If you haven’t already heard, Joe Biden is in the middle of a mad dash to implement last-minute policies, spending packages, and judicial appointments. The effort isn’t just about cementing his achievements—it’s a thinly veiled attempt to “Trump-proof” his legacy. As if that’s actually possible.
This frantic activity mirrors similar actions by the Obama administration, which also tried to implement regulations aimed at preventing Trump from undoing eight years of policy. From greenhouse gas emissions rules to overtime pay regulations, Obama’s eleventh-hour efforts sought to bypass Congress and shield his legacy. Yet, Trump dismantled much of Obama’s agenda with the stroke of a pen, highlighting how fleeting executive actions can be in a system that wasn’t designed to be a dictatorship.
It’s no coincidence that Democrats seem to feel entitled to their legacies, believing their policies should remain untouchable by future administrations. This expectation of a permanent legacy clashes directly with America’s foundational system of governance, which relies on checks and balances to ensure that a president can’t unilaterally dictate policy.
Biden’s term has been marked by economic turmoil, a border crises, countless scandals, a disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and controversies like his controversial pardon of his son, Hunter. These issues have undermined his credibility, but instead of confronting his administration’s failures, Biden has leaned into regulatory overreach and green energy spending to safeguard his vision. According to a report from USA Today, one key way Biden is trying to “Trump-proof” his legacy is to push to direct taxpayer dollars into energy projects in red states—an attempt to curry favor with Republican lawmakers and lock in support for programs likely to face the chopping block under Trump.
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The economy, in particular, has been a sore spot for Biden. The administration’s so-called “Bidenomics” has led to skyrocketing inflation, higher energy costs, and stagnant wages. These policies have driven public dissatisfaction, yet Biden continues to push an agenda of government handouts and bloated spending, hoping it will outlast his presidency.
Adding to Biden’s rushed agenda is his commitment to Ukraine. His administration recently approved another $725 million in aid, despite growing public skepticism and Trump’s repeated calls for peace negotiations. Biden’s unwavering stance on the conflict contrasts with Trump’s focus on securing a ceasefire and prioritizing domestic concerns over endless foreign entanglements.
In reality, Biden’s rushed actions to “protect” his legacy are a reminder that no presidency is immune to change. Barack Obama wanted a nuclear deal with Iran and the Paris Climate Treaty to be part of his legacy. But, since he bypassed constitutionally mandated Senate ratification, Trump was able to reverse them.
Democrats’ refusal to accept that their successors have the same right to govern as they do reflects an arrogance that voters are growing increasingly weary of. It also highlights a deeper issue: the overreliance on executive actions and regulations to bypass Congress, an approach that undermines the balance of power and creates lasting problems for governance.
