7 Key Insights from Biden’s Interview with USA Today

President Joe Biden participated in an extensive interview with USA Today on January 5, shortly before he is set to hand over the presidency to President-elect Donald Trump on Inauguration Day.

Biden met with Susan Page, the Washington Bureau chief of USA Today, in the Oval Office for what would be his final print interview before his administration concludes in less than two weeks. He shared his worries regarding the upcoming Trump administration, his legacy as president, and potential preemptive pardons for political adversaries of his successor, as well as thoughts about pardoning his son, Hunter.

Here are seven key points from the conversation.

1. Biden Believes He Could Have Defeated Trump

After withdrawing from the presidential race following a scrutinized debate with Trump, Biden stated he thinks he could have won against the president-elect in a one-on-one contest.

“It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes, based on the polling,” Biden remarked.

As per polling aggregator FiveThirtyEight, several national polls before Biden’s withdrawal—on July 21, 2024—showed him trailing Trump by a margin of 5 to 11 percent, while some indicated a closer competition.

After Biden stepped aside, Vice President Kamala Harris quickly gained the lead in various national and battleground state polls. Those leads began to diminish in early October as Trump’s support began to rise across the country.

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The president expressed uncertainty about his ability to have the necessary energy for another four years in office had he chosen to stay in the race and managed to oust Trump.

“I don’t know,” Biden noted regarding his physical and mental readiness for another term. “When Trump was campaigning for reelection, I truly believed I had the best chance of defeating him. However, I wasn’t keen on being president at the age of 85 or 86. I did discuss the importance of passing the baton. But who knows? So far, so good. But who can predict what I’ll be like at 86?”

2. Remembers Trump’s White House Visit

Biden reminisced about inviting Trump to the White House following his triumph in the November election.

“I spent two hours with him,” Biden recalled. “He was very complimentary about certain economic measures I had taken… He felt I was leaving with a solid record.”

Trump’s 2024 campaign has targeted the effects of Biden’s economic policies, especially the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, and the American Rescue Plan, blaming Biden for the rising inflation in the aftermath of the recession and directly linking it to these policies.

When Page pressed Biden about whether he might have “underestimated early warnings about inflation with the American Rescue Plan or was slow to recognize its impact on many Americans’ lives,” the president refuted any influence from his policies on inflation.

“I understood how inflation was impacting their lives, but none of this had been enacted while inflation was at 9 percent,” Biden explained. “I was advised that if I went ahead, it would lead to a catastrophe and a recession. I never accepted that.”

The peak inflation rate in the United States reached 9.1 percent in June 2022, more than a year after the American Rescue Plan was authorized.

Biden argued that inflation is a global issue.

“I contend that inflation was a worldwide challenge. It wasn’t solely the U.S.,” Biden stated. “We are the only country that effectively got it… under control while boosting the economy. We didn’t harm the economy.”

3. His Desired Legacy

In discussing his four years in office, Biden outlined how he aspires to be remembered as president.

“I hope my legacy reflects that I took an economy in turmoil and put it on track to lead the world regarding new standards,” he said.

“In terms of foreign policy, I restored our alliances because they are vital to our safety. I also reduced direct confrontations with major adversaries.”

During his administration, Biden prioritized extensive infrastructure reforms and climate initiatives, fulfilling several pledges made during his 2020 campaign.

Two significant legislative accomplishments—the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and the CHIPS and Science Act—largely achieved his objectives, though he acknowledged that many benefits from these measures would take years to materialize.

“We passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Hooray! That sounds impressive, right? Historians will analyze how great the impact was, but it hasn’t provided any immediate benefits to people’s lives,” Biden remarked.

“But guess what? There are already 66,000 projects approved. Some are billion-dollar bridges. These initiatives will generate substantial wealth and jobs, but they require time.”

4. Concerns Regarding Trump’s Policies

When inquired about his worries relating to a possible second Trump administration, Biden mentioned the efforts Trump may make to undo some climate measures from the Inflation Reduction Act. Biden indicated that certain economic proposals from Trump—such as tax cuts and additional tariffs on foreign imports—could adversely affect the U.S. economy.

“I’m uncertain how he plans to eliminate these climate investments. I believe he could undermine them by concentrating on additional tax cuts for the wealthy. He’s discussing a $5 trillion new tax cut,” Biden stated. “If he pursues the $5 trillion tax cuts… and increases tariffs universally, all they will do is raise consumer costs in America.”

Biden indicated that if Trump opts to step back from significant programs like the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, and Inflation Reduction Act, it would harm both himself and the economy.

His greatest concern, he mentioned, is that Trump might discard his climate initiatives, reverse restrictions on drug manufacturers, and cut funding for infrastructure programs. He cautioned that Trump will find it challenging to reverse many measures.

5. Hopes Hunter’s Pardon Will Not Set a Precedent

After Hunter Biden was convicted last summer for falsely declaring drug use on a federal gun application form, the president had originally stated he would not pardon him for any crimes, including tax evasion charges in the California case that concluded with a guilty plea.

Page questioned Biden about whether he has concerns that this pardon may establish a precedent for future presidents or could be misused.

“I hope not,” Biden replied, emphasizing that he genuinely meant what he said about refusing to pardon his son initially.

He attributed his change of heart to two factors.

The president noted that his son had repaid all outstanding taxes and highlighted that there had never been a trial concerning the law his son broke when he lied about drug use on the federal gun application in 2018.

“He was confronting a drug issue,” Biden said of his 54-year-old son. “And he overcame it. He has been clean and sober for nearly six years now.”

6. Uncertain on Pardons for Trump Opponents

During Trump’s visit to the White House after the election, Biden mentioned he advised the president-elect against “settling scores” with any political adversaries—such as former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, Anthony Fauci, or others—once Trump resumes office.

“I was very candid with Trump when he was elected,” Biden said. “I tried to make it evident that there was no need, and it would be counterproductive for his interests to go back and try to settle scores.”

Biden indicated that Trump did not reveal any plans in that regard.

“He didn’t say, ‘No, I’m going to…’ You know. He just essentially listened,” Biden recounted.

Biden and several senior aides have reportedly talked about possibly issuing preemptive pardons for individuals they believe Trump may pursue for prosecutions or investigations. However, this raises legal complications due to the prospect of pardoning individuals who have yet to face charges.

Biden stated that he remains undecided about this issue.

7. Presidential Library Location

At the conclusion of the interview, Biden shared that he is narrowing down the options for his presidential library. He mentioned discussions about establishing it at the University of Delaware, home to the Biden School of Public Policy, or in another location.

He noted that Wilmington, Delaware, is interested in having the Biden library within the city, while the University of Pennsylvania, where the Biden School of Foreign Policy is located, has also shown interest.

“I’ve consulted with former presidents. Apparently, constructing the library is a massive project. Hence, I haven’t made a decision yet,” Biden said.

Melanie Sun contributed to this report.