As President Biden’s term nears its end, his administration is racing against time to secure its legacy before Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
At a Glance
- Biden administration is working to preserve achievements in infrastructure, climate, and foreign policy
- Over $3.4 billion in grants announced for transportation projects
- Environmental goals accelerated with major grants and project approvals
- Administration rushing to spend $7.1 billion in Ukraine aid
- European leaders already engaging with Trump to influence future policies
Securing Domestic Achievements
With the clock ticking down on his presidency, Joe Biden is making a concerted effort to cement his administration’s accomplishments before Donald Trump takes office. The focus is on ensuring that funds from infrastructure and climate laws continue to flow beyond his term, potentially safeguarding these initiatives from future policy changes.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the urgency of their efforts, stating, “We are investing in better transportation systems that touch every corner of the country and in the workers who will manufacture materials and build projects.” This statement underscores the administration’s commitment to leaving a lasting impact on America’s infrastructure.
Environmental and Climate Initiatives
The Biden administration is accelerating its environmental goals in its final months. The Environmental Protection Agency has set a deadline for lead pipe removal and announced fees for methane emissions, while the Energy Department issued a $544 million loan for electric vehicle manufacturing. These actions aim to lock in progress on climate change mitigation and environmental protection before the transition of power.
Foreign Policy Challenges
Biden’s foreign policy legacy, particularly regarding the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, faces uncertainty as his term concludes. With Trump’s return to the presidency looming, American allies and adversaries may be hesitant to engage with the outgoing administration on major initiatives.
Despite these challenges, the Biden administration is pushing forward with its support for Ukraine, rushing to spend $7.1 billion in aid before leaving office. This move demonstrates Biden’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, even as the future of U.S. foreign policy remains uncertain.
Domestic Policy Push
On the home front, the Biden administration is working to finalize several key initiatives. The Education Department is crafting rules for student loan forgiveness for those facing financial hardship, although these efforts may face legal challenges. Additionally, the administration is expediting loan cancellation for students defrauded by colleges, aiming to provide relief before the change in leadership.
As the transition of power approaches, the Biden administration’s actions reflect a determination to solidify its policy achievements. However, the effectiveness of these last-minute efforts remains to be seen, especially given the contrasting policy orientations of the incoming Trump administration.
Sources:
Why Trump’s imminent return might scuttle Biden’s last plays in foreign wars
Last actions the Biden administration will take before Trump takes over White House
Biden’s Last Actions Before Trump Takes Office
