In the latest display of incompetence from the Biden administration, the farewell ceremony at the Department of Defense took the absurdity meter to unprecedented levels. As Joe Biden prepares to leave office, the farewell event was another classic example of how this administration has lost its grip on reality, showcasing everything from confusion to self-congratulation wrapped in a bow of utter farce.
Among the many moments that had onlookers shaking their heads was Biden’s awkward appearance alongside Vice President Kamala Harris. Their relationship has been strained, notably due to Biden’s recent remarks about having won the election if he had stayed in the race. Yet, there they were, awkwardly coupled like two political figures forced to endure an uncomfortable family dinner. Reports indicate that Biden required assistance in navigating the event — perhaps they should have equipped him with a map and a guide dog.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the DoD farewell ceremony:
"President Biden showed the world the strength and resolve that only a democracy can muster…And he also has a secret weapon, because he's not just the President, he's Dr. Jill Biden's husband."
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) January 16, 2025
Once at the podium, Biden delivered a speech that can only be described as a chaotic jumble of mixed signals and slurred words. He lauded the military for embodying values of “honesty, integrity, and commitment,” qualities that he has not consistently exemplified during his presidency. Attempting to discuss geopolitical conflicts, he stumbled through references to Finland and NATO, ultimately losing his train of thought mid-sentence, which is hardly surprising coming from a president known for his verbal mishaps.
Just when it seemed Biden couldn’t possibly make the situation more ridiculous, he made some bizarre claims regarding Israel’s tussle with Iran, insisting that America’s military was defending the nation against unprecedented threats. In a moment of desperation, he also claimed credit for a ceasefire with Hamas, somehow sidelining the role former President Trump played in or facilitating diplomatic discussions. The irony was palpable when Biden emphasized the importance of military personnel remembering their oaths; perhaps a little self-reflection on his own commitments would serve him well.
As if this spectacle weren’t enough, the highlight of the evening included Biden receiving an award for “Distinguished Public Service” from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, despite his catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan that resulted in tragic loss of life and plummeting morale among U.S. forces. Some might say this award resembles an employee giving themselves a gold star for showing up to work, which further demonstrates the absurdity of the celebratory atmosphere. One has to wonder if he had to give a small nod to reality when the announcer mispronounced his name.
To top off the evening’s shenanigans, Jill Biden also received accolades for “supporting military families,” though her lack of enthusiasm during the presentation spoke volumes. Seated in the audience with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff instead of alongside her husband, Jill looked less than impressed. With just four days left in a presidency characterized by chaos, the question remains: is this the best the Biden administration can do? Whatever the answer, it is clear the country is ready to move on from this spectacle.