Joe Biden: Comprehensive Presidency Review & 2026 Status Report

Mathew

22 January 2026

Introduction: Joe Biden in 2026
As of January 22, 2026, Joseph R. Biden Jr. stands as a pivotal figure in modern American history, having concluded his term as the 46th President of the United States exactly one year prior. Now 83 years old, Biden’s post-presidency has been defined by a focus on cementing his historical legacy through his upcoming presidential library and memoir, even as he faces significant personal health challenges. Following his withdrawal from the 2024 race and the subsequent election of Donald Trump, Biden has transitioned into the role of elder statesman, with his public appearances becoming increasingly rare but poignant.

This report provides a comprehensive SEO-optimized analysis of his tenure, his current activities in Delaware, and the early historical verdict on “Bidenomics” and his foreign policy doctrines.

Legislative Legacy & Domestic Achievements (2021–2025)

Biden’s single term was marked by an aggressive legislative agenda that sought to reshape the American industrial landscape. Despite a polarized Congress, his administration secured several bipartisan victories that continue to impact the economy in 2026.

Key Pillars of “Bidenomics”

The core of Biden’s domestic policy focused on revitalizing manufacturing and addressing climate change. Key legislative acts include:

  • The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): The largest investment in climate energy in U.S. history, which incentivized EV production and renewable energy projects.
  • CHIPS and Science Act: A strategic move to reshore semiconductor manufacturing, aiming to reduce reliance on Chinese technology supply chains.
  • Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: A $1.2 trillion bipartisan package that funded the repair of bridges, roads, and the expansion of broadband internet access.
  • American Rescue Plan: The $1.9 trillion stimulus passed early in his term to combat the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands… a nation where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure.”
— Joe Biden, Farewell Address, January 15, 2025

Foreign Policy: A World in Transition

Biden’s foreign policy was defined by a return to multilateralism and the strengthening of alliances, particularly NATO. His administration’s steadfast support for Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion remains a defining chapter, although funding battles in late 2024 complicated this legacy. His approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict and competition with China tested the limits of American diplomatic influence, leaving a complex geopolitical map for his successor.

The 2024 Election & Withdrawal

In July 2024, amidst growing concerns regarding his age and stamina, Joe Biden became the first eligible incumbent president since Lyndon B. Johnson to withdraw from a re-election campaign. He immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost the general election to Donald Trump. This decision effectively capped his political career at a single term, altering the trajectory of the Democratic Party.

Post-Presidency Status (2025–2026)

Since leaving the White House on January 20, 2025, Biden has retired primarily to his homes in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Health Updates

In May 2025, it was publicly disclosed that the former president had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. This development has limited his public schedule, though he remains active in planning his legacy projects.

Presidential Library and Memoir

In September 2025, plans were officially announced for the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Presidential Library to be located in Delaware. A 13-person board, chaired by former ambassador Rufus Gifford and including close allies like Antony Blinken, is currently spearheading the fundraising efforts. Additionally, Biden secured a reported $10 million deal with publisher Little, Brown & Co. for his presidential memoir, a project he is reportedly pursuing with urgency.

Comparative Data: Biden’s Key Metrics

MetricDetails
Term ServedJanuary 20, 2021 – January 20, 2025
Major LegislationAmerican Rescue Plan, Infrastructure Act, CHIPS Act, IRA
Judicial LegacyAppointed Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court
Post-Presidency ResidenceDelaware (Wilmington / Rehoboth Beach)
Key 2026 ProjectDrafting Presidential Memoir (Little, Brown & Co.)

Conclusion

Joe Biden’s legacy is that of a transitional leader who stabilized the nation post-2020 and enacted significant industrial policy. While his term was singular, the long-tail effects of the CHIPS Act and green energy investments ensure his administration’s footprint will be visible for decades. As he navigates health challenges in 2026, his focus has shifted from governance to history, ensuring his narrative is preserved for future generations.

Sources & References


  • Wikipedia: Presidency of Joe Biden

  • CBS News: Biden chooses Delaware for Presidential Library (Sept 2025)

  • Time Magazine: Joe Biden Launches a Comeback No One Is Asking For (April 2025)

  • Wall Street Journal: Biden Memoir Deal with Little, Brown (July 2025)

  • Al Jazeera: Biden pledges peaceful transition (Nov 2024)

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