Biden revived Trump policies thrice
In a Surprising Move, Biden Administration Reinstates Trump-Era Policies
In a surprising departure from the Democratic Party, the Biden administration has made the decision to reinstate several policies from former President Donald Trump’s time in office. These unexpected moves have caught the attention of both supporters and critics alike.
Designating the Houthis as a Terrorist Group
One notable policy reversal came in response to the Houthis’ attack on international commercial shipping in the Red Sea. President Joe Biden declared the group to be a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist group” (SDGT) in January, a designation that Trump had previously given them as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
Initially, Biden had reversed the Trump-era designation in an effort to address the war in Yemen, as it was deemed dangerous for Yemeni civilians by the United Nations and aid groups. However, following recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea, which the Houthis claim are in defense of Gaza during the ongoing conflict with Israel, Biden decided to reimpose one of the Trump-era designations.
Fast-Tracking Border Wall Construction
Another surprising move by the Biden administration was the announcement of plans to bypass 26 federal laws in order to expedite the construction of additional border wall in southern Texas. This decision, aimed at addressing the significant influx of illegal immigration from Mexico, mirrors a tactic previously used by the Trump administration.
Despite publicly stating his belief that border walls are ineffective, Biden explained that the funds for the border wall had already been appropriated and he was unable to redirect the money. Under Trump, approximately 50 miles of new primary border barriers were built, along with nearly 500 miles of replacements and repairs to existing walls.
Increased Oil and Gas Drilling Permits
During his 2020 campaign, Biden promised to halt further drilling on federal lands. However, data from the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management reveals that in his first three years in office, Biden has actually granted more oil and gas drilling permits for wells on federal land than Trump did.
Shortly after taking office, Biden did pause lease sales on federal lands and waters, but in June 2022, his administration restarted onshore oil and gas lease sales on federal land, even increasing royalty rates.
These unexpected policy reversals have sparked both support and criticism, leaving many wondering what other surprises the Biden administration may have in store.
What are the mixed reactions to the decision of holding the Houthis accountable for their actions by the federal government?
Ederal government. This move was met with mixed reactions, as some applauded the decision to hold the Houthis accountable for their actions, while others expressed concern for the impact it may have on humanitarian aid in war-torn Yemen, where the Houthis hold significant control.
Reinstating the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, was another surprising move by the Biden administration. This policy, implemented by the Trump administration in 2019, required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their immigration cases were processed in the United States. Critics of the policy argued that it put vulnerable individuals at risk in dangerous border towns. The decision to reinstate this policy has sparked controversy and a renewed debate over the treatment of migrants at the US-Mexico border.
Restoring the “Remain in Mexico” Policy
The Biden administration’s action to rejoin the World Health Organization (WHO) was yet another unexpected reversal. Former President Trump withdrew the United States from the WHO in July 2020, citing concerns over the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak. President Biden’s decision to reengage with the WHO has been welcomed by many who see international cooperation as essential in combating the ongoing pandemic. However, skeptics argue that a return to the WHO may compromise US interests and undermine efforts to hold the organization accountable for its actions.
The decision to reinstate these Trump-era policies has highlighted a shift in the Biden administration’s approach towards governance. While these moves may have surprised some, they also demonstrate a willingness to consider policies implemented by the previous administration, even if they were heavily criticized at the time. This willingness to depart from party lines and evaluate policies based on their merits rather than their origin is essential for effective and successful governance.
However, some critics argue that this willingness to reinstate Trump-era policies undermines the Biden administration’s commitment to progressivism and represents a missed opportunity to usher in bold and transformative change. They argue that these reversals reinforce a sense of political continuity rather than embracing the promised “Build Back Better” agenda.
Moving Forward
As the Biden administration continues to navigate the complex political landscape, these surprising reversals of Trump-era policies indicate a willingness to consider various perspectives and to prioritize pragmatic decision-making over partisan loyalty. Only time will tell if these actions represent a withdrawal from progressive ideals or a measured approach to governance that seeks to bring the country together by evaluating policy based on its effectiveness, irrespective of its source. In any case, they have certainly ignited meaningful conversations and forced many to reassess their preconceived notions about the Biden administration’s policy direction.
In the ever-evolving realm of politics, where decisions are often fraught with controversy and complexity, it is important to view each action through a nuanced lens. The reinstatement of Trump-era policies by the Biden administration is a reminder that governance is a multifaceted process, one that requires adaptability and a willingness to reconsider past approaches.
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