In a recent address, President Joe Biden asserted that his management of U.S. foreign relations has enhanced national safety and economic stability, positing that President-elect Donald Trump will take the helm of a more robust and credible nation than it was four years prior. Biden highlighted key achievements of his administration, including the expansion of NATO, uniting allies to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, and reinforcing domestic chip manufacturing as a means to compete with China. His commentary came during a comprehensive speech reflecting on his foreign policy accomplishments just one week before handing over the presidency to Trump.
Biden’s claims of success come amid a political landscape unsettled by Trump’s re-emergence and his inward-looking, protectionist philosophy. As the current administration approaches the transition, the world is grappling with significant geopolitical challenges and conflicts. During his speech at the State Department, Biden remarked, “Thanks to our administration, the United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago. America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger. Our adversaries and competitors are weaker. We have not gone to war to make these things happen.” He expressed confidence that the subsequent administration is equipped to navigate the global landscape effectively.
Taking office amidst a significant global pandemic, Biden quickly faced the complications arising from strained international relations caused by Trump’s “America First” policy. His presidency was defined by a series of crises, notably the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the devastating 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, which escalated the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Biden contended that he has provided stability during a time of global unrest, emphasizing his resilience amid these challenges.
Biden stated, “My administration is leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play. America is once again leading,” yet Trump quickly countered these remarks, labeling Biden’s four years as disastrous for U.S. foreign relations. In a recent Newsmax interview, Trump characterized the period as possibly the lowest point in American history regarding foreign policy, stating, “It’s been so bad.”
The withdrawal from Afghanistan marked a contentious start to Biden’s presidency. While fulfilling a long-standing promise to end the two-decade-long conflict, it concluded tragically with the collapse of the U.S.-backed Afghan government, a deadly terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 13 American troops among many others, and the chaotic evacuation of numerous Afghan citizens from Kabul. The fallout from this episode left a lingering impact on Biden’s administration.
Biden defended his decision to end the war, stating, “I believe history will reflect that. Critics said if we ended the war, it would damage our alliances and create threats to our homeland from foreign-directed terrorism out of a safe haven in Afghanistan — neither has occurred.” Despite his defense, critics, including Trump, view this situation as a defining failure of his presidency.
Biden’s efforts to bolster Ukraine’s standing in the face of Russian aggression could also be influenced by Trump’s future decisions. Following the onset of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, Biden successfully united allies to extend Ukraine substantial military aid, totaling over $100 billion from the U.S. alone. With strategic sanctions imposed on Russia, Biden’s administration endeavored to ensure that Ukraine could effectively withstand the considerable threat posed by Russia’s military.
Reflecting on the situation, Biden noted that at the war’s outset, many, including U.S. intelligence, underestimated Ukraine’s resilience. He expressed confidence in his administration’s groundwork, allowing the incoming Trump administration to pursue a possible peace resolution for Ukraine, ensuring that “today, Ukraine is still a free and independent country with the potential for a bright future.” Trump, while advocating for a rapid conclusion to the conflict, has criticized the extent of U.S. financial involvement.
In the Middle East, Biden has maintained support for Israel amidst its military operations against Hamas in Gaza. This conflict has also seen spillover impacts in Lebanon, where Israel has targeted Hezbollah. The ongoing violence has raised concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, prompting activists to call for an arms embargo on Israel. While Biden faced pressure to reassess U.S. military aid amid the escalating death toll—over 46,000 Palestinian casualties—the administration has continued its arms sales, including a recent $8 billion package to Israel.
Commenting on Iran’s position, Biden stated that it is now weaker than it has been in decades. However, experts are divided on the U.S. approach, with some highlighting a lack of significant pressure applied to alter Israeli military tactics amidst widespread destruction in Gaza. As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, more than 15 months since the attack that ignited the war, hostage situations remain unresolved, adding urgency to Biden’s diplomatic efforts.
Biden’s adviser, Brett McGurk, is currently engaged in negotiations for a hostage and ceasefire agreement as Biden’s presidency nears its conclusion. Meanwhile, Trump has warned of severe repercussions for Hamas if the hostages are not freed by Inauguration Day. Although Sullivan refrained from commenting on Trump’s alarming threats, he acknowledged a shared goal between both administrations for a timely resolution, stating, “Having unity of message on that is a good thing.” Overall, Biden’s foreign policy legacy is marked by significant challenges, bipartisan critique, and ongoing conflicts as the transition of power approaches.
