As President Joe Biden’s term winds down, his actions during the transition period have sparked debate.

While he publicly pledged cooperation with the incoming Trump administration, his team has rolled out measures that could complicate Trump’s early days in office.

Let’s unpack these moves and what they mean for the next administration.

Securing a Legacy or Stirring Controversy?

Every president seeks to cement their legacy in their final weeks, but Biden’s approach has raised eyebrows.

From altering federal agency succession orders to enacting complex rules that are tough to overturn, his administration appears to be playing a calculated game.

Critics argue this strategy throws unnecessary hurdles in the way of the incoming president.

Former Undersecretary of Defense Ezra Cohen criticized Biden’s tactics, claiming, “It’s about throwing sand in the gears to interfere with President Trump.”

While acknowledging that these obstacles aren’t insurmountable, Cohen described them as a distraction from more pressing national issues.

Changing the Rules: Orders of Succession

One significant move by Biden involves restructuring the order of succession in federal agencies.

By placing pro-Biden officials in key roles, he ensures they retain control until Trump’s nominees are confirmed by the Senate—a process that could take weeks.

At the Department of Justice, for example, Biden’s executive order reshuffled the hierarchy, allowing a Biden appointee to remain in charge temporarily.

Republicans have criticized this as a deliberate attempt to obstruct Trump’s policy goals, especially on border security and immigration.

Spending Spree: Locking in Federal Funds

Biden’s administration has been spending billions from landmark legislation, including the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act.

By allocating these funds now, Biden limits Trump’s ability to redirect them later.

For example, much of the budgeted money for infrastructure and climate initiatives is already earmarked, making it harder for Trump to reclaim.

This preemptive spending aligns with Biden’s commitment to his policy priorities but leaves little flexibility for the incoming administration to adjust the trajectory.

Fast-Tracking Judges and Rules

Biden boasts an impressive record of 235 federal judicial confirmations, surpassing Trump’s first-term tally.

These judges will influence decisions on key issues for decades.

Additionally, the administration is pushing through new rules on clean energy, worker protections, and consumer rights, which will take time and effort for Trump to dismantle.

Some of these measures are crafted in ways that make them legally challenging to reverse, ensuring their durability beyond Biden’s presidency.

Offshore Drilling and Environmental Protections

Using the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Biden has safeguarded over 600 million acres of U.S. waters from offshore drilling.

Unlike executive orders, this legal move requires Congressional action to overturn, a significantly tougher hurdle for Trump.

While Trump has vowed to reverse this policy, environmental groups see it as a victory for conservation.

Bolstering Ukraine Amid Uncertainty

Biden has prioritized aid to Ukraine, with his administration sending billions to support the war-torn nation.

With Trump expressing skepticism about ongoing U.S. involvement, Biden is rushing to allocate remaining funds before leaving office.

This ensures continued assistance, even as Trump explores potential peace negotiations with Russia.

What Lies Ahead?

Trump’s team is gearing up to hit the ground running, with plans for over 100 executive orders on day one. However, Biden’s strategic actions may complicate those efforts. From legal maneuvers to financial allocations, the outgoing administration has created a challenging landscape for the incoming one.

While Biden frames these moves as securing his legacy, critics call them underhanded tactics. As the baton passes, the tension between continuity and change will shape the next chapter of American governance.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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