Trump vs. Biden: The biggest differences in their presidencies

Is Joe Biden really more qualified than Trump?

Edy Zoo
3 min readDec 17, 2022
There is a person with a Trump mask pointing at the viewer.
Photo by Darren Halstead on Unsplash

It is no secret that the two most recent U.S. Presidents have had very different approaches to governing, with Donald Trump often taking a more conservative and divisive stance and Joe Biden emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and restoring normalcy to the White House.

However, what are the fundamental differences between their presidencies?

After four years of Donald Trump’s unconventional and often divisive leadership, Joe Biden’s presidency has been marked by a return to more traditional, centrist policies.

Nevertheless, while both presidents have faced challenges and controversies, there are several key differences between their approaches to governing.

One significant difference is in their approaches to foreign policy. Trump was known for his “America First” approach, which often involved pulling back from international agreements and organizations and prioritizing the interests of the United States over those of other countries.

He also had a tumultuous relationship with many world leaders, including allies such as Germany and Canada.

In contrast, Biden has emphasized the importance of international cooperation and rebuilding relationships with allies.

He has rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization. In addition, he has worked to repair relationships with strained countries under Trump, such as Mexico and Canada.

He has also taken a more diplomatic approach to deal with adversaries such as Iran and North Korea.

Another key difference is in their approaches to domestic policy. Trump pursued a largely conservative agenda, including efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, roll back environmental regulations, and cut taxes for businesses and the wealthy.

He also implemented several hardline immigration policies, including the controversial “zero tolerance” policy at the border and the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries.

Biden, on the other hand, has pursued a more liberal agenda, with a focus on addressing issues such as racial justice, healthcare, and climate change.

He has signed executive orders on voting rights, gun control, and climate change issues and proposed legislation on healthcare, infrastructure, and immigration reform.

He has also emphasized the importance of working with Congress and building consensus instead of relying on executive action.

Another major difference between the two presidents is in their leadership styles. Trump was known for his bold, combative approach, often using Twitter to attack opponents and make controversial statements.

He also faced numerous accusations of corruption and abuse of power, including the impeachment trial in which he was accused of pressuring Ukraine to investigate Biden.

On the other hand, Biden has taken a more conciliatory approach, emphasizing the importance of bringing people together and finding common ground.

He has also tried to restore a sense of normalcy and professionalism to the White House after four years of chaos and controversy under Trump.

Overall, the presidencies of Trump and Biden have been marked by significant differences in their approaches to foreign and domestic policy and leadership styles.

While Trump’s presidency was characterized by divisive rhetoric and a focus on conservative policies, Biden has emphasized the importance of international cooperation and pursued a more liberal agenda, focusing on bringing people together and addressing issues such as racial justice and climate change.

Let me know what you think. Is Biden more qualified than Trump?

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Edy Zoo

Edy Zoo is a social critic, theologian, and philosopher who writes about social subjects.