CNN reported that speaking at the International Museum of the African American People in North Charleston on his last day in office on January 19, 2025, President Biden emphasized the historical significance of this place: “Our country is not based on religion, ethnicity or geography, but on the idea that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated fairly throughout our lives. Standing here, we know that this country has never fully achieved that ideal, but we have never given up either.”
President Joe Biden also mentioned Martin Luther King's profound influence on him, especially as the country prepares to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. "His life and legacy shaped so many of the values that I believe in," Biden shared.
First Lady Jill Biden emotionally called South Carolina their “political family.” “You gave us our wings in 2020,” she said, recalling Biden’s landslide victory in the South Carolina primary, thanks to strong support from African-American voters. This victory changed the course of the campaign and made Biden the Democratic presidential nominee.
“So in these final moments of this extraordinary journey, we want to be here with you — our South Carolina family,” Jill Biden added.
As is tradition, President Joe Biden is expected to leave a letter on the Resolute desk in the Oval Office for his successor, President Donald Trump. Four years ago, despite not attending Biden’s inauguration, Trump left a letter that Biden described as “very generous.”
Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden will participate in a number of activities on January 20, including riding together in the presidential limousine to the Capitol for Mr. Donald Trump's inauguration.
