Biden Reflects on Regrets, Legacy, and a Surprising Compliment from Trump

In a rare and reflective interview with USA Today, President Joe Biden opened up about his time in office, his biggest regrets, and his thoughts on the legacy he will leave behind as he prepares to step down.

Held in the warmth of the Oval Office, with a fire crackling and a portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt overhead, Biden discussed policy, politics, and family in a candid and contemplative manner.

Biden, who has held fewer interviews and press conferences than any president since Ronald Reagan, admitted that age was a significant factor in his decision not to seek reelection.

“So far, so good,” Biden remarked about his health. “But who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” While confident he could have won reelection, he expressed doubts about his ability to endure another four years in the grueling role.

The president also revealed he is considering preemptive pardons for public figures, such as former Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who face potential investigations under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

Biden recalled his post-election meeting with Trump, where he urged the president-elect not to pursue political retribution. “I tried to make clear there was no need to settle scores,” Biden said, though he acknowledged Trump’s response was noncommittal.

Reflecting on his decades-long career in public service, Biden spoke about both his accomplishments and regrets. He defended his economic policies, including the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, which he credited for preventing a recession.

“We spent money doing it,” he said, “but the fact is we had a soft landing, no recession.” Despite these achievements, he expressed frustration at the slow pace of infrastructure projects, which he believes undermined the immediate impact of his administration’s efforts.

Biden highlighted his role in foreign affairs as one of the strengths of his presidency. With a career spanning decades, including time as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he emphasized his ability to navigate relationships with world leaders.

“I think the only advantage of being an old guy is that I’ve known every major world leader for a long time,” he said, adding that he worked to reestablish alliances strained during Trump’s first term.

On domestic challenges, Biden expressed frustration with the spread of misinformation and its impact on public perception. He cited Trump’s rhetoric on immigration as a significant concern, lamenting the difficulty of combating false narratives in the current media landscape.

“Because of the way information is shared now, there are no editors out there to say, ‘That’s simply not true,’” Biden said, reflecting on how such challenges shaped his presidency.

In a surprising moment, Biden shared that Trump privately complimented him during a meeting, praising some of his economic accomplishments.

“He was very complimentary about some of the economic things I had done,” Biden said, describing it as an acknowledgment of the robust economy he will leave behind, including low unemployment and steady growth.

Biden’s tenure has been defined by stark contrasts with Trump’s approach to governance. While Biden prioritized rebuilding alliances and addressing global issues, Trump has consistently championed an “America First” policy.

As Biden leaves office, he warned that some of Trump’s proposed policies, such as significant tax cuts and increased tariffs, could undo much of the economic progress achieved during his administration.

As the interview concluded, Biden reflected on his legacy with a mix of humility and optimism. “I hope history says that I came in, had a plan to restore the economy, and reestablished America’s leadership in the world,” he said.

Signs of his impending departure were evident, with staff giving quiet tours of the West Wing to family and friends.

One of Biden’s final acts as president will be signing the Social Security Fairness Act, expanding benefits for millions of retirees. He expressed pride in this achievement, describing it as a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of everyday Americans.

Despite the challenges, Biden’s legacy is one of resilience, marked by his efforts to unite the nation, address global crises, and lay the groundwork for future progress.

As he prepares to pass the baton, Biden leaves behind a record that he hopes will be remembered for its honesty, integrity, and dedication to the American people.