In his first week back in office, President Donald Trump has taken swift action on several issues, including tightening the southern border, managing mass deportations, ending Middle Eastern conflicts, and providing aid to areas affected by storms, leading many to question why former President Joe Biden did not address these matters sooner. During the 2024 campaign, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris blamed Trump for halting a bipartisan immigration bill and claimed he couldn't secure the border without Congress's support, to which Trump responded that he had the authority to act independently.
Biden faced criticism for his response to Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage in western North Carolina. His management during this disaster, perceived as slow and politically motivated, sparked outrage among residents. Additionally, while a ceasefire agreement was reached in Gaza at the end of Biden's presidency, Trump's envoy played a crucial role in finalizing the deal, which many conservatives interpreted as Biden's failure to act decisively.
Since Trump launched his campaign in 2016, he has emphasized illegal immigration, which rose significantly during Biden's tenure. Democrats attempted to pass an immigration reform bill in 2024 that aimed to set limits on illegal crossings. However, it faced criticism from Republicans, who argued it allowed for a predetermined level of illegal immigration and provided little real solution. Trump encouraged Republicans to oppose the bill, leading its failure and causing Democrats to blame him for the increasing border crisis.
Biden had suggested that if the proposed immigration bill were law, he could shut down the border quickly. Republican lawmakers countered that he already had the necessary authority to do so. However, the bill did not pass, and Trump moved to seal the border effectively. His administration reported numerous arrests of illegal aliens, including violent offenders.
Hurricane Helene's impact in North Carolina was severe, with significant casualties and destruction. High-profile figures criticized FEMA for allegedly blocking aid, and Biden's leadership came under scrutiny due to delays in troop deployment for recovery efforts. Trump quickly sent additional forces to assist with rebuilding and was visibly present in the region shortly after taking office, prompting questions about why Biden didn't act sooner.
Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire right before Trump's return to office after a major conflict. The deal involved the gradual return of hostages in exchange for Palestinian releases and drew criticism from the Israeli right for allowing Hamas to remain in power. The groundwork for this agreement was laid during Biden's term, but it was only finalized after Trump’s intervention. Trump's warning regarding the hostages was cited by many as a pivotal factor leading to the agreement's completion.
Some Arab American voters expressed frustration at the Biden administration's failure to secure an earlier ceasefire, highlighting that it took Trump’s influence to achieve the deal. This instance, among others, contributed to a narrative that Biden had the ability to solve key issues but chose not to act.
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