Was Trump a Better President Than Biden? Evaluating Their Presidencies

Has the State of USA Improved Since Trump's Presidency or Gotten Worse?
Elections 2020

Credit: Unsplash

Has the State of USA Improved Since Trump’s Presidency or Gotten Worse?

Given the current climate of the United States, the question of whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden was the better president looms large. Both leaders left their indelible marks on American history, but their approaches and policies diverged significantly. Let’s delve into the key aspects of their presidencies and assess their impact.

Economic Policies

Trump: The Businessman Turned President

  • Tax Cuts: Trump championed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which significantly lowered corporate tax rates and provided relief for middle-class Americans.
  • Deregulation: His administration rolled back numerous regulations, aiming to spur economic growth and business expansion.
  • Trade Wars: Trump’s aggressive stance on trade led to tensions with China and other trading partners. While some industries benefited, others faced challenges.

Biden: Navigating a Pandemic Economy

  • COVID-19 Relief: Biden’s American Rescue Plan injected trillions of dollars into the economy, providing direct payments, unemployment benefits, and support for small businesses.
  • Infrastructure Investment: The proposed infrastructure bill aims to revitalize roads, bridges, and broadband networks, potentially boosting employment and productivity.
  • Tax Reforms: Biden seeks to raise taxes on corporations and high earners to fund social programs and reduce income inequality.

Foreign Policy and Diplomacy

Trump: Unconventional Diplomacy

  • North Korea: Trump engaged in direct talks with Kim Jong-un, but denuclearization efforts remained elusive.
  • Middle East: The Abraham Accords normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
  • NATO and Allies: Trump’s skepticism about NATO and strained relationships with European allies raised concerns.

Biden: Rebuilding Alliances

  • Iran Nuclear Deal: Biden aims to revive the Iran nuclear agreement, emphasizing diplomacy over confrontation.
  • Climate Change: The U.S. rejoined the Paris Agreement, signaling renewed commitment to global climate action.
  • Russia and China: Biden confronts both nations on issues like cyberattacks, human rights, and territorial disputes.

Social and Cultural Policies

Trump: Conservative Values

  • Supreme Court Appointments: Trump appointed three conservative justices, shaping the court for decades.
  • Immigration: His administration implemented strict immigration policies, including family separations.
  • LGBTQ+ Rights: Trump’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues was divisive, with some policy decisions favoring religious freedom over LGBTQ+ rights.

Biden: Progressive Agenda

  • Equality and Inclusion: Biden advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and gender equality.
  • Healthcare: The Affordable Care Act remains a priority, with efforts to expand coverage.
  • Gun Control: Biden pushes for stricter gun laws to address mass shootings and gun violence.

Determining whether Trump or Biden was the better president depends on individual perspectives, priorities, and values. History will continue to analyze their legacies, but one thing is certain: both leaders left a prominent mark on the United States and the world.