Biden tries to Trump-proof agenda, bolster legacy in final days in office
The Hindu
Joe Biden races to solidify his legacy and protect his policies before Trump returns to power.
Like prior U.S. Presidents, Joe Biden has been racing to complete unfinished business in an attempt to bolster his legacy — and protect his signature policies — before handing over the keys to the White House.
With archrival Donald Trump returning to power, Mr. Biden's work to protect his administration's official actions, and his own reputation, has taken on added impetus, experts say.
"Departing presidents often try to both accomplish as much as they can prior to leaving office and also shape public opinion of their administration," Robert Rowland, a University of Kansas communications professor, told AFP.
"There are many examples of intense lame-duck periods," particularly when power changes from party to party, said Julian Zelizer, a history professor at Princeton University.
Mr. Biden, whose rare public appearances have shown him visibly physically diminished, is no exception to the rule.
His recent decision to commute the sentences of 37 of the 40 federal death row inmates triggered the wrath of his Republican adversary.
In response, Mr. Trump has vowed to seek to have even more defendants sentenced to death. "Biden is scared by what he fears President Trump may do," said Mr. Rowland.
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Venezuela offers $100,000 reward for information on opposition candidate Edmundo González's whereabouts before presidential term begins.
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Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill civilians, children, and police officers, as negotiations for a ceasefire continue in Qatar.
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President Joe Biden and his family received expensive gifts from foreign leaders in 2023, including a $20,000 diamond for the first lady.