In an intimate conversation with “Good Morning America” First Lady Jill Biden offered insights into her and President Joe Biden’s tenure in the White House and his decision to withdraw from the 2024 Presidential race.
The discussion, led by ABC News’ Deborah Roberts, provided a look into the couple’s public service trajectory and their future plans.
“I’ve had such a great four years,” Jill Biden informed Roberts during their tour of the White House, stating it had been a privilege of their lives and parting would be challenging. She confessed they would be “starting a new chapter of our lives. A new journey.”
Looking back on more than 50 years in politics, Jill Biden conveyed that both she and her husband are prepared for the journey ahead. “We’ve been in politics for over 50 years. I think we’re ready for the new journey,” she added. “It was the right call.”
The president’s decision to bow out of the race was significant. In July, following escalating concerns about his age and a much-debated performance against ex-President Donald Trump, Joe Biden announced he wouldn’t seek reelection. He communicated this to the nation in a sincere letter, asserting that stepping down was in the best interest of the Democratic Party and the nation.
This decision followed months of conjecture, and his allies and Democratic leaders expressed appreciation for his leadership and selflessness. Joe Biden became the first sitting president since Lyndon B. Johnson to not pursue a reelection bid.
Throughout the interview, Jill Biden also touched on her initiatives, such as a revamped White House tour she led. The interactive tour aims to offer visitors a more profound understanding of the presidency and American democracy. “I wanted people to learn about the history of this incredible building and what it represents,” she expressed, highlighting her passion for education, a key theme of her tenure as First Lady. The enhanced tour includes new digital displays, touchable artifacts, and entry to iconic rooms like the China Room.
As the Bidens prepare to depart from the White House, they are evidently reflective but focused on the path ahead. After years of public service, they view this next chapter as a chance to step back from the limelight while still contributing to causes they cherish.
Joe Biden leaves the White House with many accomplishments. In what marks the most ambitious climate agenda in U.S. history, the Biden administration has orchestrated unprecedented investments in clean energy while creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs across America’s energy sector.
The administration’s signature achievement, the Inflation Reduction Act, represents the largest climate legislation ever enacted in U.S. history, committing the nation to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% by 2030. “The Biden administration has taken unprecedented action on climate change, setting ambitious goals and policies to transition the U.S. to a 100% clean energy economy,” noted the American Progress report.
Under Biden’s leadership, the administration has spurred a manufacturing renaissance in clean energy, creating over 271,000 new clean energy jobs. The commitment to environmental justice has been paramount, with initiatives directing at least 40% of climate investments to disadvantaged communities.
In April 2024, the administration secured $7 billion in grants through the EPA’s Solar for All program, which will provide residential solar power to more than 900,000 low-income households, resulting in projected annual savings of $350 million for these families. The launch of the American Climate Corps, inspired by the Civilian Conservation Corps, will employ over 20,000 young Americans in climate-related projects.
The administration’s climate achievements extend beyond domestic borders. “The Biden administration has worked to restore American leadership at the UN and address global challenges that require international cooperation,” stated a White House report, highlighting the restoration of U.S.-China climate diplomacy and securing the first global consensus to transition away from fossil fuels.
First Lady Jill Biden has focused on education initiatives, announcing that 34 states and Washington, DC now have free community college programs, a significant increase from approximately 50 programs when the administration launched the America’s College Promise Initiative in 2015.
U.S. energy transition spending reached a record $303 billion in 2022, though additional investment will be needed to meet net-zero emissions goals. The administration has also invested $3.5 billion in carbon dioxide removal projects and implemented new standards to cut methane emissions.
The administration has protected over 41 million acres of lands and waters, including establishing new national monuments and wildlife refuges.
“I’ve been fortunate to be part of something truly historic,” Jill Biden concluded. “But now, it’s time for something new.”
