Biden’s UN Goodbye Aims to ‘Trump-Proof’ Legacy

AFP/APP

New York: As Joe Biden bids farewell to world leaders at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) this week, one central goal emerges: securing his legacy against a possible White House comeback by Donald Trump.

Countries globally are closely watching the upcoming U.S. presidential election, fearing that a Trump victory over Kamala Harris could signal a return to Trump’s hardline, isolationist foreign policy.

Biden, after stepping out of the 2024 race and endorsing his vice president, Kamala Harris, as the Democratic nominee, is making his final UNGA appearance.

At 81 years old, Biden aims to safeguard his achievements, viewing his presidency as a recovery period following Trump’s tumultuous term. One aide emphasized that Biden is focused on making his accomplishments “irreversible.”

In his keynote address to the UN, a major climate speech, and discussions on conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, Biden is expected to reinforce U.S. alliances and leadership that could potentially withstand a Trump return.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden will use the UN platform to outline his “vision” for continued U.S. leadership, while highlighting the results this approach has delivered for both the American people and the world.

Biden’s UN address is part of a broader strategy to bolster his legacy both at home and abroad, following a one-term presidency. Concerns about his age, heightened by a poor debate performance against Trump, have fueled this urgency.

Ahead of the assembly, Biden was honored with the “Clinton Global Citizen Award” in an emotional ceremony presented by former President Bill Clinton.

Last week, Biden held a cabinet meeting, urging a “sprint to the finish” to further promote his policies, in part to boost Harris in what is expected to be a tight election.

His communications director, Ben LaBolt, encouraged White House staff to “put a stake in the ground for the future,” while contrasting Biden’s administration with Trump’s by highlighting how Biden restored “decency and dignity to the White House.”

In international diplomacy, Biden recently hosted leaders from Japan, India, and Australia for a farewell summit in his hometown. This gesture underscores his commitment to alliances, a sharp contrast to Trump’s threats to withdraw support from Western allies.

On climate, where Trump famously withdrew the US from the Paris accords, Biden is determined to create “irreversible momentum behind climate action,” as noted by his National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.

As Biden makes his UNGA swansong, his efforts reflect a desire to shape a legacy that could endure even in the face of future political shifts.