Washington (AFP)
US President Joe Biden urged Americans on Wednesday to stand guard against a "dangerous" oligarchy as he delivered his farewell address before stepping down next week.
In a primetime speech from the Oval Office at the end of his single term in office, he warned of an ultra-wealthy "tech industrial complex" that he said could gain unchecked power over the American people.
Biden began his speech by touting the legacy of his four years in office, saying it may take time to feel the benefits but that the "seeds were planted" for Americans in the future.
Biden finished by sounding a valedictory tone at the end of a 50-year political career that has seen the former senator mount several failed presidential bids before becoming Barack Obama's vice president, and finally rising to the top himself.
"It's been the highest honour of my life to lead you as commander in chief," said Biden.
Signing off as Trump returns for a second term on Monday, Biden told Americans: "Now it's your turn to stand guard."
Family hugs
In emotional scenes, First Lady Jill Biden, son Hunter and Vice President Kamala Harris were in the Oval Office as Biden delivered his political swansong.
After the speech, Biden kissed and hugged family members including his young grandson Beau.
But the dark address was a stunning shift in tone from Biden, who had largely toned down his criticisms of his rival after the election in pursuit of what he called a smooth transition.
Instead, America's oldest ever president has spent much of his final months in office trying to burnish his legacy before he is replaced by the man he beat in the 2020 election.
Biden's efforts got a boost earlier on Wednesday when Israel and Hamas agreed to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, with Biden hailing rare cooperation with Trump's team to reach an accord.
But Biden's legacy was badly damaged by his decision to run for a second term despite his age.
The Democrat was forced to drop out of the race last June after a disastrous debate against Trump, 78, who went on to a commanding victory over Harris.