By Dr. Avi Verma 

History is often shaped not just by grand victories, but by grave misjudgments. As the dust settles on the 2025 U.S. presidential election, it is now clear that President Joe Biden’s series of critical miscalculations—both domestic and international—led to the return of Donald J. Trump to the Oval Office. What began as a promising presidency anchored in healing and unity slowly unraveled due to errors in judgment, poor strategic foresight, and political tone-deafness.

The unraveling began with the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Though ending America’s longest war was a broadly supported decision, the execution was marred by chaos and confusion. The abrupt pullout left thousands of U.S. allies stranded, forced to face the wrath of the Taliban. The harrowing images from Kabul airport, the deaths of American servicemen, and the broken promises to Afghan interpreters and contractors deeply damaged Biden’s global credibility and shook public confidence at home.

Then came the open-border immigration policies—a move that defied the practical wisdom expected from a seasoned statesman. The Biden administration’s lax enforcement and unclear messaging triggered a surge of undocumented migrants. This overwhelmed border states, strained public services, and elevated fears over national security. It handed Trump the single most effective campaign issue on a silver platter. One must ask: what were Biden’s advisors thinking? How could such a veteran political team underestimate the American voter’s deep concern about law, order, and economic security?

Meanwhile, the ongoing war in Ukraine became another quagmire. Under Biden’s leadership, America poured billions into what many perceived as a proxy war with Russia. While U.S. support initially appeared noble, the lack of a clear endgame and rising inflation made average Americans question the costs. Now, with Trump returning to power and signaling a more isolationist approach, Ukraine stands more vulnerable than ever—while Biden is left holding a bag of unreconciled geopolitical ambitions.

The war in Gaza proved to be yet another misstep. Attempting a middle-of-the-road stance, Biden’s administration alienated both Jewish Americans and pro-Palestinian groups. Instead of bridging the divide, the White House succeeded only in amplifying discontent across the board. Trump’s bombastic clarity, for all its flaws, appeared to many as decisive compared to Biden’s cautious ambiguity.

The final blow, however, was President Biden’s refusal to step aside. Despite mounting health concerns and sagging poll numbers, he insisted on running for a second term. Loyal advisors either failed to persuade him—or worse, enabled him. The Democratic Party was left scrambling. Vice President Kamala Harris was thrust into the race too late, with no formal primary, little time to define herself, and a massive burden to clean up a mess she did not create. Her impressive debate performances and eloquence came too late to reverse the damage.

And yet, President Biden deserves a note of gratitude. A public servant for over five decades, he brought dignity, empathy, and compassion to a divided nation reeling from a pandemic and political unrest. His efforts in restoring America’s alliances, rebuilding the economy post-COVID, and advancing infrastructure and clean energy goals will be remembered as important milestones. Though missteps defined his final year, his lifelong commitment to service stands as a legacy worthy of respect.

As the nation turns the page, we also extend our best wishes to President Donald J. Trump. The American people have entrusted him once again with the highest office in the land. It is now his duty to lead with fairness, wisdom, and a renewed sense of responsibility. The challenges ahead—both domestic and global—are immense, and we hope his second term will bring stability, opportunity, and unity to a nation in need of healing.

The American electorate spoke. And it spoke not just against Biden—but against the misjudgments of an entire administration.