Biden-Harris vs. Trump: Which Policies Have Actually Helped the American People?

In the wake of the 2020 election, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office promising to heal a divided nation. But as we look back on the years since, it’s clear that their policies have had mixed results. From the economy to immigration, crime, and healthcare, both Harris and Trump have left their marks on the country in ways that have shaped everyday life for the average American.

The Economy: Inflation vs. Tax Cuts

When Biden and Harris took office, their goal was to recover from the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While their administration did see a rebound in jobs as businesses reopened, inflation also hit record highs, leaving American families paying more for groceries, gas, and rent. Critics argue that the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and other stimulus efforts, while aimed at helping people, contributed to inflation and worsened the cost of living for many.

On the other hand, under Donald Trump’s leadership, the economy saw years of growth with low unemployment and tax cuts that benefited businesses and individuals. However, critics argue that the tax cuts disproportionately helped the wealthy and added to the national debt. Trump’s trade wars, especially with China, also caused some economic friction, impacting American consumers and certain industries.

Immigration: Crisis vs. Security

Under Vice President Kamala Harris’s oversight, the U.S. saw a significant rise in illegal border crossings. Critics argue that Biden’s reversal of Trump-era policies, including the construction of a border wall and the “Remain in Mexico” policy, opened the floodgates for illegal immigration. This has led to overcrowded detention facilities and a backlog in processing legal immigration cases. With rising crime in certain border states, many argue that this lenient approach has hurt American citizens by overwhelming resources and leaving communities vulnerable.

Trump, in contrast, prioritized strict border security. His administration built portions of the border wall, implemented policies to reduce illegal crossings, and focused on limiting immigration. While his hardline stance reduced the number of illegal crossings, it was also divisive, with critics condemning policies like family separation and questioning the morality of his approach.

Crime and Public Safety: Law and Order vs. Defunding the Police

When it comes to crime, the Biden administration has struggled with rising rates of violent crime, especially in major cities. Critics argue that the push for criminal justice reform and calls from some progressives to defund the police have weakened law enforcement and contributed to higher crime rates. The administration’s approach to policing has left many Americans feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods.

Under Trump, the emphasis was on “law and order.” His administration supported police funding, took a tough stance on violent protests, and prioritized cracking down on crime. Supporters argue that Trump’s policies kept communities safer, while critics claim his rhetoric only exacerbated divisions and tensions between law enforcement and marginalized communities.

Healthcare: Expanding Access vs. Repealing Obamacare

Biden’s efforts to expand healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were a cornerstone of his campaign. His administration took steps to increase subsidies for health insurance, making it more affordable for millions of Americans. However, critics argue that the ACA still leaves many with high premiums and doesn’t fully address the need for universal healthcare.

Trump, on the other hand, attempted to dismantle the ACA, arguing that it led to higher premiums and limited choice for consumers. His administration’s failure to fully repeal the law left many Americans uncertain about their healthcare options. However, his focus on deregulation was seen by some as a way to create more competition and lower costs for consumers.

Foreign Policy: Diplomacy vs. “America First”

Biden’s foreign policy has largely focused on rebuilding alliances and reasserting the U.S.’s role in global affairs. While his administration has made strides in diplomatic relations, the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and strained relations with countries like China and Russia have raised questions about the effectiveness of his leadership.

Trump’s foreign policy was characterized by his “America First” approach, challenging international norms and questioning alliances like NATO. While his policies, such as the Abraham Accords, led to historic peace agreements in the Middle East, his aggressive stance on trade and relations with China were seen as destabilizing. Critics argue his approach undermined long-standing alliances and risked global isolation.

Conclusion: A Nation Divided

So, who has done more to help the American people? The answer depends on who you ask and what issues matter most. Under Biden and Harris, the focus has been on recovery, but with rising inflation, immigration issues, and crime, many feel left behind. Trump’s policies, while focused on national security, job creation, and a tough stance on crime, were also divisive and led to significant social and political tension.

As we move toward the 2024 election, Americans are faced with a difficult choice: do they stick with the current administration’s approach, or return to the policies that Trump implemented during his presidency? Either way, it’s clear that the choices made by both sides have shaped the country in ways that continue to affect us all.