Thu Jan 02 04:59:01 UTC 2025: ## Biden Races Against the Clock to Secure Legacy Before Trump’s Return

**Washington, D.C. – January 2, 2025** – President Joe Biden is in a frantic push to solidify his administration’s achievements and protect his policies before handing power over to Donald Trump, experts say. This “lame-duck” period is marked by an intense effort to shape public opinion and limit the incoming administration’s agenda, mirroring similar efforts by past presidents facing a power shift.

Biden’s actions have included a large-scale clemency effort, commuting the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates—a move met with sharp criticism from Trump, who vowed to increase death sentences. Biden also pardoned his son, Hunter, a decision that drew bipartisan condemnation. These actions, while common for outgoing presidents, have significantly impacted Biden’s public image, according to political science professors.

The president has also focused on fulfilling campaign promises. He announced student loan forgiveness for 55,000 public service workers, bringing the total under his administration to nearly 5 million. Additionally, he’s prioritized aid to Ukraine, authorizing billions of dollars in military equipment before Trump’s potential shift in policy toward the war-torn nation. Biden also advanced climate change initiatives, counteracting Trump’s known skepticism on the issue.

A key element of Biden’s final days involves judicial appointments. His administration has confirmed at least 235 federal judges, a record since the Carter administration, including the historic appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. These appointments aim to counter the anticipated conservative judicial push under the Trump administration, although the Supreme Court’s 6-3 conservative majority remains a significant obstacle. While these judicial appointments may provide temporary resistance to Trump’s agenda, key issues will likely end up before the conservative-leaning Supreme Court. The overall effort reflects a calculated attempt to secure a lasting legacy amidst the looming return of a political rival.

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