Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden, 82, has been rated as the least effective of the last four U.S. presidents on national defence, immigration, and handling of the federal debt, according to a recent Gallup poll.
The survey, conducted last month, compares Biden’s performance to former Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush.
Despite Biden’s own claims of success, Americans ranked his administration significantly lower in key policy areas.
The president, who exits the White House on January 20, has been criticised for presiding over record debt levels and a historically high surge in immigration.
Key Poll Findings:
National Defense and Military
Biden: -19% net rating
Trump: +25%
Obama: -9%
Bush: +3%
Four in ten respondents believe the U.S. lost ground on defense under Biden, citing the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and his delayed response to a Chinese spy balloon over U.S. airspace.
Immigration
Biden: -51% net rating
Bush: -37%
Trump: -19%
Obama: -18%
Only 13% of respondents said immigration improved under Biden, despite his assertion that border numbers had declined. In reality, crossings surged to record levels by the end of 2023.
Federal Debt
Biden: -56% net rating
Trump: -45%
Obama: -36%
With national debt exceeding $36 trillion, Biden’s fiscal management performance was rated the worst. Gallup did not measure debt during Bush’s presidency.
LGBT Rights
The only area where Biden achieved a net positive rating was LGBT rights, scoring +16% — though well below Obama’s +52%. Trump received a +4% rating.
Public Perception and Legacy
A separate Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans expect Biden to be remembered as a “poor” or “below average” president. Only 20% believe he will be regarded as “outstanding” or “above average.”
Biden, who has spent nearly half a century in public office, will hand over the presidency to Donald Trump on January 20, marking Trump’s return as the 47th president.
