Biden to Trump: A Tale of Two Presidencies | 1.19.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Biden to Trump: A Tale of Two Presidencies | 1.19.25
Release Date: January 19, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley and Georgia Howe
Guest: Jarrett Stepman, Author of War on the Conspiracy to Rewrite America's Past*

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Introduction

In this pivotal episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe engage in a comprehensive discussion with historian Jarrett Stepman. The conversation delves into the contrasting legacies of President Joe Biden and the anticipated trajectory of President Donald Trump's second term. The episode offers an in-depth analysis of Biden's administration, the unique nature of Trump's non-consecutive presidency, and the potential policies and impacts of Trump's leadership moving forward.

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Postmortem on Biden's Presidency

Farewell Address Insights

Jarrett Stepman opens the discussion by examining Joe Biden's farewell address, delivered on a quiet Wednesday evening. He describes the speech as "low energy" and akin to a "Friday night news dump," suggesting it lacked the gravitas typically associated with presidential farewells. Stepman remarks, "I felt that it was very low energy, which I think defined especially the last part of his presidency" (01:34).

Legacy of Biden: Institutionalism and Leadership Challenges

Stepman contends that Biden's legacy will be marked by his representation of "crumbling institutions" and his image as a "frail man" struggling to lead effectively. He highlights Biden's administration's struggles with inflation and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan as emblematic of his tenure. Stepman asserts, "His legacy was of an institutionalist and institutions that were losing favor from the American people and going in a direction that Americans didn't want" (02:31).

Furthermore, Stepman critiques Biden's inability to present a strong, centralized leadership during critical moments, noting the lack of accountability within the executive branch. He observes, "Nobody at the top seemed to have lost their job and business continued on as usual" (02:31).

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Transition to Trump's Second Term

Historical Uniqueness of Trump's Non-Consecutive Presidency

The discussion shifts to Donald Trump's unprecedented return to the White House, making him the second non-consecutive president in U.S. history after Grover Cleveland. Stepman believes this unique scenario will positively influence Trump's ability to govern, as Trump enters his second term with a stronger mandate and greater experience. He states, "The fact that he triumphed, given those challenging circumstances, makes this a unique return to the White House" (04:53).

Impact of Resistance Movement

Addressing the robust resistance Trump faced during his first term, Stepman anticipates a significantly diminished opposition in his second term. He explains, "I think it's going to be much more marginalized in comparison to that time again, because Trump comes in with so much more of a mandate this time around" (07:21). This reduced resistance, coupled with Trump's strategic removal of opposing bureaucrats through mechanisms like Schedule F, is expected to consolidate his administration's power and streamline policy implementation.

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Trump's Expected Policies and Actions

Bureaucratic Restructuring and Immigration Policies

Stepman predicts that Trump will prioritize dismantling bureaucratic resistance and reinstating stringent immigration policies. He anticipates the restoration of the "remain in Mexico" policy and the reimplementation of border security measures that were faltering under Biden's administration. Stepman notes, "He’s going to use a lot of tools, including something called Schedule F, to remove recalcitrant bureaucrats" (07:21) and *"I think he’s gonna hit the ground running faster this time"` (08:43).

Tax Cuts and Legislative Reversals

In the first 100 days, Trump is expected to push for the reimplementation of tax cuts from his previous administration and work with Congress to undo Biden's executive decisions, particularly those related to gender definitions under Title IX. Stepman emphasizes, "I think his first term, his first 100 days in office will also reimplement tax cuts from his first administration" (08:43).

Cabinet Appointments and Institutional Critique

Trump's Cabinet picks are characterized by Stepman as "outsiders" who critique existing institutions. For example, appointing Pete Hegseth to the Department of Defense and Cash Patel to the FBI signifies a departure from traditional, establishment figures. Stepman remarks, "If it's somebody like Pete Hegseth at the Defense Department... he comes in as a man who has experience, is just a regular soldier criticizing the woke DEI direction of the agency" (10:03).

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Legacy Building Actions

Foreign Policy Emphasis

Contrary to the focus on domestic policies, Stepman highlights Trump's potential to redefine U.S. foreign policy. Anticipated actions include strategic acquisitions like Greenland, revisiting the Panama Canal, and reestablishing doctrines reminiscent of the Monroe Doctrine. Stepman posits, "A big part of his legacy is actually going to be his foreign policy... he is going to create a more realist perspective in American foreign policy and focus on containing the threat of communist China" (11:33).

He also underscores Trump's efforts to broker peace in regions like the Middle East and mitigate conflicts involving Ukraine, aligning with his vision of preventing global catastrophes that could hinder America's resurgence. Stepman asserts, "Trump is going to make foreign policy a priority because I think the way that Trump looks at it... he must prevent any kind of global catastrophe" (11:33).

Containment of China and Global Stability

With the appointment of Marco Rubio to the State Department, Trump's administration is expected to take a firmer stance against China, perceived as a significant threat. Stepman believes this focus will be central to Trump's strategy to ensure America's dominant position on the global stage.

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Conclusion: Potential Impact and Legacy

In wrapping up, Stepman acknowledges the immense challenges facing Trump as he seeks to "make America great again." He recognizes the historical significance of Trump's potential to either spearhead a revival or precipitate unforeseen consequences. Stepman concludes, "Trump is at a point in which he could have enormous impact over the trajectory of the United States and really the world" (13:08). The episode anticipates a transformative period in American politics, hinging on Trump's policies and leadership efficacy.

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Notable Quotes

• Jarrett Stepman on Biden’s Farewell Address:
  "I felt that it was very low energy, which I think defined especially the last part of his presidency." (01:34)

• On Biden’s Legacy:
  "His legacy was of an institutionalist and institutions that were losing favor from the American people and going in a direction that Americans didn't want." (02:31)

• Regarding Trump's Unique Return:
  "The fact that he triumphed, given those challenging circumstances, makes this a unique return to the White House." (04:53)

• On the Diminished Resistance Against Trump:
  "I think it's going to be much more marginalized in comparison to that time again, because Trump comes in with so much more of a mandate this time around." (07:21)

• About Trump's Foreign Policy Focus:
  "Trump is going to make foreign policy a priority because I think the way that Trump looks at it... he must prevent any kind of global catastrophe." (11:33)

• On Trump's Potential Impact:
  "Trump is at a point in which he could have enormous impact over the trajectory of the United States and really the world." (13:08)

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Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with anticipation surrounding Trump's inauguration and the immediate actions he is expected to take as he assumes office. John Bickley invites listeners to follow the Daily Wire's live coverage in D.C., emphasizing the significance of the upcoming administration's policies and their potential to reshape America's future.

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For more insights and daily updates, visit Morning Wire on The Daily Wire.

Transcript

[Jarrett Stepman]

On Monday, Joe Biden will exit stage left as Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. One presidential legacy is now in the books and another Trump's remarkable comeback second term is about to be written.

[John Bickley]

In this episode, we sit down with an historian to discuss the defining moments of Biden's presidency and what to expect from Trump's second term. I'm Daily Wire editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Sunday, January 19th, and this is a weekend edition of MORNING Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

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[John Bickley]

Joining us to discuss Joe Biden's legacy and expectations around Trump's second term is Jarrett Stepman, author of the War on the Conspiracy to Rewrite America's Past. Jarrett, thanks for coming on.

[Jarrett Stepman]

AL thank you very much.

[John Bickley]

Let's start by looking back with a postmortem on Biden's presidency. He gave his farewell address on Wednesday, Wednesday evening. What stood out to you about it?

[Jarrett Stepman]

It really felt like in this address that this was the Friday night news dump, farewell addresses. I really felt that it was very low energy, which I think defined especially the last part of his presidency. He focused on things like the spread of misinformation and perhaps censorship of online media, which I thought was a very peculiar take for a president trying to define his presidency, his one term in office. And I felt that the speech itself had very little impact, which I think is very fitting for the Biden presidency. That seems to have wound down into nothing very quickly, but seems to be an outlier, too, because farewell addresses are usually a defining moment of any presidency. How to define his term? And Biden simply faded out, which I think is very appropriate for his presidency.

[John Bickley]

Joe Biden's presidency was plagued by inflation and a catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan. What else will he be remembered for?

[Jarrett Stepman]

I actually think that he will be remembered for being a frail man who represented crumbling institutions at the end of history. I think that really is what's defined the Biden presidency. He very much came into office as an institutionalist. He was supposed to represent the third term Barack Obama, a sort of attempt to create a permanent democratic majority through the executive branch. I think that that basically ground to a halt at the end of Biden's presidency. I think he was a president who was oftentimes, though executively, I think, very strong. He was a president who was often missing in action, especially when the country was counting on him. When you had incidents like the failed Afghanistan withdrawal that really turned into a shambolic affair, President Biden was often nowhere to be seen. And it was unclear where exactly the buck stopped in our executive branch. Nobody at the top seemed to have lost their job and business continued on as usual. I think that these were ominous signs about his presidency that was more ruled by the various executive agencies than the man at the top, than the man who was actually elected to be president of the United States. So I think his legacy was of an institutionalist and institutions that were losing favor from the American people and going in a direction that Americans didn't want.

[John Bickley]

Often a presidential legacy becomes boiled down to just one or two defining moments or developments. What will come to define Biden's legacy?

[Jarrett Stepman]

Again, I think that Biden was an institutionalist at a time where the confidence in institutions was crumbling. And I think that Biden's behavior, his frailty, his inability to actually be a strong leader in a time of, I think, great challenges to an old system that had been in place will define his presidency. I think it was very symbolic, especially given the man who will eventually replace him. Who? Two men who come from similar. They're similar age. They come from a similar age demographic that represent two very different directions for the American people. And I think that Biden, really, his legacy will be ushering in the age of Trump. At the end of the age of.

[John Bickley]

Biden, he happens to also have been our 45th president. That's non consecutive terms. This has only happened one other time in our country's history. Do you believe the gap will have a positive or negative influence on his second term and how he governs?

[Jarrett Stepman]

I think the gap will actually have a positive effect on his second term now. Everything will be quickened. It's almost like he'll be very quickly a lame duck president. That's obviously something that happens at the end of a presidency. It's certainly a unique situation in American history. This has only happened one other time with Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century. But this is actually, I think, A unique situation even in comparison to that, because Trump didn't just lose a presidency. He was really up against many institutions that tried to squeeze him out to prevent him from ever coming back into office ever again. That Trump was able to triumph over all those forces, both the political institutional forces and also the media forces that tried to keep him out of the White House. The fact that he triumphed, given those challenging circumstances, makes this a unique return to the White House. And I think it actually very much empowers him. It may end up being sort of blessing in disguise, because I think that Trump, the first time around, you could say that his presidency was maybe a bit on accident, that Democrats had simply gotten lazy or careless in allowing this man to become president. I think, especially given the headwinds that were against him and the fact that now Trump comes in more popular than he's ever been. He comes in with closer to what you consider an electoral mandate. He actually. He didn't just win the Electoral College, he seems to have won the popular vote as well, which he certainly has touted. I think it makes him a lot stronger than in 2016, especially given now his experience actually running the White House and being a statesman. Whereas before he had very little experience in politics. He was a complete neophyte. He was a man of business and entertainment. But now he's a man with quite a bit of experience in running the executive branch, with his own outlook on how to run things. And so I think he's gonna hit the ground running faster this time than he did last time and have his own institutional support as opposed to 2016.

[John Bickley]

There's been a lot made of the resistance movement against Trump over the years, and it was very robust. In his first term, we had a huge array of resistance elements in the government and the media, and they had a lot of power at that point. And it does seem like this last election, so many of those institutions, as you pointed out, were failing. His defeat of them seems to have undermined the ide that there could be as robust of a resistance. What do you see coming in terms of that effort against Trump? Will it be as impactful as it was in 2016?

[Jarrett Stepman]

I think it's going to be much more marginalized in comparison to that time again, because Trump comes in with so much more of a mandate this time around. And Trump is not going to be surprised about the hashtag resistance this time around. In fact, I think he's keenly aware of it, and it may even become a defining domestically as far as what he does in the White House part of his presidency. I think he's going to use a lot of tools, including something called Schedule F, to remove recalcitrant bureaucrats. I think that in many cases, this election was defined about Trump's kind of populous uprising against the bureaucracy. I know that Biden Democrats tried to define themselves as standing with democracy, but it really was an uprising against the bureaucratic fiat that I think was ruling the country during the Biden administration. And I think that the bureaucrats who were so empowered during the Biden presidency, I think they've lost a lot of power. And I think that there's going to be a lot less tolerance within the Trump administration for that kind of resistance. And I think the American people are fed up with it, too. So I do think that there's going to be a sort of revival of a kind of popular self government, and I think that will define the Trump presidency.

[John Bickley]

All right, so weeding out bad elements in the bureaucracy, what other specific actions or policies do you believe he'll pursue based on the campaign trail rhetoric and the kinds of nominations he's made for his Cabinet?

[Jarrett Stepman]

Yeah, I think something that's going to happen immediately. I think he's going to restore a lot of the immigration and border policies of his first term, including the remain in Mexico policy. I think that is going to be absolutely a priority. I think something that's going to be worked on in joint with the legislature is undoing some of Biden's executive decisions in the bureaucratic fight, especially when it came to redefining gender through Title ix, which was, I think, a very big issue, I think, an underrated issue of the Biden presidency. There's already a bill in the House to undo that, to undo those changes that happen under the Biden administration. And of course, there's going to be, I think in his first term, his first 100 days in office will also reimplement tax cuts from his first administration. But I think that those will be the big priorities, especially the border, which is. I think that was a big theme of his first term, but now seems to be even more of a crisis, especially given the fact that under the Biden administration, there was a massive surge of illegal immigration, a lot of even Biden's supporters to turn against him, with a lot of chaos in American cities, a lot of chaos across the country, not just at the border.

[John Bickley]

What do you make of Trump's Cabinet picks so far? We've had some days now of confirmation hearings. Is there a sense of a unified message from those Cabinet Picks.

[Jarrett Stepman]

I think his Cabinet picks are very interesting because all of them, while they have some disagreement on various issues, all of them represent a critique of those various institutions. If it's somebody like Pete Hegseth at the Defense Department, this is a man who comes in not as a four star general, he comes in as a man who has experience, is just a regular soldier criticizing the woke DEI direction of the agency. You have somebody like Cash Patel, a man who was not part of the FBI, now being potentially put at the head of the FBI in criticism of the way that the FBI has operated during the Biden presidency. And so he really has created a team of outsiders, many of whom have very impressive resumes, but they are sort of anti institutionalists. And I think that this time around, Trump is less dependent on the sort of conservative Republican infrastructure that exists in Washington, D.C. and now has his own team that's going to define his presidency. And I think that that is a big difference from the first time around. I think Trump has a much more clear and defined different direction for where he wants to take his presidency and the issues that he wants to prioritize. I think all of his Cabinet picks represent Trump's various feelings about the issues in those various policy areas.

[John Bickley]

In his first term, Trump focused on significant deregulation and judicial appointments. Based on his rhetoric and policy priorities. What legacy building actions do you think he'll focus on this time around?

[Jarrett Stepman]

Interestingly enough, I think that a big part of his legacy is actually going to be his foreign policy. It's something that's an underrated part of Trump. I think he was a very strong present in foreign policy during his first term. But I think you can even see in the days before he actually enters the White House how much he's prioritized issues like acquiring Greenland, reacquiring, possibly the Panama Canal, talking about a revival of a sort of Monroe Doctrine, ending conflicts around the globe. There's been a deal to end the war between Israel and Hamas and potentially in the future, and I think it will be a priority ending the war in Ukraine. And I think that Trump actually will make foreign policy a priority because I think the way that Trump looks at it, if there is going to be a golden era of the United States and he is going to make a lot of changes domestically, that means that he must prevent any kind of global catastrophe, any kind of potential war with China. So I think he is going to create a more realist perspective in American foreign policy and focus on containing the threat of communist China, which represents a real threat to the United States. I think the appointment of Marco Rubio at the State Department, I think, really defines that. And I think that will be a huge part of his legacy. That is very underrated, especially when people, I think, mostly focus on his domestic outlook. I think his foreign policy is actually a huge part of what Trump does as president, what he does best.

[John Bickley]

Yeah, I think you're probably right there. Final question. Trump has vowed to make America great again. Do you see things aligning in such a way that he'll be able to pull off that very lofty goal?

[Jarrett Stepman]

I think it is a massive challenge, as I said, that Biden really represented the last part of crumbling institutions at the end of history. I think that Trump represents potentially a great man and a return to history. Now, that means many complicated and dangerous things. I think we are returning to an era of great power conflict, something that we hadn't experienced in a very long time. The United States has had no challenger peers since the end of the Cold War. Suddenly, we have that again. I think there's a lot of questions about the end of the Cold War, the post Cold War consensus that Americans have come to regret some of the things that have happened since that time. And I think Trump has an enormous challenge ahead of him. It's certainly too much, I think, for simply one man to be expected to restore confidence in America and continue into this new American century. But I think Trump is uniquely placed. I think he represents a pivot point point in American history. And I think if he does actually pull this off, he will certainly be remembered as one of the great presidents in the country's history. I think that there's no question. I think the contrast between him and his predecessor will be enormous. Now, whether that ends up being a spectacular catastrophe or spectacular revival, I think is really up to him and how he treats issues and how he performs in office. But I think he is at a point in which he could have enormous impact over the trajectory of the United States and really the world.

[John Bickley]

In the meantime, enormous anticipation leading up to this inauguration and what will follow in Trump's first executive actions. Jarrett, thank you so much for joining us.

[Jarrett Stepman]

Thank you very much. I appreciate it.

[John Bickley]

And to remind our listeners, the Daily Wire will be live in D.C. for the inauguration, so look for that coverage on our website and app. Thanks for waking up with us. This has been a weekend edition of Morning Wire.