The Biden Presidency has Improved U.S. Reputation

Since the Biden Presidency began on January 20 of 2021, approval ratings from across the globe have risen in favor of the United States.

This is no surprise for those who have been paying attention to the reaction of leaders from around the world since President Biden’s win back in November. On the day Biden’s victory was announced, several of America’s allies were vocal in their celebration of the win.

“Congratulations, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,” says Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. “Our two countries are close friends, partners, and allies. We share a relationship that’s unique on the world stage. I’m really looking forward to working together and building on that with you both.” Several other leaders expressed relief over the news, with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo weighing in with her own tweet: “Welcome back America!”

With all of that said, this reaction came mostly from a place of relief, with much of the world tense at the idea that The Orange One could be re-elected. It’s encouraging then, to see that—six months into President Biden’s administration—America’s approval rating among other countries has consistently gone up.

When the president before Biden left office (his name does not need mentioning; he gets enough press as it is) the United States’s approval rating was at 30 percent. A new report from Gallup, however, shows that America’s approval rating has gone up to 49 percent, “tying the previous record high set under former President Barack Obama.”

Unsurprisingly, Russia’s approval rating of America took a dramatic turn, with their approval rating of the United States coming in at 13 percent. This, too, can be credited to President Biden. Unlike his predecessor, our now-president has not bowed to the whims of one Vladimir Putin, and has been vocal in exactly what he thinks of Russia’s president.

While it’s important to count our wins, it’s also important to remember that we are coming from a very, very low bar. The Biden Presidency has done a number of praiseworthy things, particularly for the LGBTQ community, but he is by no means infallible, and it’s important to hold him accountable when he goes back on his promises.

But, as this administration continues in joining the rest of the world in what the previous administration foolishly walked away from, we can hope (and work) for a brighter future.