It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it? The political landscape moves so fast that sometimes we lose track of who was just holding the keys to the Oval Office. If you're looking for the quick answer: Joe Biden was our last president, serving as the 46th President of the United States from January 20, 2021, until January 20, 2025.
He was the man in the middle of a literal whirlwind.
Biden took over during a global pandemic and handed the baton back to his predecessor, Donald Trump, in what remains one of the most unusual handoffs in American history. It’s kinda wild when you think about it. We went from Trump to Biden, and then right back to Trump.
Who Was Our Last President and What Did He Actually Do?
Joe Biden didn't just stumble into the presidency. He was a creature of Washington for half a century. You've probably heard the stats: 36 years in the Senate, eight years as Vice President under Barack Obama. By the time he became the 46th president, he was the oldest person to ever hold the job.
People often forget how grim things looked in early 2021. The vaccine rollout was just starting. The Capitol was still reeling from the events of January 6th. Biden's whole "brand" was about lowering the temperature. He wanted to be the "stabilizer."
The Big Wins (and the Big Fights)
Biden’s term was defined by massive, multi-trillion-dollar bills that most people can't keep straight.
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- The American Rescue Plan: That was the $1.9 trillion stimulus that sent those $1,400 checks to most households. It was meant to jumpstart a stalled economy.
- The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: This was his "big deal." It pumped money into roads, bridges, and—crucially—high-speed internet for rural areas.
- The CHIPS Act: A move to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S. so we weren't so dependent on China.
Honestly, his domestic record was pretty robust if you look at the sheer volume of legislation. He also appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. That’s a legacy that lasts decades, long after the term ends.
The Turning Point: Why He Didn't Run Again
This is where it gets complicated. For a long time, the plan was for Biden to seek a second term. He even started the 2024 campaign. But then came that debate in June 2024.
The performance was, to put it mildly, rough.
It sparked a panic within the Democratic party. For weeks, the news was nothing but "will he or won't he?" Finally, in July 2024, Biden did something almost no modern president does: he stepped aside. He endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris. It was a massive gamble.
"I revere this office, but I love my country more," Biden said in his Oval Office address explaining the move.
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Ultimately, Harris lost the 2024 election to Donald Trump, making Biden a "bridge" president—a four-year gap between two eras of Trump.
The "Last President" Misconception
Sometimes people ask "who was our last president" because they are confused by the numbering. Donald Trump is both the 45th and the 47th president. Because his terms weren't consecutive, Joe Biden sits right there in the middle as the 46th.
It’s only happened once before in history with Grover Cleveland in the late 1800s.
Foreign Policy: A Mixed Bag
Biden’s time in office wasn't just about domestic bills. He oversaw the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Those images of the Kabul airport? They stuck with his approval ratings for years.
Then came the invasion of Ukraine. Biden was instrumental in keeping NATO together and funneling aid to Kyiv. He basically spent the last two years of his term balancing the war in Ukraine with the escalating conflict in Gaza. It was a lot for any leader, let alone one in his 80s.
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Biden's Final Days and the 2026 Perspective
Looking back from 2026, Biden's presidency is often viewed through the lens of the economy. While unemployment hit record lows under his watch, inflation hit record highs. That "cost of living" sting is what many voters remember most.
He left office on January 20, 2025, after a relatively smooth transition—at least compared to the one four years prior.
What you can do now to stay informed:
- Check the National Archives: They have a full digital library of Biden’s executive orders and speeches if you want the raw data.
- Compare the "First 100 Days": Look at how the current Trump administration’s 2025 start compares to Biden’s 2021 start to see how policy shifts affect your daily life.
- Verify Election Results: Always use official sources like the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for historical voting data.
Biden might be out of the white house, but the laws he signed—especially regarding climate and infrastructure—are still being rolled out today. Understanding what he did helps make sense of the news you're reading this morning.