Joe Biden assumed the presidency on January 20, 2021, becoming the 46th president of the United States. His inauguration marked the culmination of a long and distinguished career in public service, including 36 years as a senator from Delaware and eight years as vice president under Barack Obama. Biden entered office facing a multitude of challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a struggling economy, and deep political divisions within the nation. He prioritized combating the pandemic, signing executive orders related to mask mandates and vaccine distribution. His administration also oversaw the passage of the American Rescue Plan, a significant stimulus package aimed at mitigating the economic fallout of the pandemic.
Beyond the immediate crises, Biden focused on advancing his legislative agenda, which included investments in infrastructure, climate change initiatives, and social programs. He signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a landmark piece of legislation that allocated billions of dollars to improve roads, bridges, and public transportation. His administration also rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change, signaling a renewed commitment to international cooperation on environmental issues. However, Biden faced significant political headwinds, with a narrowly divided Congress and strong opposition from the Republican Party.
In April 2023, Biden announced his intention to seek re-election. However, he ultimately withdrew his candidacy in July 2024, citing concerns about his age and health, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. This decision made him the first sitting president to decline to seek re-election after securing his party’s nomination. His withdrawal followed a period of intense scrutiny regarding his age and performance in the first presidential debate.
As Biden’s term comes to a close, his legacy will be debated for years to come. His supporters point to his efforts to combat the pandemic, his legislative achievements, and his restoration of American leadership on the global stage. His critics, on the other hand, argue that his policies were ineffective and contributed to economic challenges and political polarization. History will ultimately judge the impact of his presidency on the United States and the world. As of today, December 18, 2024, Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election and is set to succeed Biden on January 20, 2025.
