in foreign policy appears more cautious and underpowered, leaving many to question whether any true successes were achieved amidst global crises.
Biden insists US is ‘winning’ on world stage – what would losing look like?
The Guardian
Reliable
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·Leans Left
Despite his self-congratulatory rhetoric, Biden's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan is widely criticized as having serious repercussions and ultimately signaling US weakness on the global stage.
Biden brags about disastrous Afghanistan pullout that left 13 US service members dead during end-of-term speech
New York Post
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
Biden's speech serves as both a reflection on his administration's efforts to re-establish U.S. leadership and a stark warning to the incoming Trump administration about the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties.
Biden delivers final foreign policy speech as Gaza ceasefire talks continue
Al Jazeera
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·Leans Left
Biden argued that his administration has laid the foundation for protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty, rallying an international coalition to provide military, economic and political support for Kyiv.
Biden says US ‘winning’ on world stage, dealing Trump ‘very strong hand’
The Hill
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·Center
The only overt criticism he leveled at the incoming Trump administration came when he talked about skepticism among some members of the incoming team about clean energy. "They don't even believe climate change is real. I think they come from a different century. They're wrong. They are dead wrong. It's the single greatest existential threat to humanity," Biden said.
Biden puts AI and climate at the top of the list for Trump administration
NPR
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·Center
Biden said Monday, as he reflected on his legacy, that he had strengthened the country’s alliances, weakened its enemies and competitors, and kept the U.S. from putting boots on the ground in new wars.
Biden pokes Putin, defends Afghanistan withdrawal in State Dept. address
USA TODAY
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·Center
Biden also touted his progress in deterring China as a major U.S. adversary and claimed that when he entered office Beijing was assessed to economically surpass Washington by 2030. "Now according to the latest predictions on China’s current course, they will never surpass us," he said.
Biden says he’s leaving Trump ‘strong hand to play,' defends his record on Afghanistan
FOX News
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·Leans Right
The past four years we have used that power, not to go it alone, but instead to bring countries together.
Biden confident he left Trump "very strong hand" on foreign policy
Axios
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·Center
Trump's assessment of Biden's foreign policy sharply contrasts with the president's claims, painting a dismal picture of the past four years marked by global crises and significant failures.
Donald Trump to : US Sunk to 'Lowest Point' Under Biden
Newsmax
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The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
The truth is, since that war began, I’m the only one that’s stood in the center of Kyiv, not him. Putin never has!
Biden Taunts Putin for Thinking He’d Conquer Kyiv ‘In a Matter of Days,’ Brags About Visiting There Himself
MEDIAite
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·Leans Left
Biden often balked, before eventually relenting, out of a concern that it was necessary to hold the line against escalation that he worried could draw the U.S. and other NATO members into direct conflict with nuclear-armed Russia.
Biden insists his presidency made strides in restoring American credibility on world stage
PBS NewsHour
Reliable
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·Leans Left
With his alternatively "steady hands" on the reins, Biden steered Americans into danger and American foreign policy through embarrassment after embarrassment.
Biden wants to put a gloss on his foreign policy failures — these failures included
The Blaze
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Right