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America’s greatest presidents often faced relentless criticism and personal attacks during their time in office. From George Washington to Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt, these leaders endured scathing insults from opponents, only to be vindicated by history.
President Joe Biden has faced a similar storm of attacks, but his legacy, like theirs, is likely to be judged far more favorably by future generations. President Biden's impact has been profound, with domestic accomplishments comparable to Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal and Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society.
His achievements have transformed America’s economy, healthcare, climate policy, and global leadership in ways that will endure for decades. A 2023 survey of 154 political scientists ranked Biden as the 14th greatest U.S. president, ahead of Donald Trump, who was ranked last at No. 45. As time passes, many believe Biden’s standing will only rise.
Biden's presidency was marked by several landmark accomplishments. He secured congressional approval for $4.6 trillion in spending to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which included free vaccinations, treatments, and direct stimulus payments of up to $1,400 for individuals.
His economic policies led to the creation of over 16 million jobs and lowered the unemployment rate from 6.3% to 4.2%. He also reduced health insurance and prescription drug costs for millions of Americans, especially through improvements to the Affordable Care Act and other healthcare reforms. To address climate change, Biden launched the most significant clean energy initiatives in U.S. history, creating thousands of clean energy and manufacturing jobs.
He supported middle- and working-class families by cutting their taxes while imposing a minimum tax on billion-dollar corporations and cracking down on wealthy tax cheats. Biden's administration also passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure law that improved the nation's roads, bridges, railways, airports, and waterways.
Biden's administration reformed the controversial Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, leading to nearly $180 billion in student loan forgiveness for about 5 million borrowers. His work on criminal justice reform included issuing an executive order to improve police accountability and reduce excessive force, while his administration passed the most significant gun safety laws in 30 years.
Biden also improved Medicaid and health programs, expanded veteran benefits, and signed the CHIPS and Science Act to invest $53 billion into U.S.-based semiconductor production, creating thousands of jobs in technology manufacturing.
On the international front, Biden rebuilt alliances that had been strained under the Trump administration. He strengthened NATO by adding Finland and Sweden as new members and played a key role in mobilizing NATO support for Ukraine following Russia’s unprovoked invasion.
Biden’s leadership was pivotal in helping Ukraine defend itself and ensuring financial and military support from allied nations. Biden also supported Israel after the October 2023 attack by Hamas, while helping to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. His administration negotiated the release of over 70 American hostages held by foreign governments, including prominent figures like basketball player Brittney Griner and journalist Evan Gershkovich.
One of Biden’s most controversial but consequential moves was ending America’s 20-year war in Afghanistan, the longest war in U.S. history. While the chaotic withdrawal was criticized, it was done under a withdrawal agreement negotiated during the Trump administration.
Despite the fallout, many praised Biden for ending an unpopular war that had dragged on for decades with little public support. In addition to foreign policy, Biden earned a reputation as the most pro-union president in modern history, receiving strong backing from organized labor. His administration’s economic policies focused on supporting workers and promoting American-made manufacturing.
However, Biden was not without his critics. His age became a frequent target for opponents, with Donald Trump falsely portraying him as a weak and incompetent leader. Trump often mocked Biden's mental acuity, claiming he “can’t string two sentences together” and calling him “incompetent and stupid.”
Such attacks mirrored the harsh criticism of past presidents like Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt, who also faced extreme ridicule during their tenures. For example, Lincoln was called the “obscene ape of Illinois” by the press, while Franklin Roosevelt was accused of being a socialist, communist, and fascist all at once.
As Biden prepares to leave the White House, many argue his legacy will be seen in a new light. His administration’s achievements far outpace Trump’s term, which was marked by chaos and controversy. Despite Trump’s attempt to discredit Biden, history may ultimately recognize Biden as one of America’s most transformative presidents.
His legacy, rooted in rebuilding the economy, advancing civil rights, and reestablishing U.S. leadership on the global stage, will likely be seen as one of historic impact. As Biden steps aside and prepares for a peaceful transfer of power, his presidency will be remembered not just for what he endured, but for what he achieved.
