On his final day in office, Biden vowed at a South Carolina church: "I'm not leaving."

On his final full day in office, President Biden addresses a Charleston congregation, stating that he is not tired.

On his final day in office, Biden vowed at a South Carolina church: "I'm not leaving."
On his final day in office, Biden vowed at a South Carolina church: "I'm not leaving."

On Sunday, President Biden pledged to remain active in public life after leaving the White House, stating to a South Carolina church congregation, "I won't disappear."

On his final day in office, Biden journeyed to Charleston, South Carolina, to deliver a speech at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church, marking Martin Luther King Day early.

Biden boasted about issuing more commutations and individual pardons than any other president in American history, and he also expressed his aspiration to end the federal death penalty by commuting most sentences to life in prison without parole. The president also commuted the sentences of individuals serving disproportionately hard, long, and harsh sentences for nonviolent drug offenses and showed mercy for individuals who did their time or served a significant amount of time and "have shown significant remorse and rehabilitation."

Biden speaks at South Carolina church
President Biden speaks during a church service at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, South Carolina, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

"Redeeming the soul of this nation is a challenging and ongoing process."

"Biden stated, "This is the shore between danger and opportunity. However, faith teaches us that the America of our dreams is always within reach. We must hold onto this hope and remain engaged. We must always have faith in a brighter future to come." He added, "I am not leaving. I am not joking... The people of South Carolina, thank you for your faith. It has been an honor to serve as your president.""

Biden on last full day in office at South Carolina church sitting in pew
President Biden, first lady Jill Biden and Rep. James Clyburn attend a service at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

"As I conclude this journey with you, my passion for our work remains unwavering, just as it did when I was 29 years old and got elected," Biden stated. "I am not at all fatigued."

Biden must return to Washington, D.C., for the Trump inauguration ceremony on Monday, as he turned 82 in November.

Biden's poor debate performance against Trump in the summer led to concerns within the Democratic Party about his age and mental fitness, prompting him to suspend his re-election campaign.

Biden sits with congregation in Charleston church
"It's been the honor of my life to serve as your president," President Biden told a congregation in North Charleston, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

In November, Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, who led the Democratic ticket in Biden's absence.

Biden, 78, was the oldest U.S. president when he was sworn into office four years ago. Trump, 78, will surpass that record by a few months on Monday.

On Sunday, Biden issued pardons to five individuals, including political activist and Black nationalist Marcus Garvey.

by Danielle Wallace

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