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US President Joe Biden has received low ratings on key policy issues, including national defence, immigration, and federal debt, according to a recent Gallup poll. Biden's ratings are lower than his predecessors Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush. Biden is seen as a 'poor' and 'below aveage' President by many, according to the poll.
US President Joe Biden, 82, who has spent nearly five decades in public office has highlighted his administration's achievement on several occassions.. (Image: AP)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 14, 2025 19:47 IST
President Joe Biden has a lower rating than his three White House predecessors -- Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush -- on critical policy matters such as national defence, immigration, and federal debt, according to a recent Gallup poll. The survey revealed widespread dissatisfaction with Biden’s performance as he prepares to leave office on January 20.
On national defence, Biden received a net negative rating of -19%, significantly lower than Trump (+25%), Obama (-9%), and Bush (+3%).
The poll reflects public sentiment over the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and Biden’s handling of the Chinese spy balloon incident.
Four in 10 Americans said the US lost ground in national defence under Biden’s leadership.
Biden also scored poorly on immigration, with 51% of respondents stating the nation regressed during his tenure.
Comparatively, Bush (-37%), Trump (-19%), and Obama (-18%) fared better on the issue, according to the poll.
"When I [Joe Biden] became president, the numbers [of border crossings] came way down," Biden had said earlier this month. However, migrant crossings surged to record highs during Biden's first three years in office.
The unauthorised immigrant population in the US grew to 11 million in 2022, with Indian nationals accounting for 725,000, the third-largest group after Mexicans (4 million) and Salvadorans (750,000).
Only 13% of Americans believed immigration improved under Biden.
On federal debt, Biden performed the worst among recent presidents, with a net negative rating of -56%.
The US federal debt has surpassed $36 trillion under his administration.
By contrast, Obama and Trump received ratings of -36% and -45%, respectively, according to the poll.
Biden’s highest approval rating came from his work on LGBTQ+ rights, where he received a net positive score of 16%. This was significantly lower than Obama’s 52% rating in the same category.
Meanwhile, Trump earned a modest 4% positive rating for his efforts.
Crime and the economy also weighed heavily on Biden’s ratings. While he scored a net negative -32% on crime, this was marginally better than Obama’s -35% but far below Trump’s -13%.
Regarding the economy and the US’s global position, Biden fared better than Bush during the 2008 financial crisis but fell short compared to his other predecessors.
Biden, 82, who has spent nearly five decades in public office, has repeatedly praised his administration’s achievements.
"I put together one of the most competent foreign policy teams in American history," he said during remarks at the State Department, reported The New York Post. "I believe the economy I’m leaving is the best in the world and stronger than ever for all Americans."
Despite these claims, a separate Gallup poll released on January 7 found that over half of Americans believe Biden will be remembered as a "poor" or "below average" president.
Specifically, 37% expect him to be regarded as "below average," while 17% think he will be remembered as "poor". Only 6% of respondents believe Biden will be seen as "outstanding", and 13% view his legacy as "above average".
With his presidency nearing its end, Biden will leave the White House on January 20, when Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States.
Published By:
Girish Kumar Anshul
Published On:
Jan 14, 2025
