President Joe Biden’s presidency, which began on January 20, 2021, has been marked by numerous challenges, key legislative efforts, and significant policy initiatives. Here’s an overview of major aspects that have defined his term so far:
COVID-19 Response and Public Health
One of Biden’s earliest priorities was addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, which was still in full swing when he took office. His administration pushed for an aggressive vaccination campaign, which helped vaccinate millions of Americans. Biden aimed to reach herd immunity through mass vaccinations and the distribution of vaccines globally. While initially successful in reducing case numbers, the emergence of new variants, such as Delta and Omicron, presented renewed challenges.
In response to these developments, the Biden administration continued to promote booster shots and pushed for expanded testing. Despite criticism from some quarters about mandates and restrictions, the administration saw its public health strategy as pivotal in controlling the pandemic. The American Rescue Plan, passed in March 2021, allocated over $1.9 trillion for COVID relief, including stimulus payments to individuals and expanded unemployment benefits.
Economic Policies and Recovery
Biden inherited an economy disrupted by the pandemic, marked by unemployment and supply chain disruptions. His administration prioritized economic recovery, focusing on job creation, infrastructure, and efforts to address inflation.
The American Rescue Plan was one of his signature legislative achievements, designed to stimulate the economy and provide relief to those hit hardest by the pandemic. The package included direct payments to Americans, enhanced unemployment insurance, and expanded child tax credits. These measures were designed to not only provide short-term relief but also foster long-term recovery.
A major legislative win for Biden came with the passage of the **Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act** in November 2021. This bipartisan bill provided $1.2 trillion to improve the nation’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, broadband, and public transit. While the bill was seen as a positive step toward economic recovery, Biden has faced ongoing challenges, particularly with inflation reaching its highest levels in decades in 2022. Rising prices, especially in energy and housing, have impacted public perception of his handling of the economy.
In response, the administration has worked with the Federal Reserve to address inflation, while also pushing for supply chain improvements and energy independence. Efforts to pass his larger Build Back Better plan, which aimed at expanding social programs and tackling climate change, met obstacles, especially from within his own party, most notably Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. A more modest version of the bill, the **Inflation Reduction Act**, passed in August 2022, focusing on climate change, healthcare costs, and tax reforms.
Foreign Policy and International Relations
Biden’s foreign policy has focused on restoring alliances and reasserting U.S. leadership on the global stage after the more unilateral approach of the previous administration. Early in his presidency, Biden rejoined the **Paris Climate Agreement** and the **World Health Organization** (WHO), signaling a commitment to multilateralism.
However, one of the most controversial moments of Biden’s presidency was the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, ending a 20-year conflict. The withdrawal was marred by chaos, including the rapid fall of the Afghan government and the tragic bombing at Kabul airport that resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and many Afghan civilians. While Biden stood by his decision, arguing that the U.S. should no longer be involved in “forever wars,” the execution of the withdrawal faced significant criticism from both domestic and international observers.
Biden has also focused on managing relations with China, viewing it as a key strategic competitor. His administration has maintained a firm stance on issues such as trade, human rights, and Taiwan, while also seeking areas of cooperation, particularly on climate change. Relations with **Russia** reached a nadir following Russia’s invasion of **Ukraine** in February 2022. Biden has led the Western response, providing significant military and financial aid to Ukraine and coordinating with European allies on imposing sanctions on Russia. This war has reshaped U.S. foreign policy priorities, particularly in the realm of energy and defense.
Climate Change and Environmental Policies
Climate change has been a cornerstone of Biden’s agenda. Upon taking office, he made it clear that addressing the climate crisis would be one of his top priorities. Biden appointed a number of climate experts to key positions, including former Secretary of State John Kerry as his **Special Presidential Envoy for Climate**.
The administration has taken steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand renewable energy, and promote electric vehicles. The **Inflation Reduction Act** allocated significant funds toward climate initiatives, including incentives for clean energy production and carbon capture technology. Biden has set ambitious goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and decarbonizing the power sector by 2035.
Social Justice and Domestic Policy
Biden’s presidency has also seen a focus on social justice issues, particularly in the wake of the George Floyd protests in 2020. His administration has supported efforts to address police reform and racial inequities. However, significant federal police reform legislation has struggled to pass through Congress. The administration has also faced pressure on issues related to voting rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and immigration reform.
On immigration, Biden promised a more humane approach compared to his predecessor, but the issue has remained contentious. Efforts to overhaul the immigration system have stalled, and the administration has faced challenges at the southern border, with a surge in migrant crossings leading to criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
Challenges and Public Perception
Biden’s presidency has been marked by both achievements and setbacks. While his administration has made significant legislative gains, such as the infrastructure bill and pandemic relief, challenges like inflation, the Afghanistan withdrawal, and a polarized political environment have impacted his approval ratings.
Despite these challenges, Biden has emphasized the importance of restoring trust in government institutions and focusing on unity and bipartisanship, though the partisan divide remains a significant barrier in Washington, D.C.
As Biden’s term continues, key issues such as the economy, foreign relations (especially the ongoing war in Ukraine), climate change, and domestic unity will likely shape the remainder of his presidency.
