Presidents shape the historical narratives of their time, leaving legacies that endure through their policies, personalities, and the sociopolitical climates they create. Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, holds a unique place in history as both Donald Trump’s successor and, in many ways, a response to the Trump era. However, history may ultimately define Biden not as a standalone figure but as a reflection of the tumultuous and transformative presidency of Donald Trump. From their radically different approaches to governance to the overlapping crises of their tenures, Biden’s presidency risks becoming a footnote in the larger, more disruptive history of Trump’s time in office.
The Overpowering Shadow of Trump’s Presidency
Donald Trump’s first presidency (2017–2021) was a seismic event in American politics. His unconventional leadership style, relentless media presence, and unapologetic reshaping of American norms created an enduring political and cultural divide. Whether through policies like tax reform, judicial appointments, or the U.S.-Mexico border wall, or controversies such as the Russia investigation and the January 6 Capitol attack, Trump dominated the national and international discourse.
Biden’s presidency emerged directly as a response to the chaos and disruption of the Trump years. Running on promises of “unity,” “decency,” and a “return to normalcy,” Biden’s campaign was explicitly framed as a repudiation of Trump’s leadership. Yet, this positioning also tethered Biden’s identity to Trump’s shadow. His presidency began not as an independent political vision but as a counterweight to his predecessor.
Policy Reversals and Continuity
Biden’s administration pursued a series of sweeping policy reversals aimed at dismantling Trump’s legacy. From rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement to overturning the so-called “Muslim ban,” Biden signaled his intent to distance the United States from Trump’s nationalist and isolationist policies. Yet, in critical areas such as foreign policy and immigration enforcement, Biden’s policies often mirrored or extended Trump’s approaches. For instance, Biden maintained Trump’s tariffs on China and struggled to manage the U.S.-Mexico border crisis.
These continuities illustrate a broader theme: Biden’s presidency has been shaped as much by Trump’s agenda as by his own. While Biden has sought to present himself as a restorer of stability, his administration has been forced to grapple with issues amplified by Trump, including inflation, geopolitical tensions, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Biden’s Political Vulnerabilities
One reason Biden’s legacy risks being overshadowed by Trump is his political vulnerability. Biden’s approval ratings consistently trailed Trump’s over comparable periods, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with issues like inflation, crime, and border security. Despite significant legislative achievements—such as the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act—Biden struggled to connect with voters on a personal level or to project the transformative vision many expected.
In contrast, Trump remained a magnetic figure in American politics, commanding loyalty from his base and reshaping the Republican Party. Whether through his influence on the judiciary or his enduring impact on political norms, Trump’s legacy loomed large, even during Biden’s tenure. This imbalance underscored the challenge of Biden’s presidency: to govern effectively while constantly responding to the political aftershocks of Trump’s era.
Historical Memory and Trump’s Narrative
The way history remembers Biden’s presidency will also depend on Trump’s ability to control the narrative of his own legacy. Trump’s mastery of media, his ongoing influence in the Republican Party, and his ability to present himself as both a disruptor and a victim have ensured that his presidency remains a central point of political discourse. By contrast, Biden’s more understated approach has struggled to achieve the same historical resonance.
If Trump’s presidency is remembered as a defining moment in the realignment of American politics, Biden’s role as his successor may be viewed more as an interlude than an independent chapter. Even Biden’s most significant achievements—such as his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout—are often contextualized in comparison to Trump’s earlier policies.
While Joe Biden’s presidency has undoubtedly left its mark on the United States, his historical significance is inextricably tied to the legacy of Donald Trump. As a president defined as much by what he opposed as by what he accomplished, Biden risks being remembered less for his own vision and more as a footnote in the broader narrative of Trump’s transformative and polarizing era. History will ultimately judge both presidencies, but the overwhelming dominance of Trump’s influence—politically, culturally, and institutionally—may ensure that Biden’s legacy is forever overshadowed by the man he sought to replace.
