Joe Biden’s tenure as US president began on January 20, 2021, following his victory in the 2020 presidential election over Donald Trump. He became the oldest president in history and took office amid a tumultuous backdrop of a pandemic, economic crisis, and increased political polarization.
On his first day, Biden restored US participation in the Paris Agreement and revoked Keystone XL pipeline permits. He issued executive orders to combat the pandemic and signed major legislation like the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Key Domestic Policies
Biden proposed expanding the social safety net through the Build Back Better Act but failed to pass it in Congress. He signed the Inflation Reduction Act, which included climate provisions and tax credits for solar panels. Other significant domestic legislation includes gun control laws, the CHIPS and Science Act, and expanding healthcare for US veterans.
Appointments and Initiatives
Biden appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court and established the American Climate Corps. He focused on economic recovery, low unemployment, and record job creation. Biden’s presidency was marked by high approval ratings initially but fell after the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021.
Foreign Policy
Biden aimed to restore US leadership among global democracies and addressed challenges posed by Russia and China. He signed AUKUS, supported NATO expansion with Finland and Sweden, and approved drone strikes against Al-Qaeda leaders. Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election due to low popularity and concerns over his age and health.
Key Events
Biden oversaw a large prisoner exchange in 2024 and began his term with high approval ratings. His presidency was marked by economic recovery, low unemployment, and record job creation. Biden won the 2020 presidential election, defeating Donald Trump, and was sworn in as president on January 20, 2021.
Healthcare and Pandemic Response
Biden’s inaugural address highlighted his vision to unite the nation amidst a pandemic, economic strife, climate change, and racial injustice. He called for an end to the ‘uncivil war’ and urged Americans to come together in embracing diversity. The administration released a 200-page document titled ‘National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness.’
Economic Policies
Biden’s economic record was praised, with record low unemployment leading to growth in wages at the lower end of the wage distribution as workers had more bargaining power. The expansion of the Affordable Care Act, the child tax credit, $1400 stimulus checks, and the expansion of SNAP benefits also boosted balance sheets for low and middle-income Americans.
Climate Initiatives
Biden’s administration focused on climate initiatives, including rejoining the Paris Agreement and canceling the Keystone XL pipeline. He signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, a domestic spending bill that includes investments in clean energy production, combating climate change, and healthcare.
Immigration
Biden’s administration took steps to address immigration issues, including delivering record budget allocations for border security and $4 billion to Central American countries. The U.S. government also halted construction of the US-Mexico barrier, ended Trump’s national emergency, and reinstated protections for DACA recipients.
Racial Equality
Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday, signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act into law, pardoned past federal marijuana possession charges, and signed the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. The United States Department of Agriculture unveiled efforts to prevent anti-LGBT discrimination in food programs.
Defense
Biden’s defense policies included signing H.R. 335 into law on January 22, 2021, and confirming Lloyd Austin as Defense Secretary. He visited the Pentagon for the first time on February 10, 2021, and announced a China task force.
Relations with Russia
Biden condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, announcing new sanctions and personally sanctioning Putin and Lavrov. He asked Congress for additional aid, including $33 billion, which was passed by the House in May 2022.
Relations with China
Biden met with Putin in Geneva, Switzerland on June 16, 2021. The two presidents discussed various topics including climate change, nuclear proliferation, and cybersecurity before meeting for a summit on issues concerning Russia’s activities in Ukraine, Belarus, and other countries.
Relations with Israel
Biden gave Ukraine permission to strike targets inside Russia using American-supplied weapons in May 2024. A convoy of Russian troops was destroyed by US-supplied HIMARS rocket system on August 9, 2024. Biden met with Israeli leaders and promised $14.3 billion in emergency military aid to Israel.
Investigations
Biden’s presidency faced investigations from special counsel and Congress. The special counsel investigation found that the evidence does not establish Mr. Biden’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Congressional investigations fizzled out by April 2024.
Elections During the Biden Presidency
The 2022 midterm elections saw Democrats expand their Senate majority while Republicans took control of the House of Representatives. This was largely attributed to a backlash against the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. In the 2024 elections, Biden suspended his campaign on July 21, 2024, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s presidency was marked by significant achievements and challenges. From economic recovery to climate initiatives, from foreign policy to domestic reforms, his tenure saw both progress and setbacks. Despite initial high approval ratings, his popularity declined over time due to various factors including the Afghanistan withdrawal and economic issues. Biden’s legacy will be remembered for his efforts in uniting a divided nation, addressing critical global challenges, and pushing for social and environmental reforms. His presidency set the stage for future administrations to build upon his initiatives and continue the work of creating a more equitable and sustainable world.
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