Biden’s Legacy Faces Harsh Criticism As He Prepares to Leave Office

President Biden’s legacy faces harsh criticism as he prepares to exit the office, with a new poll revealing widespread disappointment among voters.

At a Glance

44% of voters label Biden a failed president, while only 21% rate him as a future good president.
Biden’s approval rating stands at 43% as he leaves office, with 54% disapproving.
A Gallup poll suggests Biden may be viewed as the worst U.S. president since Richard Nixon.
Donald Trump returns to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
31% of voters are excited about Trump’s return, while 31% express fear.

Biden’s Presidency: A Legacy of Disappointment

As President Joe Biden’s term comes to an end, a recent USA Today/Suffolk University poll paints a bleak picture of his legacy. The survey reveals that 44% of voters believe history will view Biden as a failed president, while only 21% optimistically rate him as a future good president. This stark assessment comes as Biden’s approval rating sits at a mere 43%, with 54% of Americans disapproving of his performance.

The poll’s findings are further reinforced by a Gallup survey suggesting that Biden may be viewed as the worst U.S. president since Richard Nixon, with a net score of -35. This places Biden in a precarious position as he exits political life, leaving behind a legacy marred by controversy and unfulfilled expectations.

RATING BIDEN: A new Gallup survey found over half, 54%, believe Biden will be remembered as a “below average” (17%) or “poor” (37%) president. https://t.co/9ldPwfja2a

Photo: AP pic.twitter.com/KvPUgSzQyc

— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) January 10, 2025

Key Challenges and Shortcomings

Biden’s presidency faced numerous challenges that contributed to his low approval ratings. The botched Afghanistan withdrawal stands out as a significant failure, with 20% of respondents citing it as Biden’s biggest misstep. Additionally, over 30% identified immigration handling as his most significant failure, highlighting the ongoing border crisis that plagued his administration.

“While the myriad challenges of this administration, from a disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal to deep-seated inflation, are top of minds for Americans now, more distance from Biden’s tenure will provide a richer appreciation also of its accomplishments.” – Thomas Gift

Economic dissatisfaction also played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Around 4 in 10 Americans report feeling worse off financially under Biden compared to the end of Trump’s or Obama’s presidencies. This economic discontent, coupled with concerns over rising costs and Biden’s handling of inflation, has significantly impacted his overall approval ratings.

Achievements Overshadowed

Despite the negative perception, Biden’s presidency did have some noteworthy achievements. Nearly a quarter of respondents were undecided on Biden’s biggest accomplishment, while 19% cited infrastructure investment, and 10% mentioned pandemic management. However, these accomplishments seem to have been overshadowed by the administration’s shortcomings and the prevailing economic concerns.

Experts suggest that presidential legacies often improve over time, citing examples like Dwight Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter. However, the immediate assessment of Biden’s presidency remains largely negative, with his ratings falling below those of his predecessors, Donald Trump and Barack Obama.

Trump’s Return and Future Prospects

As Biden exits the White House, the political landscape shifts dramatically with Donald Trump’s return to power. Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 election marks a significant turning point in American politics. The USA Today/Suffolk University poll indicates a divided reaction to Trump’s comeback, with 31% of voters expressing excitement about his return, while an equal percentage admit to feeling afraid.

Interestingly, Trump’s approval ratings have shown improvement since his election victory over Harris. Independent voters, in particular, have warmed to Trump, with his favorability among this crucial demographic improving significantly. This shift in public opinion sets the stage for a potentially transformative second term for Trump and presents new challenges for the Democratic Party as they look ahead to the 2028 elections.