What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 15, 2025 Recap
President Biden delivered his farewell address from the Oval Office, reflecting on his administration's achievements, challenges, and vision for America’s future. He began by announcing a significant ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, developed by his team over months of negotiations and set to be implemented by the incoming administration. This exemplified his commitment to collaboration and continuity in leadership.
Biden reflected on the ideals that define America—equality, dignity, and democracy—using the Statue of Liberty as a powerful metaphor for resilience and progress. He emphasized that the strength of the nation lies in its shared values and the unity of its people, even amid the forces that threaten to divide them. Drawing on historical parallels, he highlighted how America has weathered challenges by leaning into its ideals and institutions.
The President outlined his administration's accomplishments, including creating 17 million new jobs, modernizing infrastructure, and passing landmark climate and clean energy legislation. He also celebrated advancements in healthcare access, reduced prescription drug costs, and significant support for veterans exposed to toxic materials. On the international front, Biden highlighted strengthened alliances, particularly with NATO, support for Ukraine’s freedom, and efforts to remain competitive with China.
Biden also expressed concerns about the future, warning of the dangers posed by the concentration of power among the ultra-wealthy, which he believes threatens democracy and fairness. He decried the rise of misinformation, the erosion of press freedom, and the unchecked power of technology, particularly artificial intelligence. He called for reforms, including campaign finance transparency, Supreme Court term limits, ethical standards for public officials, and safeguards for emerging technologies.
In his closing remarks, Biden expressed deep gratitude to his administration, Vice President Kamala Harris, his family, service members, and the American people. He urged citizens to remain engaged in democracy, protect the nation’s institutions, and strive for fairness and unity. Emphasizing the power of possibility, he encouraged Americans to be “keepers of the flame,” preserving the ideals that make the nation strong. Reaffirming his faith in the country's future, Biden concluded with a heartfelt message of hope and a commitment to the enduring spirit of America.
President Biden announced a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, achieved through months of U.S.-led diplomacy alongside Egypt and Qatar. This agreement aims to halt the fighting in Gaza, provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families after over 15 months of captivity. President Biden emphasized the role of American diplomacy and the unanimous endorsement of the plan by the UN Security Council on May 31, 2024. While welcoming this progress, he expressed solidarity with the victims of Hamas’s October 7 attack and the families awaiting the return of hostages or remains. He stressed that the focus must now shift to ending the conflict and building lasting peace and security in the region.
Vice President Harris praised President Biden's leadership. She acknowledged the critical roles played by Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in mediating the agreement. She expressed gratitude for U.S. officials' diligent diplomatic efforts and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to supporting the families of hostages and ensuring all Americans are brought home. Harris condemned the October 7 attack and reiterated her dedication to achieving peace, dignity, and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. She emphasized that this agreement marks a critical step toward ending the suffering in Gaza and advancing a two-state solution as a foundation for a more peaceful future in the region.
President Biden commended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel for achieving an agreement with Hamas that secured the release of hostages and established a temporary ceasefire. The two leaders spoke about the ordeal the hostages endured during their captivity, particularly focusing on the American citizens among those held. The president acknowledged the families' suffering during the prolonged separation from their loved ones.
During the call, Biden expressed hope that the agreement would lead to the reunification of the hostages with their families in the coming days, describing it as a moment of relief and joy for those affected. He reaffirmed the United States' support for Israel and emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to secure the release of additional hostages.
The conversation underscored the collaboration between the U.S. and Israel in addressing the humanitarian aspects of the situation while navigating the complexities of ongoing regional tensions. Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those in peril.
Since its relaunch nearly three years ago, the Biden Cancer Moonshot has achieved significant milestones in its mission to reduce cancer deaths and improve patient experiences. Under the initiative, efforts have focused on prevention, screening, research, and access to care. To prevent cancer, the administration has protected 100 million Americans from harmful PFAS chemicals and taken action to reduce smoking, the leading cause of cancer deaths. Screening initiatives have recovered 10 million missed cancer screenings following the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing equity and accessibility. Additionally, introducing reimbursable navigation services has improved affordability and access to cancer care.
Research and innovation have been central to the Moonshot's progress. The launch of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) aims to drive breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is doubling investments in early-onset cancer research and has developed decentralized clinical trial resources to increase patient accessibility. New regulations and programs have also been introduced. The FDA proposed a groundbreaking rule to limit nicotine in cigarettes, while the CDC is working with community groups to address environmental cancer risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strengthened regulations on cancer-causing chemicals, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is expanding access to genetic testing and at-home colorectal cancer screenings for veterans.
Private sector and academic organizations have joined these efforts with innovative contributions. Academy Health launched a challenge to improve cancer patient navigation using open data, and the American College of Sports Medicine introduced programs promoting exercise to enhance cancer treatment outcomes. VisionGate is advancing at-home lung cancer screening technology, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation created a platform for breast cancer data sharing to accelerate research. Addressing health equity, Massive Bio is investing in AI-powered clinical trial matching for underserved communities, while POETIC is expanding access to pediatric cancer trials in high-need areas. ZERO Prostate Cancer has launched initiatives to reduce late-stage prostate cancer diagnoses, particularly in high-risk groups like Black men and veterans.
The Cancer Moonshot reflects a collaborative, whole-of-society approach that mobilizes government, private sector, and community efforts. These initiatives align with the ambitious goal of reducing the cancer death rate by 50% within 25 years and ensuring that all Americans benefit equitably from advancements in cancer prevention, treatment, and care.
President Biden issued a proclamation emphasizing the vital importance of religious freedom as a fundamental American value and a constitutional right. He acknowledges the role of faith in uniting communities and strengthening shared purpose while reaffirming the nation's commitment to protecting the freedom to practice any faith or no faith at all. Recognizing the diverse faiths represented in the United States, the President addresses the troubling rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia, emphasizing that hate has no place in America. He highlights his administration’s efforts to ensure all religious communities can practice their faith freely and safely, including securing increased funding for the physical security of nonprofit organizations and places of worship.
To combat religious bias, the administration has implemented strategies such as the creation of inter-agency groups to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia, and related discrimination. Landmark initiatives, like the first-ever National Strategies to Counter Antisemitism and Islamophobia, aim to build coalitions across religious communities to end hate. Globally, the administration has allocated $100 million to promote religious freedom and has supported victims of religious repression while cracking down on forced labor, often targeting religious minorities. Other actions include reversing discriminatory policies, such as lifting the travel ban on individuals from Muslim-majority and African countries and addressing affected visa applications.
The proclamation underscores that religious freedom is central to the nation's identity and essential to advancing human freedom and dignity worldwide. President Biden calls on Americans to defend and protect this liberty for everyone, fostering a world where individuals are not endangered for their beliefs. In recognition of these principles, January 16, 2025, is designated Religious Freedom Day.
President Biden announced that over 91,500 UNITE HERE workers and retirees will have their pension benefits safeguarded from anticipated cuts, thanks to the American Rescue Plan. These workers, essential to the economy, include airport and hotel staff. The Biden administration, in collaboration with Congressional Democrats, included the Butch Lewis Act in the plan to ensure secure retirements. The administration has secured benefits for over 1.3 million workers and retirees, aiming to restore or protect retirement benefits for about 2 million Americans in the coming decades.
President Biden issued a memorandum extends and expands the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) program for certain Hong Kong residents in response to the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong under the National Security Law (NSL). Since the NSL’s enactment in June 2020, the PRC has undermined Hong Kong’s autonomy, democratic processes, academic freedom, and press freedom while prosecuting over 200 opposition figures, activists, and protesters. The memorandum extends DED protections for Hong Kong residents under the program until February 5, 2025. It expands eligibility to include other Hong Kong residents in the United States as of the memorandum’s issuance.
Eligibility is subject to specific conditions, excluding individuals who return to Hong Kong or the PRC, fail to maintain continuous U.S. residence, or are deemed inadmissible under certain sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Individuals convicted of felonies, multiple misdemeanors, or those considered a threat to public safety or U.S. foreign policy are also ineligible. The memorandum directs the Department of Homeland Security to extend employment authorization for eligible individuals through February 5, 2027, and to suspend certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students who are Hong Kong residents. It also calls for the prompt issuance of documents to eligible participants.
This action reflects the United States’ commitment to defending democracy and promoting human rights. It provides a haven for Hong Kong residents deprived of guaranteed freedoms under PRC policies. The measures align with U.S. foreign policy interests and demonstrate solidarity with the people of Hong Kong.
Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger met with representatives from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden to enhance collaboration on protecting undersea cables following recent incidents in the Baltic Sea. The discussions emphasized the critical importance of undersea cable infrastructure for public services, international commerce, and digital economies. Participants reaffirmed the need to deepen cooperation through NATO and implement the New York Joint Statement on the Security and Resilience of Undersea Cables, which provides a framework for ensuring the reliability and resilience of these networks globally.
The meeting focused on addressing threats to undersea infrastructure and strengthening public-private partnerships to improve security. Key areas of discussion included developing real-time information-sharing channels between governments, allies, and private stakeholders; increasing repair and maintenance capacities through investment and consortium funding; establishing a database for cable operators to share information on faults, repairs, and delays; and streamlining import/export processes to expedite repairs. Participants agreed to advance these efforts through NATO, U.S.-Nordic-Baltic consultations, and other collaborative platforms to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure.
Vice President Harris delivered remarks at the National Action Network’s Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Legislative Breakfast, praising Reverend Al Sharpton and the organization for their unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. She emphasized that true leadership involves empowering others and recognized NAN’s consistent efforts to speak truth to power and support vulnerable populations.
Harris addressed the disproportionate effects of climate change on communities of color, citing examples such as California wildfires and hurricanes. She urged NAN to amplify these issues and advocate for systemic reforms to address the impacts of extreme weather events. Highlighting the challenges faced by homeowners in disaster-prone areas, she criticized insurance companies for canceling or denying coverage, which often disproportionately affects first-time and minority homeowners. Harris also called attention to the dangers of misinformation during crises, emphasizing the need for reliable, factual communication.
Reflecting on the ongoing fight for civil rights, Harris invoked Dr. King’s teachings, stressing the importance of perseverance and the collective responsibility to pursue justice and dignity. She encouraged resilience, reminding the audience that progress is a long-term effort and urging them to remain steadfast in their advocacy. Concluding her remarks, Harris expressed gratitude for NAN’s work in uplifting underserved communities and wished the audience a blessed and successful year ahead.
President Biden informed Congress of his decision to extend the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14064 (February 11, 2022) regarding Afghanistan's ongoing humanitarian crisis and economic instability. This continuation is necessary due to the ongoing urgent needs of the Afghan population for food security, health services, sanitation, shelter, and economic stability, which pose significant threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy.
Additionally, the President emphasized the importance of preserving certain Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) assets held in U.S. financial institutions, which are currently blocked. These assets are central to addressing the crisis and are also subject to legal claims by victims of terrorism.
As these challenges persist, the national emergency will remain in effect beyond February 11, 2025.
The White House conducted a two-hour Presidential Transition Exercise, led by Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, to prepare the incoming administration professionally and legally. The exercise involved outgoing and incoming Cabinet members discussing homeland security scenarios, such as preventing terrorist attacks and managing public health threats like avian flu. It emphasized the interconnectedness of domestic and global challenges.
Outgoing administration participants included key officials like Secretary of Homeland Security Ali Mayorkas, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Incoming administration nominees included Kristi Noem (Homeland Security), Marco Rubio (State), Pete Hegseth (Defense), and Tulsi Gabbard (National Intelligence). The exercise aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing and ensure preparedness for the incoming team beginning January 20, 2025.
The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) has released its final report, Rising Together, highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments and efforts to support AA and NHPI communities. The report details WHIAANHPI’s activities to increase visibility for these communities, provide crisis support, strengthen pathways to federal employment, and build community capacity. It also includes updates from 29 federal agencies on their progress in implementing action plans as part of the National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AA and NHPI Communities. Furthermore, the report outlines 86 expert-informed, community-centered recommendations from the President’s Advisory Commission, many of which have already been implemented to address systemic barriers within federal policies and programs.
In addition, the report highlights achievements across seven strategic priority areas, such as combating anti-Asian hate, fostering a sense of belonging, advancing data disaggregation, improving language access, supporting COVID-19 recovery, enhancing outreach and engagement, and diversifying the federal workforce. These efforts underscore the administration’s commitment to promoting equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities nationwide.
President Biden issued an Executive Order on January 15, 2025, to amend Executive Order 13894 of 2019, which addresses the national emergency concerning the situation in Syria. These amendments reflect changing conditions on the ground and adjust sanctions and restrictions accordingly. One key change involves removing specific language that referenced Turkey’s military offensive into northeast Syria, signaling a shift toward a broader and more generalized focus on the crisis. Additionally, the criteria for sanctions have been revised. The new provisions target individuals or entities that materially support or provide services to sanctioned persons and those owned, controlled by, or acting on behalf of such individuals or entities. Subsection 8(f) of the original Executive Order is also eliminated without further explanation.
The updated Executive Order includes general provisions to clarify its scope. It does not impair existing legal authorities or create new rights or benefits enforceable by law. Implementation will be consistent with applicable laws and subject to funding availability. This action underscores the administration’s commitment to adapting its response to Syria’s ongoing challenges while ensuring compliance with U.S. legal frameworks.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre held a press briefing to announce the successful negotiation of a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of conflict. This agreement will halt fighting, enable a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and reunite hostages, including Americans, with their families. President Biden and his team, led by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk, played pivotal roles in facilitating these negotiations through relentless diplomacy. The Biden Administration also emphasized its coordination with the incoming Trump Administration to ensure a seamless transition and successful agreement implementation, highlighting the importance of presenting a unified approach.
Jean-Pierre reflected on the administration’s broader humanitarian and diplomatic efforts, including support for Israel and the weakening of Hamas as part of a long-term strategy to foster peace. She underscored the administration’s commitment to diplomacy, acknowledging the complexity of the negotiations. As this was the final press briefing of the Biden Administration, Jean-Pierre also took the opportunity to reflect on her tenure, emphasizing the vital role of a free press in democracy and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
The first phase of the deal, set to begin soon, will see hostages released and humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza, with further details to be shared by Brett McGurk and the National Security Council. Jean-Pierre also noted that President Biden plans to deliver a farewell address to the nation, reflecting on his administration’s accomplishments and offering a vision for the future. The briefing addressed various topics, including the administration's legacy, foreign policy continuity, and questions about credit for the ceasefire deal. Jean-Pierre reiterated the administration’s achievements and expressed optimism about the progress made toward peace and humanitarian relief.