President Joe Biden: His Regrets, Challenges and Achievements

By Evans Momodu
5 minute read


President Joe Biden expressed rare regret over not including his name on pandemic relief checks distributed during his administration, contrasting it with former President Donald Trump's decision to add his name to checks in 2020.

Speaking at the Brookings Institution, Biden reflected on his term, defended his economic policies, and cautioned against some of President-elect Trump’s proposed initiatives as Trump prepares for his return to the White House.

Key Points:

1. Missed Branding Opportunity:

   • Biden called it “stupid” that he didn’t emulate Trump’s move of branding pandemic relief checks with his name, acknowledging the effectiveness of the strategy in helping Trump gain credit for financial support during the pandemic.

2. Biden’s Economic Legacy:

   • Biden highlighted achievements under his administration, including 16 million new jobs, historic infrastructure investments, and renewable energy advancements.
   • He argued that inflation has moderated without leading to a recession, leaving the economy in a strong position with a 4.2% unemployment rate and record business startups.

3. Public Perception and Economic Challenges:

   • Despite positive indicators, Biden admitted his administration struggled to persuade voters of economic improvements, with many citing inflation as a persistent concern.
   • Exit polls showed that a majority of voters rated the economy poorly, which played a significant role in Trump’s electoral victory.

4. Warnings for Trump’s Second Term:

   • Biden warned against Trump’s proposed tax cuts and broad tariffs on foreign imports, emphasizing potential harm to deficits and consumer prices.
   • Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen echoed concerns about tariffs at a Wall Street Journal summit, stating they could raise costs for American households.

5. Critique of Project 2025:

   • Biden criticised "Project 2025," a Heritage Foundation-backed policy framework supported by some Trump allies, calling it a potential "economic disaster."
   • Trump has distanced himself from the initiative, though elements of it align with his policies on immigration, education, and civil rights.
   • Biden urged Trump to maintain the positive economic trajectory he believes his administration established, while rejecting proposals like Project 2025 and excessive tariffs.