After one year in the oval office, President Joe Biden received a failing approval rating from citizens of the United States, the New York Post reports. With countless cargo ships  full of supplies still stuck off the coast of California and inflation rates reaching a 40-year high, many voters became discouraged with the president’s 2021 performance. 

The beginning of Biden’s loss of approval came after his handlement of Afghanistan in late August. Biden left Afghanistan to the Taliban, along with millions of dollars worth of military gear, USA Today reports. As the international world watches the president fumble his way through press conferences, many became cautious about his actions as tensions between Russia and Ukraine increased. 

In Biden’s first year, the country remains divided. With inflation skyrocketing and danger brewing overseas from China and Russia, the U.S. anxiously awaits the president’s next moves. If Biden does not prioritize the domestic agenda and stand fast in international matters, his second year will mirror his first. 

FAILING THE INTERNATIONAL WORLD

In many ways, Biden neglected to aid the international world. Tension rose when China threatened to invade Taiwan. Russia continues to direct cyberattacks against the U.S. and steps toward Ukraine. Terrorist organizations increased weaponry because of Biden’s swift decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. North Korea continues to test nuclear weapons. If Biden continues to neglect international issues, his promises to “regain dignity and respect” through his foreign policy remain empty. 

Earlier this month, the Human Rights Watch accused Biden and other world leaders of neglecting people who are suffering around the world, Reuters reports. Even though Biden promised to prioritize human rights issues, “he continued to sell arms to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel despite their persistent repression,” Human Rights Executive Director Kenneth Roth wrote. Roth explained that Biden “seemed to lose his voice when it came to public denunciation of serious human rights violations.”

With major nations violating human rights, world leaders need a firm stand from U.S. leadership to prevent further oppression. Notorious world leaders like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong-un continue to watch the U.S. President Biden must protect the nations who need it and maintain a strong international presence to protect the U.S., and those experiencing the impacts of human rights offenses throughout the world. 

FAILING THE STATES

Inflation hurts everyone in the U.S. With empty shelves in grocery stores across the nation and high gas prices only poised to increase, many residents only managed to keep pennies in their wallets. Increased prices add pressure to already heavy debts and bills that many struggle to afford. In a recent survey, CNN reports that 63% of Americans believe the economy is irreparable with no mitigation efforts from the federal government. 

Biden admitted to letting domestic affairs fall through the cracks this year. However, his justice department implemented a new domestic terrorism unit to combat homegrown extremists after the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection. However, this unit uses ambiguous measures to prevent domestic terrorism and holds unchecked power with the potential to become dangerous. 

When it comes to COVID-19, Biden maintained efficiency in increasing vaccination rates. However, many COVID-19 testing sites ran out of supplies and the federal government barely provides masks and rapid tests, CNN reports. 

FAILING COLLEGE STUDENTS

While running for office, Biden promised to forgive students of at least $10,000 in college debt. During the 2020 election, many college students clung to the hope that Biden would ease the burden of their debts, NPR writes. The New Yorker writes that the president has authority to make the decision, but has so far refrained. 

Biden’s first year proved disastrous. He stumbled through many international matters—his biggest the loss of Afghanistan—and struggled to maintain approval at home. If he hopes to improve his presidency this year, he must show firmness with foreign nations as well as continue to protect the U.S. and allies. He must also prioritize domestic unity, economic well-being, keep his promises and put America first.