Biden's Presidency: A Four-Year Journey of Challenges
As President Joe Biden's term ends, his presidency leaves behind a complex legacy marked by significant achievements and notable setbacks. From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to implementing ambitious economic policies, Biden's four years in office have reshaped America's political landscape and global standing.
A Presidency Defined by Crisis Management and Economic Recovery
When Joe Biden took office on January 20, 2021, he inherited a nation grappling with multiple crises. The COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, the economy was in turmoil, and political divisions were deepening. Biden's immediate focus was on tackling these challenges head-on.
According to the White House, the Biden administration's COVID-19 response was swift and effective. The president implemented a nationwide vaccination campaign that saw over 200 million Americans fully vaccinated by the end of his first year in office. "We have stared into an abyss of insurrection and autocracy — of pandemic and pain — and 'We the People' did not flinch," Biden declared in his first address to Congress in 2021.
The economic recovery under Biden's leadership has been noteworthy. The U.S. Department of the Treasury reported that the economy added 16.6 million jobs during Biden's tenure, marking the most substantial job creation of any presidential term. CNN reported that unemployment fell to a 53-year low of 3.4% in January 2024.
However, the administration's economic achievements were overshadowed by persistent inflation concerns. According to Gallup, inflation remained a top concern for Americans throughout Biden's presidency, with an average inflation rate of 5.4% per year during his time in office.
Legislative Victories and Policy Initiatives
Biden's presidency saw the passage of several significant pieces of legislation. The American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package, was enacted in March 2021 to combat the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a $1.2 trillion investment in America's infrastructure signed in November 2021. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, represented a significant victory for Biden's climate agenda. As reported by the White House, this legislation is projected to reduce emissions by about one gigaton by 2030, ten times more climate benefit than any other legislation in history. Biden also made strides in healthcare policy. The White House reported that more Americans have health insurance today than ever before, with enrollment in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace increasing significantly during his tenure.
Foreign Policy: Rebuilding Alliances and Facing New Challenges
On the international stage, Biden sought to restore America's global leadership role. He recommitted the U.S. to the Paris Climate Agreement and worked to strengthen NATO alliances. The president also oversaw the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, ending America's longest war. However, Biden's foreign policy faced significant challenges, particularly with the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022. The administration's response included imposing sanctions on Russia and providing substantial military aid to Ukraine. In his final foreign policy speech, Biden stated, "We have emerged from these challenges stronger than we were before."The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict also presented a complex foreign policy challenge in the latter part of Biden's term. The administration's stance of supporting Israel while calling for humanitarian aid in Gaza drew both praise and criticism from various quarters.
Domestic Challenges and Social Issues
Domestically, Biden's presidency was marked by efforts to address long-standing social issues. The administration made strides in promoting racial equity and LGBTQ+ rights. Biden signed executive orders to combat discrimination and appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Gun violence remained a pressing issue throughout Biden's term. While the administration passed the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, critics argued that more comprehensive reform was needed. Immigration policy continued to be a contentious issue. The Biden administration faced criticism for its handling of the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, with record numbers of migrant encounters reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Public Perception and Political Landscape
Despite his administration's achievements, Biden's approval ratings remained relatively low throughout his presidency. Gallup reported that his average job approval rating across his term was 42%, with a final rating of 39% in December 2024. The political landscape shifted during Biden's tenure, with Republicans regaining control of the House of Representatives in the 2022 midterm elections. This divided government led to increased gridlock and challenges in passing legislation in the latter half of Biden's term.
Looking Ahead: Biden's Legacy and America's Future
As Joe Biden prepares to hand over the presidency to his successor, Donald Trump, on January 20, 2025, the debate over his legacy begins. His supporters point to significant legislative achievements, job creation, and a return to more traditional American leadership on the global stage. Critics, however, focus on persistent inflation, immigration challenges, and what they perceive as overreach in areas such as climate policy. In his farewell address, Biden reflected on his time in office: "We have emerged stronger, more prosperous, and more secure." He urged Americans to continue strengthening democracy and addressing the nation's challenges. As the country prepares for a transition of power, the impact of Biden's presidency will continue to be felt in the years to come. The policies implemented, alliances forged, and challenges faced during these four years have set the stage for the next chapter in American politics and global affairs. The Biden presidency, marked by significant accomplishments and persistent challenges, leaves a complex legacy that will be debated and analyzed for years. As America turns the page to a new administration, the effects of Biden's four years in office will continue to shape the nation's economic policy, social justice, and international relations trajectory.