Climate action, aid for Ukraine: Why the last days of the Biden presidency matter

As United States President Joe Biden prepares to transfer power to President-elect Donald Trump, he faces a short but crucial period in which he aims to cement his administration’s legacy and safeguard key policies that could be vulnerable to reversal.

Biden’s final actions may significantly shape America’s political, social, and economic landscape as he strives to “make every day count” before his departure.

In his first address after the election, Biden encouraged Americans to “bring down the temperature” and look beyond partisan divides. “Something that I hope we can do, no matter who you voted for, is see each other not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans,” he said.

Recognising the disappointment among Democrats after Kamala Harris’s loss, Biden reassured the public, saying, “We’re leaving behind the strongest economy in the world,” while acknowledging the continuing struggles of many. “I know people are still hurting, but things are changing rapidly,” he added, standing outside the White House’s Rose Garden.

Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Biden remarked, “Together, we’ve changed America for the better. Now we have 74 days to finish the term. Our term. Let’s make every day count.”

His term saw substantial measures like the COVID-19 pandemic response, a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, and aid to Ukraine. Biden noted that these policies’ full impact “could take the next 10 years to be felt” as the benefits are “now just really kicking in.”

Key domestic policy goals for Biden

Criminal justice and Drug policy reform

Biden’s administration initiated a review of marijuana’s status as a Schedule I drug, a category that includes substances like heroin. By concluding this review, Biden could officially recommend federal agencies reclassify the drug, potentially lowering penalties associated with it.

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He also has the power to pardon nonviolent drug offenders in federal prisons, a group disproportionately made up of African Americans. “Five per cent of illicit drug users are African American, yet African Americans represent 29 per cent of those arrested and 33 per cent of those incarcerated for drug offenses,” notes the NAACP.

This reform could provide lasting impact, making it more challenging for the Trump administration to reverse.

Immigration

Biden may use his remaining time to address immigration issues and counter Trump’s promised harsh immigration policies. Biden could speed up citizenship applications, issue more work permits, and reverse restrictive asylum policies.

He aims to create more humane processes at the border and avoid family separations. Through executive orders, Biden could prevent deportations for select groups, limiting Trump’s scope for drastic immigration reform.

Climate action

Biden faces pressure to officially declare a climate emergency, which he mentioned was “practically” in place last year but never formally declared.

An official declaration would allow him to bypass Congress and allocate substantial resources to mitigate climate change effects. Biden could implement further executive orders, such as banning offshore drilling and increasing funding for clean energy initiatives.

Foreign policy priorities for Biden

Support for Ukraine

After Congress approved over $112 billion in aid for Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Biden has worked to ensure this support remains robust. He approved a $61 billion package earlier in the year and plans to allocate the remaining funds to Ukraine by December.

Additionally, the US joined the G7’s $50 billion loan program to aid Ukraine, with $20 billion coming from the US and beginning disbursement in December. “In other words,” Biden explained, “Ukraine can receive the assistance it needs now, without burdening taxpayers.”

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These preemptive actions leave little room for the next administration to reduce aid without significant pushback from Congress and international allies.

Iran and Russia sanctions

Biden could reimpose heavy sanctions on Iran, further limiting their oil exports. The Eurasia Group estimates sanctions could reduce Iranian exports by 150,000 to 700,000 barrels per day, potentially forcing Iran to reconsider its support of groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Likewise, some allies have called for a price cap on Russian oil, potentially as low as $30, to pressure Moscow further. Biden’s actions on these fronts could continue supporting Ukraine by weakening Russia’s revenue stream while countering Iran’s influence in West Asia.

Cuba relations

In a nod to the Obama administration’s diplomatic approach, Biden is considering normalising relations with Cuba, a process that could reestablish diplomatic ties, lift economic sanctions, and open investment opportunities.

Biden’s normalisation plans also include potentially closing Guantanamo Bay, a significant and symbolic move toward improved relations. By establishing these changes, Biden could make it difficult for Trump to revert relations to the restrictive stance of his previous administration.

Legislative & Judicial safeguards under Biden

Civil service protections

To prevent politicisation of the civil service, Biden repealed Trump’s previous “Schedule F” executive order and worked with the Office of Personnel Management to strengthen merit-based protections.

These protections make it more difficult for Trump to replace federal employees with partisan appointees. The established rules require lengthy processes to overturn, which could delay any potential reforms by the incoming administration.

Judicial appointments

Currently, there are 47 vacancies within the federal judiciary. By filling these positions, Biden could secure a more balanced judiciary, slowing down efforts for further rightward shifts that a second Trump term may attempt to bring about.

Acknowledging the potential reversals under Trump, Biden has stated his resolve to protect the foundations his administration has built. “A defeat does not mean we are defeated,” he declared.

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With inputs from agencies