From the moment President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn in, they made history. Being sworn into office only two weeks after an attack on the U.S. Capital and, during his first months in office, President Biden has already made significant changes. Biden has earned the title of oldest president at 77-years-old and Harris is the first Black and Asian-American woman vice president in history. Within hours of being sworn in, Biden signed a historic 17 executive actions; most of these actions were reversals of one sworn in by former President Donald Trump. Biden has planned to take on a range of pressing issues, including COVID-19, racial equality, gun control, LGBTQ+, and immigration. 

Biden has already fulfilled one of his top campaign problems by rejoining the Paris Agreement on climate change. In addition to this, he has ordered his government to “advance equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.” He has also reversed Trump’s policy that prevented entry to the US from majority-Muslim countries and implemented a required mask-wearing policy on federal policy.

Dr. Avrial Pathak, History & Social Science teacher, noted the biggest changes made thus far as having, “an actual plan to get the vaccines rolled out during the pandemic”. Pathak mentioned how the biggest challenge facing the country is the pandemic and advancing the procedure to get the country back to normal. 

Besides the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have said the largest change Biden has made is not an implemented law or policy, but his female vice president Kamala Harris. Harris has become the first female Vice President in the United States’ history; however, her assumption into office has not been entirely well-received. Many people, on social media, have reposted images saying she is unfit for office because of gender. However, Pathak stated that “She is an extremely impressive political candidate; she is not only the first female vice-presidential candidate, she’s also a woman of minority origins: Black and South Asian.” Similarly, an LFA senior states that, “gender should not matter in politics; it is clear that her work ethic and previous successes have shown what she is capable of. Frankly, I am thrilled to see what she accomplishes while in office.” 

Not only has Bidens’ administration been historic with the first Female Vice President, but his inclusivity has been as well. Pathak remarks that “his deliberate inclusion is something to make note of.” Biden has made it clear that he is embracing people of all backgrounds and ethnicities. Biden’s capability to “give voice to the underrepresented communities” is something Pathak deems inspiring.  

Furthermore, during Biden’sBiden’s first months in office, he has already made history with his American Rescue Plan in which Congress approved a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package for American citizens. This bill allowed for another round of stimulus checks— a sum of money issued to qualified individuals whose incomes are below a certain level— for $1,400 dollars.   

This bill also provides additional money to aid in the reopening of schools, restaurants, and businesses to stay afloat as well as helping states and local governments meet their financial needs. This bill has had positive reactions from most all Americans regardless of political stance, backgrounds, and socio-economic class. 

Overall, Biden has initiated significant changes during his few months in office; COVID-19, racial equality, gun control, LGBTQ+, and immigration are some of the topics he has taken on thus far. Over the next few months, Biden will continue to focus on combatting mostly racial and COVID-19 issues. Continuing to engage in meaningful discussions with teachers and peers is an excellent way to hear other’s perspectives regarding these new changes.