Joe Biden's Presidential Legacy
Feature by Adelaide Baran
Photo: The New Yorker
Joseph R. Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, has shaped his legacy through a combination of judicial appointments, foreign and domestic policy decisions, and executive actions. His tenure, marked by both successes and controversies, has had a lasting impact on the nation’s governance and global standing. This essay examines the various aspects of Biden’s presidential legacy, focusing on judicial influence, foreign and domestic policies, and executive actions.
One of the most enduring aspects of any presidency is its judicial appointments. President Biden has had a significant impact on the federal judiciary, emphasizing diversity and professional breadth in his appointments. As of 2024, Biden has appointed over 170 judges to federal courts, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the nation's highest court. His administration has prioritized nominees from a range of legal backgrounds, including public defenders and civil rights attorneys, a departure from the traditional emphasis on prosecutors and corporate lawyers.
Biden's judicial appointments have aimed to reshape the judiciary in a more progressive direction, counteracting the influence of conservative judges appointed by his predecessor, Donald Trump. His appointees have played a crucial role in upholding voting rights, labor protections, and reproductive rights. Given the lifetime tenure of federal judges, these appointments will have a profound influence on American law and governance for decades to come.
Biden’s foreign policy has been characterized by efforts to restore America’s global alliances, manage geopolitical conflicts, and navigate emerging international crises. One of his administration's earliest moves was rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, signaling a renewed commitment to global climate initiatives. Similarly, Biden sought to reaffirm NATO’s relevance after years of uncertainty under the Trump administration, particularly in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The war in Ukraine became a defining foreign policy challenge for Biden. His administration led international efforts to impose sanctions on Russia, provided billions in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and strengthened NATO by facilitating Finland and Sweden’s accession to the alliance. While this response garnered praise for bolstering European security, critics argue that prolonged U.S. involvement risks escalation and financial overreach.
In Asia, Biden has reinforced alliances to counter China's growing influence, particularly through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with India, Japan, and Australia, and the AUKUS security pact with Australia and the United Kingdom. His administration has maintained a delicate balancing act between deterring Chinese military aggression in Taiwan and maintaining economic ties with Beijing.
Additionally, Biden faced significant challenges in the Middle East. His administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked the end of America’s longest war, a move that received bipartisan support in principle but was widely criticized for its chaotic execution. The rapid Taliban takeover led to a humanitarian crisis and raised questions about America’s reliability as an ally.
Domestically, Biden's presidency has been shaped by ambitious legislative efforts, economic challenges, and social policy initiatives. His first major legislative achievement was the American Rescue Plan (ARP), a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that provided direct payments to Americans, expanded unemployment benefits, and funded vaccine distribution. This policy helped stabilize the economy and accelerate post-pandemic recovery.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), another hallmark of Biden’s domestic agenda, focused on climate change, healthcare costs, and corporate taxation. The IRA allocated substantial investments toward renewable energy and aimed to lower prescription drug costs, particularly for seniors. While hailed as the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history, critics argue that its tax increases and regulatory measures could stifle business growth.
Biden also championed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, directing $1.2 trillion toward rebuilding roads, bridges, broadband networks, and clean water systems. This initiative was widely supported for addressing long-overdue infrastructure needs but has faced implementation hurdles, particularly regarding workforce shortages and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
His administration made significant strides in student loan relief, canceling billions in debt for specific groups, including borrowers defrauded by for-profit colleges and those in public service loan forgiveness programs. However, his broader plan for mass student loan forgiveness was struck down by the Supreme Court, highlighting the limitations of executive power.
On social issues, Biden has been a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, racial equity, and labor protections. His administration reversed many Trump-era policies, reinstating protections for transgender individuals in the military and expanding workplace protections for marginalized groups. Additionally, his support for labor unions has been evident in policy decisions favoring collective bargaining and wage increases.
Beyond legislative efforts, Biden has extensively used executive actions to advance his policy goals. In his first year alone, he signed over 60 executive orders, many aimed at reversing Trump-era policies. These actions included reinstating environmental regulations, strengthening workplace protections, and addressing systemic racial inequities.
One of his most consequential executive actions was invoking the Defense Production Act to accelerate domestic production of clean energy technologies and semiconductor manufacturing. This move aimed to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and bolster American economic competitiveness.
On immigration, Biden attempted to strike a balance between humanitarian commitments and border security. He reversed the Trump administration’s restrictive policies, such as the “Remain in Mexico” program, while also implementing measures to curb illegal immigration. However, the surge in border crossings has remained a political and logistical challenge, drawing criticism from both immigration advocates and border security proponents.
His administration also took decisive action on climate change, pausing new oil and gas leases on federal lands and setting ambitious targets for carbon emissions reduction. However, faced with high energy prices and geopolitical pressures, Biden approved controversial projects like the Willow oil drilling project in Alaska, sparking backlash from environmental activists.
Joe Biden’s presidential legacy is a complex tapestry of judicial influence, foreign and domestic policy decisions, and executive actions. His impact on the federal judiciary, particularly through diverse appointments, will shape legal precedents for generations. His foreign policy efforts have reinforced alliances but also navigated geopolitical crises with mixed success. Domestically, his administration has made significant strides in economic recovery, infrastructure investment, and climate action, though challenges remain in areas like immigration and inflation.
Ultimately, Biden’s legacy will be judged by how these policies endure beyond his presidency. Whether his initiatives lead to lasting structural improvements or face rollbacks by future administrations will determine the true extent of his impact on American governance and society.