No single objective answer exists—“good president” is subjective and depends on your priorities (economy, borders, foreign policy, cultural issues, competence, etc.). Biden’s record (2021–2025) contains measurable achievements, clear failures, and trade-offs. Here’s a factual breakdown rather than partisan spin.
Economic Record
•Recovery and jobs: Post-COVID rebound was strong. Unemployment fell to ~3.4–3.7% range for extended periods; millions of jobs were added. GDP growth was solid in several quarters.
•Inflation and costs: CPI inflation peaked above 9% in mid-2022 (highest in 40 years), eroding real wages for many households before declining to ~3%. Energy, food, and housing costs rose sharply early on. Real median household income and wage growth after inflation were mixed-to-weak for large parts of the term.
•Legislation: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act directed hundreds of billions toward roads, broadband, semiconductors, and green energy/tax credits. These passed and began funding projects; long-term productivity effects remain debated.
•Fiscal: Deficits remained large; national debt rose substantially. Student-loan forgiveness efforts were partially blocked by courts.
Stock markets reached highs, but affordability (homes, cars, groceries) was a persistent voter complaint.
Foreign Policy and Security
•Ukraine and NATO: Substantial U.S. aid to Ukraine after Russia’s 2022 invasion; NATO expanded (Finland, Sweden). Deterrence against further Russian advances held in Europe, at high financial and ammunition cost.
•Afghanistan: The 2021 withdrawal ended the longest U.S. war but was chaotic—13 U.S. service members killed in a suicide bombing, allies stranded, billions in equipment left, rapid Taliban takeover. Widely criticized across parties for planning and execution.
•China/Iran/Middle East: Continued strategic competition with China (export controls, AUKUS). Iran-backed proxies escalated (Houthis, Hamas’s Oct 7 attack and aftermath). Israel support was strong militarily; Gaza war diplomacy was contentious. No new major wars started involving U.S. ground troops.
•Border and migration: Record high southwest border encounters (CBP data showed multi-year highs, millions of encounters/got-aways). Asylum backlogs and fentanyl trafficking surged. Policy shifts ( Titling 42 end, parole programs, later executive restrictions) did not restore pre-2021 levels. This was a top voter negative.
Domestic Governance and Other
•COVID: Early term focused on vaccine distribution and ending the emergency; mandates and school closures were politically divisive leftovers from prior years.
•Crime and cities: Homicide rates rose sharply 2020–2022 in many cities then partially declined; retail theft and disorder were visible issues. Federal role is limited.
•Age/competence perceptions: Public concerns about age, verbal stumbles, and stamina grew (reflected in polls and the 2024 debate). Staff and Cabinet managed day-to-day; special counsel reports noted memory limits in specific contexts.
•Culture/administration: Heavy emphasis on equity, climate, and identity frameworks in agencies and executive actions. Some were reversed or limited by courts/Congress. Hunter Biden legal issues and influence allegations fueled ongoing investigations and distrust.
Public Verdict
Approval ratings were underwater for most of the term (Gallup/Rasmussen averages typically 40% or lower). 2022 midterms were a relatively narrow Democratic hold of the Senate amid expectations of a larger loss. 2024 election results (Trump victory, popular vote, and House/Senate) reflected broad dissatisfaction on inflation, border, and leadership vigor.
Bottom Line by Lens
•If you prioritize legislative output on infrastructure/industrial policy, low unemployment post-COVID, and Ukraine support → stronger case for “good.”
•If you prioritize inflation control, border enforcement, Afghanistan exit competence, fiscal restraint, or perceived cognitive fitness → stronger case for “poor.”
•Most voters treated it as a referendum on results they felt day-to-day (prices, migration, order) more than bills passed.
Historians will debate this for decades with more distance and data. Primary sources (BLS, CBP, BEA, White House fact sheets, congressional scores, Pew/Gallup) beat cable narratives. Decide against your own criteria rather than anyone’s team jersey.