President Biden Ends Presidency With a Curtain Call and Quip: “I’ll See Y’all in Therapy”

By Kent Williams, Political Correspondent

January 19, 2025

In an unexpected and memorable farewell, President Joe Biden concluded his presidency Sunday with a move that left both pundits and the public talking. During a ceremony at the White House marking the formal end of his term, Biden stepped off the stage, disappearing behind a curtain, and delivered a quip that has already become iconic:

“It’s been fun, folks. I’ll see y’all in therapy.”

The moment came at the close of a brief speech in which Biden reflected on his time in office, highlighting his administration’s accomplishments, expressing gratitude to his team and the American people, and acknowledging the challenges the nation has faced. His remarks were largely serious in tone—until the surprising conclusion.

An Unscripted Exit

As the 46th president turned to leave, the audience—composed of staff, dignitaries, and family members—expected a formal walk offstage. Instead, Biden veered slightly to his right, disappearing behind a heavy red curtain, microphone still in hand. Then came the line, met with audible laughter, gasps, and applause from the gathered crowd.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later confirmed that the unscripted remark was “pure Biden,” showcasing his trademark mix of humor and relatability. “It was his way of saying goodbye on his own terms,” she told reporters. “He wanted to leave people with a smile and a sense of authenticity.”

Public Reaction

Social media quickly lit up with reactions to the moment. Supporters celebrated it as a lighthearted and human way to close an often-contentious presidency, while critics viewed it as unorthodox and overly casual for such a formal occasion.

#TherapyWithJoe began trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours, with users sharing memes, reaction videos, and even therapy-themed playlists inspired by the president’s final words.

Some public figures weighed in as well. Comedian Trevor Noah called it “a mic drop for the ages,” while Senator Josh Hawley tweeted, “Is this leadership? Unbelievable.”

A Presidency of Highs and Lows

Biden’s tenure, which began with promises of unity and recovery, saw notable successes, including landmark climate legislation, infrastructure investments, and a historic expansion of health care access. However, his presidency was not without its struggles, including persistent inflation, a contentious withdrawal from Afghanistan, and polarized reactions to his administration’s handling of immigration and COVID-19 policies.

Historians are already debating how Biden’s presidency will be remembered, with many agreeing that his humor and candidness have been defining traits.

What’s Next for Biden?

While Biden has not announced specific plans for his post-presidency, those close to him suggest he intends to remain active in public life, focusing on initiatives related to cancer research and mental health—a cause he highlighted in his farewell remarks.

As for the now-infamous therapy comment, it remains unclear whether Biden meant it literally or figuratively. Either way, the departing president has once again managed to leave an indelible mark, ensuring his farewell will be talked about for years to come.

And with that, the curtain has closed on the Biden presidency—both literally and figuratively.