Assessing the Achievements of Trump, Biden, and Truman during Their First Two Years in Office
When evaluating the accomplishments of U.S. presidents in their first two years of office, each president faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This assessment will focus on the actions taken by presidents Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Harry Truman during their respective first terms, with an international perspective. While Truman's achievements stand out, Trump and Biden also made notable strides in various areas.
President Trump's Achievements
From an international standpoint, President Trump's accomplishments are largely overshadowed by his more controversial actions and decisions. However, there were still some notable achievements, particularly during the early months of his presidency, before his divisive personality and erratic statements began to negatively impact U.S. international relations.
Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
One of the most significant actions was the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, despite global concerns about climate change. This move was viewed negatively by the international community, as it cast the U.S. in a less cooperative and less responsible role on the global stage.
Impact on International Diplomacy
His behavior at home and abroad led to a significant drop in the respect for the U.S. executive branch. Many leaders worldwide were hesitant to take his statements and decisions seriously, which adversely affected international diplomacy. This was compounded by several ethical controversies, further devaluing the high-standing of the U.S. presidency.
President Obama's Achievements
President Obama's first two years saw the introduction of several significant achievements, both domestically and internationally. Here are some of his notable accomplishments:
Nobel Peace Prize
Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to advance international diplomacy and cooperation between nations, demonstrating a commitment to improving global relations and reducing conflicts through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Paris Agreement
His administration made substantial contributions to the international community by signing the Paris Agreement on climate change, which aimed to address the looming threat of global warming and promote sustainable development.
Comprehensive Plan Agreement with Iran
Obama also reached a comprehensive plan agreement that aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. This agreement was significant in maintaining regional stability and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
President Biden's Achievements
Joe Biden has made notable contributions during his tenure, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic and promoting economic recovery. His administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to and significant achievements in several areas:
Rejoining the WHO and Global Vaccine Program
Biden re-established the United States' membership in the WHO, which was crucial in coordinating global efforts to fight the pandemic. He also contributed to the global vaccine program, ensuring that equitable access to vaccines was a priority, especially in developing countries.
Economic Recovery Policies
Biden's administration has also focused on economic recovery, introducing policies aimed at supporting businesses and creating jobs. This has been a cornerstone of his administration's efforts to address the economic fallout of the pandemic and stimulate growth.
Rejoining the Paris Agreement
Perhaps one of the most significant foreign policy achievements was the United States' rejoining the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This move signaled a renewed commitment to addressing climate change and working with other nations to develop sustainable solutions.
Evaluating the Presidents: Truman, Obama, Trump, and Biden
While Truman, Obama, Trump, and Biden each brought unique approaches and challenges to their presidencies, Truman's accomplishments stand out as exemplary. Here are a few of his noteworthy achievements:
Ending WWII and Troop Deployment
Truman ended the war in Europe and the Pacific, bringing U.S. troops home safely and successfully. His decision to sign Executive Order 9981, mandating desegregation in the military, was a significant step towards civil rights, following the persistent efforts of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
GI Bill and Education
Truman also initiated the GI Bill, which provided education and training opportunities for returning soldiers, helping to prevent a wave of unemployment and giving veterans a chance to contribute to the nation's economic growth.
Biden's handling of the first major pandemic since 1918 was mixed, with his personality sometimes hindering his ability to achieve other goals. Trump, while managing the 1918 flu pandemic, saw his actions and statements sometimes overshadowed by the divisive nature of his leadership.
While Obama faced criticism for granting Putin permission to invade Ukraine, Biden has publicly asserted that such invasions would not be tolerated. Unfortunately, Putin's misinterpretation of Russia's withdrawal from Afghanistan led to regional destabilization. However, Biden's support for Ukraine is commendable and a positive step in defending democracy.
In conclusion, each president has faced their own set of challenges, but Truman, Obama, Trump, and Biden have all managed to achieve significant milestones in different areas. While there is much to learn from each of their leadership styles, it is clear that Truman's achievements serve as an example of effective and unifying presidential leadership.