A Critical Analysis Of The Trump-Biden Presidency: Achievements And Failures

Hugo van Dijk

6 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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Domestic Policy Achievements and Failures under the Trump Presidency

Economic Policies

The Trump administration implemented significant economic policies, most notably the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This legislation significantly lowered corporate and individual income tax rates.

• Tax Cuts and their impact: While proponents argued the tax cuts stimulated economic growth, critics pointed to increased national debt and widening income inequality. GDP growth did see a temporary boost, but the long-term effects remain debated.

• Deregulation Efforts: The Trump administration pursued extensive deregulation across various sectors, including environmental protection and financial regulations. Supporters claimed this boosted business activity, while opponents raised concerns about environmental damage and increased financial risk.

• Trade Wars: The Trump administration initiated trade wars with several countries, notably China, imposing tariffs on imported goods. This led to increased costs for consumers, retaliatory tariffs from other nations, and disruptions to global supply chains. Specific industries, like agriculture and manufacturing, experienced significant impacts.

• Example: The imposition of tariffs on steel imports led to higher prices for US manufacturers and retaliatory tariffs on American agricultural products.

Social Issues

The Trump presidency witnessed significant shifts in social policy, largely driven by conservative appointments and policy changes.

• Conservative Judicial Appointments: President Trump appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, significantly shifting the court's ideological balance. This had profound implications for issues such as abortion rights, gun control, and religious freedom.

• Immigration Policies: The Trump administration implemented stricter immigration policies, including the "travel ban" restricting entry from several Muslim-majority countries and increased border security measures. These policies sparked widespread protests and legal challenges.

• Healthcare Reform: While repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was a central campaign promise, the Trump administration's efforts in this area were largely unsuccessful. However, the administration did take steps to weaken the ACA through regulatory changes.

• Example: The number of undocumented immigrants apprehended at the southern border increased initially under stricter border security measures, but the long-term effects are still being studied.

Domestic Policy Achievements and Failures under the Biden Presidency

Economic Policies

The Biden administration inherited a struggling economy and implemented policies aimed at economic recovery and social programs.

• American Rescue Plan: This massive stimulus package provided significant financial aid to individuals, businesses, and state and local governments. While it helped mitigate the economic fallout from the pandemic, it also contributed to rising inflation.

• Infrastructure Investments: The Biden administration launched a major infrastructure investment plan, aiming to modernize roads, bridges, public transit, and broadband internet access. The long-term economic benefits of this plan are expected to be substantial, but its full impact will take time to materialize.

• Efforts to Combat Climate Change: The Biden administration rejoined the Paris Agreement and implemented policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to clean energy. These efforts, however, face political challenges and require significant investment.

• Example: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, while facing implementation hurdles, aims to create millions of jobs and modernize the nation's infrastructure.

Social Issues

The Biden administration prioritized addressing social justice and inequality.

• Addressing Racial and Social Injustice: The Biden administration focused on issues such as police reform, voting rights, and addressing systemic racism. Progress on these fronts has been met with significant political opposition.

• Changes in Immigration Policy: The Biden administration reversed some of Trump's stricter immigration policies, but still faces challenges in managing the border and addressing the root causes of migration.

• COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Efforts: The Biden administration initiated a large-scale vaccination campaign, which was largely successful in increasing vaccination rates. However, the administration also faced challenges in ensuring equitable vaccine distribution and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

• Example: The increase in COVID-19 vaccination rates significantly reduced hospitalizations and deaths, demonstrating the impact of effective public health interventions.

Foreign Policy Achievements and Failures under the Trump Presidency

The Trump administration pursued a foreign policy characterized by an "America First" approach.

• Withdrawal from International Agreements: The Trump administration withdrew from several key international agreements, including the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Iran nuclear deal. This led to concerns about weakened international cooperation and US leadership.

• Relationship with Key Allies and Adversaries: The Trump administration strained relationships with some traditional allies while engaging in unpredictable interactions with adversaries. This led to both opportunities and risks in terms of international relations.

• Interventions in Various Global Conflicts: The Trump administration's interventions in various global conflicts, particularly the Middle East, were marked by a mixed record of success and failure.

• Example: The withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal created uncertainty in the region and weakened international efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Foreign Policy Achievements and Failures under the Biden Presidency

The Biden administration aimed to restore US leadership in the international arena.

• Rejoining International Agreements and Strengthening Alliances: The Biden administration rejoined the Paris Agreement and sought to strengthen alliances with key partners. This signaled a return to multilateralism and cooperation.

• Approach to Foreign Policy Challenges: The Biden administration faces significant foreign policy challenges, including rising tensions with China and Russia, instability in the Middle East, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The administration's response to these challenges will shape its foreign policy legacy.

• Emphasis on Diplomacy and International Cooperation: The Biden administration has emphasized diplomacy and international cooperation in addressing global challenges. This contrasts with the more unilateral approach of the Trump administration.

• Example: The Biden administration's efforts to coordinate international sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine demonstrated a commitment to multilateralism.

Conclusion

This comparative analysis of the Trump and Biden presidencies reveals both significant achievements and considerable failures in both administrations. While the Trump administration focused on deregulation, tax cuts, and a more isolationist foreign policy, the Biden administration has prioritized infrastructure investment, social justice, and a return to international cooperation. The long-term consequences of their respective policies are still unfolding, and a complete evaluation will require further historical perspective. However, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the key differences in their approaches and their impact on the United States and the global landscape. For a deeper dive into specific policy areas, further research into the Trump and Biden presidencies is recommended. Understanding these presidencies is vital for understanding the current political climate and shaping future political discourse. Continue your exploration of the Trump-Biden Presidency by researching specific policy areas to gain a more nuanced understanding.