President Joe Biden’s final international summits were marked by uncertainty as Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency loomed. Biden attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru and the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, avoiding direct comments about Trump or his policies. However, his limited press engagement and symbolic absences left many questioning the future of his international policy achievements.
A Cautious Approach to Trump’s Return
Biden’s strategy appeared deliberate: maintain focus on diplomacy while sidestepping public commentary on Trump. In Rio, Biden acknowledged the transition of power without naming his successor. This approach mirrored his interactions at both summits, where foreign leaders avoided publicly addressing the implications of Trump’s return.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, who also missed a G20 group photo alongside Biden, played down their absences. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, meanwhile, prepared for the shift in U.S. leadership by seeking ways to build rapport with Trump.
While Trump’s presidency promises to bring significant foreign policy shifts, Biden’s administration emphasized cooperation during his remaining weeks in office. For instance, Biden’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping led to agreements on nuclear AI safeguards and progress on the release of detained Americans.
Symbolism Overshadows Substance
The optics of Biden’s trip drew scrutiny. His absence from a group photo with G20 leaders and minimal press engagement symbolized the waning influence of his presidency. Despite the White House defending Biden’s media strategy, reporters noted his refusal to address Trump’s victory or its implications for his legacy.
Even in private discussions with leaders such as Japan’s Fumio Kishida and Peru’s Dina Boluarte, Trump’s name reportedly did not surface explicitly, according to senior officials. These closed-door meetings sought to preserve international collaboration while avoiding speculation about Trump’s plans.
Biden’s Conservation Efforts Shine
Biden’s visit to the Amazon rainforest marked a rare bright spot. As the first U.S. president to tour the Amazon, Biden proclaimed November 17 as International Conservation Day. This act highlighted his commitment to environmental issues, even as critics argued Trump’s policies might reverse much of this progress.
A Legacy at Risk
Biden’s foreign trip underscored the precarious nature of his legacy. With Trump’s victory signaling a potential rollback of Biden’s international policies, world leaders are navigating the transition carefully. Meanwhile, Biden’s own party has started reflecting on his role in Trump’s political resurgence.
As Biden wrapped up his South American tour, his departure without addressing reporters left a lingering question: How will history remember his final months in office amid the challenges of a divisive transition?
COMMENTS