Biden Prepares for Final Acts as Trump Awaits Presidential Handover

In the election held on November 5, Republican Donald Trump defeated Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris to become the 47th President of the United States. Outgoing President Joe Biden will formally transfer power to the newly elected president on January 20.

Before that, however, as the head of the “lame duck” administration, Biden may take several actions. It is believed that he may also make important decisions using his constitutional powers as the outgoing president. According to some segments of the American media, the Biden administration may take steps in two areas during its final phase. The first is to allocate additional funding for climate change and environmental protection programs. The second is to send increased military assistance to Ukraine.

Trump’s personal closeness with Russian President Vladimir Putin is well known. Therefore, there are questions about whether he would maintain military aid to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression. Additionally, Trump’s “indifferent attitude” towards climate change and environmental protection, frequently criticized during his 2016-2020 presidency, has also raised concerns.

Some political observers believe the Biden administration might demonstrate late-stage activity to spend billions of dollars on implementing three important laws that Congress has already approved. These include the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. Notably, the total number of votes in the Electoral College across the 50 states of the U.S. is 538. While Trump has surpassed the majority requirement of 270, the formalities to assume office in the Oval Office are still pending.

In the next step, on December 13, the electors will gather in the respective state capitals to cast their votes for their party’s candidate, formally concluding the presidential election process. On January 6, 2025, members of both chambers of the U.S. Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, will officially certify Trump’s position as the 47th President. On January 20, Trump will take over the presidency from Biden, who will leave the White House that day.