It marks the end of an era as Donald Trump is no longer US President after a single term. Joe Biden has taken sworn in to become the 46th President of the United States, not only becoming arguably the most powerful man in the world but also been tasked with an ambitious to return the US to the global stage.
Just weeks before the inauguration, the United States faced an unprecedented insurrection as right-wing extremists stormed the US Capitol after being instigated by Trump as a state of emergency was imposed in Washington D.C. There were five times more troops deployed in the capital than in Iraq and Afghanistan combined, showing the gravity of the situation and the security risks in the country.
A lot of democratic traditions were broken at the event which was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic which has taken 400,000 American lives and has become the worst infected country in the country. Trump was also not present to applaud or acknowledge his successor while the ceremony was curtailed due to the pandemic. Trump’s shadow, however, will not leave Biden as he faces a second impeachment trial and could be barred from office if convicted.
Biden will also have a major challenge to undo the heart of Trump’s agenda starting with handling of the coronavirus pandemic. This includes the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations to 100 million Americans and passing a $1.9 trillion virus relief package. Trump faced backlash for undermining the virus even to the extent of discouraging facemasks. Biden certainly has developed the team to tackle the challenge.
On the foreign policy front, Biden will have rebuild alliances with European countries, Canada, and other allies that nosedived during Trump’s reign. The relations with China were at their as both sides engaged in a bitter trade war. The Middle East policy will be keenly watched as Gulf Arab countries have viewed Biden’s presidency with suspicion while Israel fears it will be the return of Obama’s era. Biden’s pick of Secretary of State Blinken faces the gargantuan task of restoring ties and alliances.
Biden has made environment and climate change part of his agenda and will return to the Paris Agreement which Trump quit. Among his challenges is rescinding the Muslim ban, shelving the border wall with Mexico and other controversial projects. The challenges are such enormous that they have compared to the Great Depression and Biden will no time to rest in tackling them. The office of the US President is important as its affects the world and there is a vital need for leadership.
