[Summary] Biden Criticizes 'Dictator Putin' in 62-Minute State of the Union Address... Also Mentions Inflation Solutions

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina, Reporter Kim Hyunjung] U.S. President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address began by condemning Russia, which invaded Ukraine, with the statement "Freedom always defeats dictatorship" and ended by calling for "One America."

During the first significant portion of the approximately one-hour-long address, President Biden delivered pointed criticism toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. He declared that dictators must pay the price for aggression and announced additional sanctions, including banning Russian aircraft from flying in U.S. airspace.

Additionally, with the November midterm elections approaching, President Biden described the inflation issue in the U.S., which is at its highest level in 40 years, as the "top priority." He revealed plans to reduce inflationary pressures by shifting overseas supply chains to domestic production to fundamentally enhance production capacity.

◆Criticism of Putin in First State of the Union... Additional Sanctions to Further Isolate Russia

President Biden delivered his first State of the Union address since taking office on the night of the 1st (local time) from 9:08 PM to 10:10 PM at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Unlike last year, when the pandemic caused division, Biden opened by saying that this year they could unite, stating "Freedom always defeats dictatorship," and immediately condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He said, "Six days ago, President Putin thought he could threaten the free world and shake its foundations," adding, "He was wrong." He went on to say that Putin believed the world would be overturned by the invasion of Ukraine but "faced a wall of strength he never expected or imagined," and "he met the Ukrainian people."

Targeting President Putin directly, Biden emphasized that "if dictators do not pay the price for aggression, they cause more chaos," and pledged to continue additional sanctions. He said, "The free world is now holding him accountable," and "President Putin is now isolated from the world," mentioning South Korea alongside the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, Japan, and neutral Switzerland, all of which are participating in sanctions against Russia.

Furthermore, he announced additional sanctions aimed at further isolating Russia, including banning Russian aircraft from U.S. airspace and forming a dedicated task force to investigate crimes by Russian oligarchs. President Biden said, "We will find and seize your yachts, luxury apartments, and private jets," calling such assets "profits obtained through illicit means."

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Local media reported that it is very unusual for a president’s State of the Union address to focus on foreign affairs from the start. Early in the speech, President Biden introduced Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., who was invited to the event, saying, "Light will overcome darkness." When Biden called to "stand up and send a signal to the world and Ukraine," standing ovations followed inside the Capitol. Many attendees wore blue and yellow clothing symbolizing the Ukrainian flag or held flags. When Biden repeated, "We stand with Ukraine," applause erupted again. Markarova’s attendance was interpreted as an expression of solidarity with Ukraine.

However, President Biden reaffirmed that he would not send U.S. troops directly to Ukraine. He said, "Our troops will not engage Russian forces in Ukraine, nor will we intervene in the conflict." He mentioned that U.S. ground forces, air squadrons, and naval vessels have been deployed to NATO countries including Poland, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia to protect them, stating, "The U.S. and its allies will defend every inch of NATO territory." He added that the U.S. and its allies have provided over $1 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

◆Concerns Over Sharp Rise in Oil and Commodity Prices: "U.S. Will Use All Means to Protect Businesses and Consumers"

President Biden addressed the sharp rise in oil prices caused by the invasion of Ukraine, stating that the U.S. will use all available means to protect American businesses and consumers. This statement is interpreted as an appeal to voters sensitive to living costs ahead of the November midterm elections. Concerns have been growing that intensified sanctions against Russia could further drive up inflation in the U.S.

Biden said, "I know the news may seem unsettling to all Americans, but we will be okay," mentioning that the U.S., South Korea, and other International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries agreed to release 60 million barrels of emergency reserves for the first time in 11 years. He emphasized, "We are using every tool at our disposal to protect American businesses and consumers," adding, "The U.S. will lead this effort by releasing 30 million barrels from our emergency reserves." He further stated, "We are prepared to take more action with our allies if necessary."

He said, "These measures will help lower gasoline prices," and emphasized, "When history is written about this era, President Putin’s war on Ukraine will have weakened Russia and strengthened the rest of the world."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

In particular, President Biden mentioned the inflation issue in the U.S., which is at its highest level in 40 years, calling it the "top priority." He said, "My top priority is to control prices," adding, "One way to fight inflation is to lower wages and make Americans poorer, but I have a better plan," calling it "building a better America."

First, President Biden emphasized, "Reduce costs, not wages. Make more cars and semiconductors in America." He also mentioned the need for more infrastructure, innovation, and faster, cheaper movement of goods within the U.S. He stressed, "Instead of relying on overseas supply chains, do it in America."

President Biden said economists call this "increasing the productive capacity of the economy," but he would call it "building a better America." He added, "My plan to fight inflation will lower your costs and reduce deficits," and "Seventeen Nobel Prize-winning economists say my plan will reduce inflationary pressures in the long term."

◆"Reached a New Phase in the Fight Against COVID-19"... Remarks Targeting Competition with China

Regarding COVID-19, he assessed that the U.S. has reached a new phase. President Biden said, "Tonight, I can say we are safely returning to a more normal life," emphasizing, "We have reached a new phase in the fight against COVID-19."

He said, "For more than two years, COVID-19 has affected every decision in our lives and the life of this country, and now we know people are tired, frustrated, and exhausted," mentioning that under new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more Americans may choose not to wear masks.

President Biden also said, "Starting next week, Americans will be able to receive more free COVID-19 test kits from the federal government," and "Offices will reopen so remote workers can safely return." He explained, "Seventy-five percent of adult Americans are fully vaccinated, and hospitalizations have decreased by 77%, so most Americans can safely remove masks, return to work, stay in classrooms, and move about safely."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Along with this, President Biden highlighted the achievements of last year’s landmark infrastructure bill, saying, "America has the best roads, bridges, and airports on the planet. Our infrastructure ranks 13th in the world."

He continued with remarks about China, saying, "This will transform America and be the path to winning the economic competition we face globally in the 21st century, including with China." He warned, "As I told Chinese President Xi Jinping, betting against the American people is never a 'good choice.'"

Regarding future industries and jobs, he said, "We must create a playing field where we can compete with China and other competitors," urging the passage of the U.S. Competition Act. President Biden introduced Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel, who was invited to the State of the Union, emphasizing that Intel will invest $20 billion to build semiconductor chip manufacturing facilities in Ohio. He said Intel plans to expand its investment to $100 billion, calling it "one of the largest manufacturing investments in U.S. history." He added, "What they are waiting for is the passage of the bill," urging lawmakers to pass legislation to enable expanded corporate investment.

Additionally, President Biden announced plans to reduce taxes for low-income households while raising taxes on high-income earners and corporations. While a significant portion of the speech was devoted to sanctions against Russia and the Ukraine situation, other diplomatic issues were not adequately addressed, according to local media. Regarding Afghanistan, which is cited as one of the reasons for Biden’s sharp drop in approval ratings, only brief mention was made of support for U.S. military veterans. He also paid tribute to retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who announced his retirement last month.

Near the end of his speech, President Biden said, "Today, we are stronger than we were a year ago. And we will be stronger a year from now," emphasizing "Now is the time to face and overcome the challenges of our era" and stressing "One America."

CSPAN reported that Biden’s 62-minute State of the Union address was the shortest since President George W. Bush’s 47-minute and 50-second address in 2002. Former President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union in 2018 lasted 80 minutes and 32 seconds, and President Barack Obama’s 2010 address lasted 69 minutes and 20 seconds.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.