Politics

Who Was in Oval Office to Support Biden as He Made Farewell Address Revealed

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

The president had a few supporters listening in–and it wasn’t just wife Jill.

President Joe Biden looks on after he delivered his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House on January 15, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Pool/Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

President Joe Biden found support at the Oval Office in second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice-President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden, and son Hunter with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden as he delivered his farewell address to the nation Wednesday night. Pictures released by Getty show Biden’s supporters sitting off-camera as the 82-year-old delivered his speech, which warned of an “oligarchy” that “threatens our entire democracy.” He talked of the dangers of social media and technology and without naming Donald Trump, blamed the dangers ahead on a “very few, ultra-wealthy people.” At one point, Emhoff could be be seen hand-in-hand with Jill. Harris and Emhoff have kept a relatively low profile since Harris’ November 2024 election loss. In an interview published hours earlier in The Washington Post, meanwhile, Jill Biden spoke of her relationship with Nancy Pelosi and the role Pelosi played in Biden’s exit. “We were friends for 50 years,” she told the Post. “It was disappointing.”

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice-President Kamala Harris, First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden listen to US President Joe Biden (off frame) as he delivers his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House on January 15, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice-President Kamala Harris, First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden listen to US President Joe Biden (off frame) as he delivers his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House on January 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Pool/Mandel Ngan/Getty Images