President Joe Biden – The Final Week As The 46th President of the United States
By Tiffany Williams –
As Monday ushers in the final week of Joe Biden’s presidency as the 46th President of the United States, significant diplomatic and domestic engagements mark his schedule.
Over the weekend, President Biden engaged in a critical telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders focused on the pressing matters of ongoing negotiations taking place in Doha, aimed at securing a much-needed ceasefire and facilitating the release of hostages. These discussions referenced the framework established in the arrangement from May 27, 2024, which had not only been outlined by President Biden last year but had also received unanimous endorsement from the UN Security Council. The conversation further delved into the transformative regional dynamics that have emerged following a ceasefire deal in Lebanon, the recent downfall of the Assad regime in Syria, and the observed diminishment of Iran’s influence in the region.
During their discussion, President Biden underscored the urgent necessity for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of returning hostages safely and increasing humanitarian aid—conditions that hinge upon halting hostilities in the region.
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his deep appreciation to President Biden for his support of Israel, highlighting military and economic assistance provided by the United States to bolster Israel’s security and national defense throughout Biden’s tenure.
Later on Sunday afternoon, President Biden convened a briefing with essential federal officials to review ongoing efforts to combat wildfires that have been ravaging Los Angeles. This briefing involved key figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, FEMA Region 9’s Regional Administrator Bob Fenton, Chief Randy Moore from the U.S. Forest Service, and White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients. The discussion centered around how federal resources directed by the President are aiding both state and local responses to this escalating crisis.
In a show of empathy and commitment, President Biden also took the time to connect on Sunday with the families of Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmoud Habibi—three Americans who have been in Taliban custody in Afghanistan since 2022. During these heartfelt conversations, the President reiterated the U.S. government’s ongoing dedication to reuniting these individuals with their families. He highlighted his administration’s steadfast commitment to the challenge of securing the release of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. Over the past four years, President Biden has successfully facilitated the release of over 75 Americans worldwide, rescuing individuals from countries such as Burma, China, Gaza, Haiti, Iran, Russia, Rwanda, Venezuela, and West Africa. Notably, Biden ensured that all Americans detained in Afghanistan were brought home before the military withdrawal in August 2021.
In addition, President Biden engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru of Japan and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, reinforcing collaboration within the Indo-Pacific region. This dialogue was a follow-up to a historic trilateral summit that took place in April 2024 at the White House. During this meeting, the three leaders focused on enhancing trilateral cooperation in maritime security and economic initiatives, addressing the concerning and unlawful actions of the People’s Republic of China in the South China Sea. They all agreed on the necessity for continuous coordination to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
As President Biden enters his final week in office, he is set to deliver a significant foreign policy address at the State Department, where he will reflect on and highlight the achievements of his administration in fortifying America’s role on the global stage. Following this address, he will lead a briefing for senior White House and administration officials regarding the comprehensive federal response to the wildfires devastating Los Angeles, with Vice President Harris in attendance.
On Tuesday, President Biden plans to celebrate his administration’s historic conservation legacy during remarks at the White House, where he will also sign proclamations to establish two significant national monuments: the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in California.
Wednesday night will be particularly poignant, as the President will deliver his Farewell Address to the Nation, a reflection on his time in office and the challenges faced. The following day, Thursday, he and First Lady Jill Biden will attend the Department of Defense’s Commander in Chief Farewell Ceremony, a traditional event honoring the outgoing president. Finally, on Friday, as the week draws to a close, President Biden will speak at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, sharing his perspectives and insights with municipal leaders from across the country.
