As Joe Biden says his goodbyes to world leaders at the UN General Assembly this week, there’s a clear mission behind the handshakes and smiles—securing his legacy, particularly in light of a possible return of Donald Trump to the White House.
With global attention fixed on the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November, many countries are apprehensive about the possibility of Trump defeating Kamala Harris. Concerns loom that Trump’s return could bring back his hardline, isolationist foreign policies.
Biden, now making his final appearance at the UN after stepping out of the race in July and throwing his support behind Harris, is determined not to leave anything to chance. At 81, he views his time in office as a restoration of order after Trump’s presidency and wants to ensure that his accomplishments are, as one aide put it, “locked in.”
During his keynote address to the UN and a critical climate speech on Tuesday, Biden will focus on key global issues—such as the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan—and cement alliances that can withstand any political changes back home.
“When President Biden took office almost four years ago, he pledged to restore American leadership globally,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. This week, Biden will use his address to highlight how his approach has delivered positive results, both for Americans and the world, she added.
Biden’s appearance at the UN is also part of a broader effort to safeguard his legacy as his presidency winds down. After a turbulent debate with Trump stoked concerns about his age, Biden is now focused on solidifying his achievements both domestically and internationally.
In a touching moment ahead of the UN assembly, former President Bill Clinton presented Biden with the “Clinton Global Citizen Award” during a surprise ceremony in New York.
A Race Against Time Biden recently held a cabinet meeting, urging his team to “sprint to the finish” in advancing his policies and making sure Harris gets any momentum from their successes as the election approaches.
In a memo to staff, White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt emphasized the importance of Biden’s work in restoring “decency and dignity” to the presidency—an indirect jab at Trump. With his sights set on the history books, Biden is keen to leave a lasting mark across various policy areas.
On international alliances, where Trump had once threatened to pull the U.S. out of key partnerships unless allies spent more on defense, Biden gathered the leaders of Japan, India, and Australia for a farewell summit in his hometown just last weekend.
On climate, where Trump had withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Accord, Biden’s National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, spoke of the president’s desire to build an “unstoppable momentum” for climate action.
And on Ukraine, where Trump was criticized for his warm stance towards Vladimir Putin, Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later this week at the White House to discuss further U.S. support for Kyiv.
“The current global challenges, from Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan, highlight the need for international cooperation,” said a senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously to the press.
However, the greatest goal on Biden’s horizon—a ceasefire in Gaza—remains elusive. The situation in the Middle East continues to worsen, with the UN General Assembly likely to be dominated by the latest violence in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks on Hezbollah strongholds have left hundreds dead.
Biden’s upcoming speech will also tackle the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the difficult year the region has endured, according to U.S. officials.
As his presidency winds down, Biden is leaving no stone unturned in trying to ensure his leadership leaves a lasting imprint, even as the political winds in the U.S. shift once more.
