Joe Biden served as the 46th President of the United States from 2021 to 2025. Before his presidency, he was Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009.
Domestic Policy Highlights:
- Infrastructure and Climate Initiatives: Biden’s administration passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, allocating $1 trillion to improve transportation, utilities, and broadband infrastructure. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 followed, focusing on climate change, healthcare, and tax reforms. Additionally, during the COP26 summit, the U.S. committed to reducing methane emissions by one-third by 2030 and pledged to double climate funding to developing nations by 2024.
- Social Policies: The administration enacted the Respect for Marriage Act, ensuring federal recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages. In June 2024, an executive action offered amnesty to unauthorized immigrants married to U.S. citizens, providing a pathway to residency and citizenship; however, this program was later struck down due to legal challenges.
Economic Overview:
By the end of Biden’s term, the economy showed mixed signals. While GDP growth stood at 2.4% in Q4 and unemployment was low at 4.1% in December, deeper analysis revealed emerging risks, including potential stagflation. These insights suggest that the economic situation was more complex than surface-level statistics indicated.
Foreign Policy and Legal Actions:
- Middle East Relations: In early 2023, prior to the October 7 Hamas attack, mayoral candidate Brad Lander urged the Biden administration to consider reducing U.S. funding to Israel if it continued actions deemed to violate human rights or expand settlements in Palestinian territories.
- Voting Rights Legislation: The administration’s challenge to Georgia’s SB 202 voting law was withdrawn under Attorney General Pam Bondi, who cited increased Black voter turnout as evidence against claims of voter suppression. This move aligns with a broader shift away from previous civil rights actions.
Post-Presidency Developments:
After leaving office, Biden’s influence continued through various initiatives and public engagements. His administration’s policies, particularly those addressing climate change and infrastructure, have left a lasting impact on the nation’s trajectory.