When Joe Biden took office as the 46th President of the United States in January 2021, he pledged to restore hope, stability, and democracy after a tumultuous period in American history. With the Capitol riots fresh in memory, Biden proclaimed, “Together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear.” Nearly four years later, his legacy stands at a crossroads. How will history remember President Joe Biden? This article examines the successes, failures, and lasting impact of Joe Biden’s presidency, balancing expert perspectives and public opinion.
President Joe Biden’s time in office has been a defining period in recent U.S. history, characterized by significant achievements, persistent challenges, and polarizing debates. From tackling inflation and economic recovery to spearheading transformative infrastructure and innovation policies, Biden’s presidency has left a complex legacy. His tenure included notable legislative successes, such as the CHIPS and Science Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, but also faced criticism for economic struggles, including rising national debt and uneven job recovery. On the international stage, Biden’s leadership was marked by a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and decisive support for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia.
Domestically, issues like immigration reform, healthcare initiatives, and student loan forgiveness brought both praise and scrutiny. Meanwhile, his age and the controversial decision to pardon his son Hunter raised questions about leadership and ethics. As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election approaches, Biden’s presidency invites comparisons to past leaders and fuels discussions about his legacy—a mix of transformative achievements and contentious decisions that will continue to shape America’s trajectory.
Joe Biden was elected president on November 3rd 2020, and was inaugurated President of the United States on 20th January 2021.
Economic Challenges: Inflation and National Debt
President Joe Biden’s tenure has been defined by significant economic challenges, with inflation and the growing national debt dominating headlines. Persistent inflation, exacerbated by expansive federal spending, has been a major concern for voters and economists alike. The Consumer Price Index increased by nearly 20% during his presidency, outpacing wage growth and leaving American families struggling to make ends meet. According to the House Budget Committee, under Biden, the U.S. national debt soared to $34.73 trillion—an increase of $6.97 trillion since he took office. Interest payments on this debt have skyrocketed, now surpassing defense spending.
Economists remain divided on the causes of inflation. While external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions played a role, critics argue that Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan overheated the economy. “Runaway spending has prolonged inflation,” notes conservative economist Larry Summers, who had warned of these risks early in Biden’s term. Supporters of the president’s policies, however, argue that these measures were necessary to prevent a deeper recession and aid recovery efforts.
Biden’s administration also faced scrutiny for the uneven recovery of the labor market. While the unemployment rate decreased, the labor force participation rate—at 62.5%—remained below pre-pandemic levels. This meant that millions of Americans were either unable or unwilling to return to the workforce, creating a mixed picture of economic progress.
Legislative Achievements: Infrastructure and Innovation
Despite economic challenges, President Biden’s presidency achieved notable legislative milestones that could shape America’s future. His administration secured bipartisan support for the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which focused on modernizing America’s aging infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and broadband access. The CHIPS and Science Act invested hundreds of billions in semiconductor manufacturing and technological research, aiming to bolster U.S. competitiveness against China and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
These accomplishments drew praise from across the aisle. “The CHIPS Act is a long-term investment in American innovation,” remarked Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer. Similarly, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell conceded, “The infrastructure bill addresses critical needs neglected for decades.” Biden’s achievements in infrastructure and innovation have positioned the U.S. to better compete in a rapidly changing global economy, earning him recognition as a forward-thinking leader in these areas.
Foreign Policy: Afghanistan and Ukraine
Joe Biden’s foreign policy legacy is a study in contrasts, marked by moments of decisive action and significant controversy. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 became one of the most scrutinized events of his presidency. While Biden defended the decision as necessary to end America’s “forever war,” critics across the political spectrum lambasted the disorganized evacuation, which left allies vulnerable and tarnished America’s global reputation. “The execution of the withdrawal overshadowed its strategic rationale,” observed columnist Ross Douthat.
Conversely, Biden’s handling of the war in Ukraine garnered more favorable reviews. His administration rallied NATO allies, imposed sweeping economic sanctions on Russia, and provided billions in military aid to Ukraine. “Biden’s leadership has been pivotal in uniting the West against Russian aggression,” said foreign policy expert Anne Applebaum. However, some argue that his administration missed opportunities for early negotiations, potentially prolonging the conflict. The balance between supporting Ukraine and avoiding direct U.S. involvement has been a delicate act, leaving mixed reviews about Biden’s approach.
Biden’s foreign policy also extended to strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific. Through initiatives like the AUKUS security pact with Australia and the United Kingdom, his administration aimed to counter China’s growing influence in the region. These efforts underscore Biden’s strategic focus on maintaining U.S. dominance on the global stage.
Immigration and Border Policy
President Biden’s approach to immigration has been another contentious issue. Promising a more humane system than his predecessor, Biden faced record-high unauthorized border crossings during his first three years. His administration’s initial leniency was criticized by Republicans as a signal to migrants to attempt the dangerous journey north. Conversely, progressives argued that Biden failed to deliver on promises to reform immigration policies and protect vulnerable populations.
By late 2023, efforts to address the border crisis, including stricter enforcement measures and increased resources for border security, came too late to satisfy public or political demands. “The administration’s delay in addressing border issues weakened public confidence,” noted immigration analyst Theresa Brown.
Health and Education Policies
Biden’s health care initiatives included capping insulin prices at $15 per shot and expanding Medicare benefits. While these policies were praised for improving accessibility, critics argued they imposed new costs on insurers and taxpayers. Additionally, the looming insolvency of the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund highlighted the need for broader systemic reforms, which Biden’s administration did not fully address.
On education, Biden’s ambitious student loan forgiveness plan faced significant legal challenges, with the Supreme Court striking down key provisions. “Debt forgiveness shifts the burden to working-class taxpayers,” noted policy analyst Betsy DeVos. The administration’s efforts to reduce education costs sparked debate about fairness and fiscal responsibility, leaving this as a polarizing aspect of Biden’s presidency.
The Age Question and Public Perception
At 81, Joe Biden’s age and cognitive acuity have been persistent topics of public debate. Public gaffes and a perceived lack of vigor fueled concerns about his ability to lead. A 2024 Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans rated his presidency as “below average” or “poor,” with age cited as a primary factor. “Biden’s age became a metaphor for a party struggling to rejuvenate its leadership,” noted historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.
These concerns were compounded by Biden’s decision to seek reelection, despite earlier suggestions that he would serve as a “bridge” to a new generation of leaders. His eventual withdrawal from the race came too late to unify his party, contributing to internal divisions and weakening the Democrats’ electoral prospects.
Ethics and the Hunter Biden Controversy
The president’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, after federal convictions on gun and tax charges, sparked bipartisan outrage. Democratic Senator Michael Bennet criticized the move, stating, “It erodes public trust in the justice system.” The pardon underscored broader concerns about ethics and accountability in the Biden administration, overshadowing his pledge to restore integrity to the White House.
Biden’s 2024 Decision and Legacy
Initially pledging to be a “bridge” to a new generation of leaders, Biden’s decision to seek reelection divided Democrats. As columnist Carlos Lozada noted, “Instead of transitioning, Biden sought to transform—a miscalculation that cost his party dearly in 2024.” Ultimately, Biden’s withdrawal from the race came too late to unify his party against a resurgent Donald Trump.
Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, in the 2024 Election.
Comparing Biden to Past Presidents
Biden’s presidency invites comparisons to one-term leaders like Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush. Like Carter, Biden grappled with inflation and foreign crises, while his legislative accomplishments mirror Bush’s measured governance. Whether Biden’s legacy aligns more with Carter’s struggles or Bush’s statesmanship remains a question for historians.
The Future of Biden’s Legacy
Ultimately, Joe Biden’s legacy will depend on how his policies and decisions are viewed in hindsight. His legislative achievements could gain recognition if they contribute to long-term economic and environmental resilience. However, his presidency’s perceived failures—from Afghanistan to inflation—will weigh heavily in the near term.
As political historian Michael Beschloss observed, “Presidential legacies evolve over decades. Biden’s may be judged more favorably as time tempers immediate critiques.” Whether seen as a transitional leader or a missed opportunity, President Joe Biden’s impact on America’s trajectory will be studied for years to come.
