In the waning days of his presidency, Joe Biden is working tirelessly to secure his legacy and protect his policies from potential reversal under the incoming administration of Donald Trump. Like many lame-duck presidents before him, Biden’s focus has been on finalizing key initiatives and shaping public perception of his time in office.
Clemency and Controversy
One of Biden’s most significant recent actions was the commutation of sentences for 37 federal death row inmates. This decision, while in line with his administration’s broader push for criminal justice reform, drew fierce criticism from Republicans and Trump himself, who has vowed to expand the use of capital punishment.
Additionally, Biden issued a controversial pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, citing unfair treatment by the courts and prosecutors. While the move has been lauded by some Democrats, it has also faced backlash from both Republicans and members of his own party. Experts suggest this decision underscores Biden’s efforts to shape his administration’s narrative in its final chapter.
Tackling Student Debt
In a move aimed at delivering on a major campaign promise, Biden announced the cancellation of student debt for 55,000 public service workers. This brings the total number of beneficiaries of his administration’s student debt relief initiatives to nearly 5 million. While celebrated by advocates, the action faces criticism from fiscal conservatives and legal challenges that could test its durability under the new administration.
Support for Ukraine
Biden has also prioritized military aid to Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. In December, his administration announced additional shipments of military equipment worth billions of dollars. This effort, experts say, is designed to solidify U.S. support for Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration, given the latter’s opposition to certain military interventions.
Climate Commitments
In his final days, Biden reaffirmed U.S. commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, an area where he expects significant pushback from Trump’s administration. Biden’s environmental policies have been a hallmark of his presidency, and the outgoing administration is working to embed these initiatives as deeply as possible.
Judicial Appointments
The Biden administration has made significant strides in shaping the federal judiciary, confirming 235 judges, including the historic appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. These appointments are seen as critical in counterbalancing potential conservative policy shifts under Trump. However, with a Republican-controlled Senate poised to take over, further confirmations will face steep hurdles.
Securing His Legacy
Biden’s actions in these final days reflect not only a desire to cement his legacy but also a strategic effort to create obstacles for the incoming administration’s policy reversals. “Departing presidents often try to accomplish as much as they can and shape public opinion of their administration,” said Robert Rowland, a communications professor at the University of Kansas.
As the transition looms, Biden’s flurry of activity highlights the stakes of this political moment and his determination to leave an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
