A question that has set the internet on fire is reverberating across social media platforms like Threads: Did Joe Biden abuse his power as President of the United States? The controversy, sparked by a viral image of Biden in a casual jacket emblazoned with the presidential seal, has ignited a fierce debate that’s dividing the nation. With accusations flying and emotions running high, this explosive issue has become a lightning rod for both critics and supporters, drawing millions into a heated online frenzy. The stakes are high, the allegations are shocking, and the question remains—did Biden cross a line that could redefine his legacy?
The image that started it all shows Biden in a navy jacket with his name, “Joseph R. Biden POTUS,” stitched on the side, walking alongside a Secret Service agent. The casual setting—complete with festive decorations in the background—belies the gravity of the accusations being hurled at the former president. Critics on Threads have seized on the image as a symbol of alleged overreach, with one viral post claiming, “He wore the presidency like a crown, not a responsibility!” The post, which has been shared over 100,000 times, accuses Biden of using his authority to push through controversial policies without proper oversight. The hashtag #BidenAbuseOfPower is trending, with users on both sides of the political spectrum weighing in.
One of the most contentious points in this debate centers on Biden’s use of executive orders during his tenure. Critics argue that he bypassed Congress on critical issues like climate change, student loan forgiveness, and immigration reform, effectively overstepping his constitutional bounds. “Biden acted like a dictator!” one user on Threads exclaimed, in a post that garnered 50,000 likes. The user pointed to Biden’s 2022 decision to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt for millions of Americans—a move that was later struck down by the Supreme Court—as evidence of his alleged abuse of power. Supporters of the policy, however, argue that Biden was taking bold action to address systemic inequalities. “He was helping people who were drowning in debt!” a counter-post read, amassing 30,000 shares.
Another flashpoint in the controversy is Biden’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Detractors claim that his administration’s vaccine mandates for federal workers and large businesses infringed on personal freedoms. “Forcing people to get vaccinated or lose their jobs—that’s not leadership, that’s tyranny!” one Threads user wrote, in a post that was viewed over 1 million times. On the other hand, Biden’s defenders argue that the mandates were a necessary public health measure during a global crisis. “He saved lives, and people are calling that abuse?” a supporter replied, sparking a thread of over 10,000 comments debating the issue.
The allegations don’t stop there. Some critics have pointed to Biden’s foreign policy decisions—particularly his handling of the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal—as further evidence of overreach. The chaotic evacuation, which left many Americans and Afghan allies stranded, has been a sore point for many. “He abandoned our people to the Taliban without consulting Congress!” one viral Threads post claimed, accompanied by a video of the Kabul airport chaos that has been viewed 2 million times. Biden’s supporters counter that the withdrawal was a long-overdue end to a 20-year war, and that the blame lies with previous administrations for the lack of preparation.
The online debate has taken a particularly shocking turn with the spread of unverified claims that Biden used his position to influence investigations involving his family. A Threads post that gained traction alleged, “Biden pressured the DOJ to go easy on his son—where’s the accountability?!” The claim, which lacks concrete evidence, has nonetheless fueled outrage, with #BidenCorruption trending alongside #BidenAbuseOfPower. Supporters have dismissed the accusation as a baseless conspiracy, with one user retorting, “This is just a smear campaign to distract from the real issues!” The back-and-forth has turned Threads into a battleground, with users sharing memes, videos, and fiery rants that are racking up millions of views.
Political analysts are divided on the issue. Some argue that Biden’s actions, while controversial, were within the bounds of presidential authority. “Every president uses executive power to push their agenda—that’s the job,” said Dr. Emily Harper, a political science professor at NYU. Others, however, see a troubling pattern. “Biden’s reliance on unilateral action set a dangerous precedent,” warned conservative commentator Mark Ellison in a viral Threads video that has been shared 80,000 times. The debate has even caught the attention of international observers, with some foreign news outlets questioning whether Biden’s actions undermined democratic norms.
As the controversy rages on, one thing is clear: this issue has tapped into deep-seated frustrations and divisions in American society. Threads is ablaze with reactions, from fiery denunciations to impassioned defenses. A particularly viral video of a heated argument between two strangers—one wearing a Biden hat, the other a “Trump 2024” shirt—has been viewed over 3 million times, encapsulating the raw emotion of this moment. “This is about the soul of our democracy!” one of them shouts, as onlookers record the confrontation. Click the link to join the conversation and see where you stand on this historic debate.
