WASHINGTON — As President Joe Biden’s term nears its conclusion, the White House is focused on cementing key achievements while preparing for Donald Trump’s return to power.
Biden’s Last 65 Days: Priorities and Actions
White House officials are racing to solidify the president’s legacy:
- Manufacturing and Infrastructure: Accelerating investments authorized by the CHIPS Act, with over 90% of its $39 billion allocated and major deals, like the $6.6 billion Arizona chipmaking project, underway.
- Health and Energy Policies: Reinforcing provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and the insulin price cap, elements vulnerable to repeal by the incoming administration.
- Judicial Appointments: Democrats are speeding up confirmations to shape the courts before Republicans take full control of Congress.
- Ukraine Aid and Sanctions: A final $6 billion aid package for Ukraine and sanctions targeting Russia’s energy industry are being finalized, forcing Trump to either maintain or reverse them.
Foreign Policy: A Race Against Time
Biden is prioritizing global stability as he prepares to hand over leadership:
- Ukraine Support: Encouraging allies to uphold a unified front even under a Trump presidency, including finalizing a $50 billion G7-backed loan to Ukraine.
- Middle East Peace: Attempting to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon while addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- Global Meetings: Biden plans to personally engage with foreign leaders to mitigate fears of an abrupt shift under Trump.
Challenges of Transition and Legacy Preservation
Biden’s White House is grappling with the knowledge that many accomplishments may be undone:
- Reversible Policies: Trump is expected to reverse regulatory changes, limit climate initiatives, and pivot foreign relations.
- Legislative Vulnerabilities: Republican-controlled Congress threatens elements of Biden’s agenda, such as the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Philosophical Divide: Biden and Trump’s contrasting worldviews foreshadow stark policy shifts.
Aides have acknowledged the limitations of Biden’s efforts, with Ivo Daalder, a foreign policy expert close to the administration, stating, “There just isn’t anything Biden can do today that isn’t reversible in 10 weeks.”
Looking Ahead: Biden’s Public Engagement
In his final weeks, Biden plans to increase public visibility:
- Highlighting Accomplishments: Through interviews, speeches, and White House events, Biden aims to solidify public recognition of his policies.
- Travel and Outreach: Visiting infrastructure projects and engaging allies to amplify support for his administration’s achievements.
While Trump’s looming presidency casts uncertainty over Biden’s legacy, the current administration is determined to use its remaining time to enshrine its contributions to domestic and international progress.
COMMENTS