Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Joe Biden

Public opinion and media debates around Joe Biden—discover key moments of controversy.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who served as the 46th U.S. president (2021-2025). A Democrat, he previously held the position of the 47th vice president (2009-2017). Prior to his executive roles, Biden represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009, marking a lengthy career in American politics.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1976: Used Humphrey Passage

In 1976, Biden used a passage by Hubert Humphrey in a speech.

1976: Supported Measure Forbidding Federal Funds for Busing

In 1976, Joe Biden supported a measure forbidding the use of federal funds for transporting students beyond the school closest to them.

1977: Co-sponsored Amendment Closing Loopholes

In 1977, Joe Biden co-sponsored an amendment closing loopholes in the measure forbidding federal funds for busing.

1978: President Carter signed co-sponsored ammendment into law

In 1978, President Carter signed into law the amendment co-sponsored by Joe Biden, closing loopholes in the measure forbidding federal funds for busing.

1991: Clarence Thomas Nomination Hearings

During Clarence Thomas's nomination hearings in 1991, Biden's questioning style was criticized, and he faced scrutiny for his handling of Anita Hill's accusations against Thomas. Liberal legal advocates and women's groups felt strongly that Biden had mishandled the hearings and not done enough to support Hill. The full Senate confirmed Thomas by a 52–48 vote, with Biden opposed.

1993: Voted for Provision Banning Gays from Military

In 1993, Joe Biden voted for a provision that deemed homosexuality incompatible with military life, banning gay people from serving in the armed forces.

1993: Alleged Sexual Assault by Tara Reade

In late March 2020, Tara Reade, one of the eight women who in 2019 had accused Biden of inappropriate physical contact, accused Biden of having sexually assaulted her in 1993. There were inconsistencies between Reade's 2019 and 2020 allegations. Biden and his campaign denied the sexual assault allegation.

1994: Passed Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act

In 1994, Joe Biden helped pass the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, including the Violence Against Women Act, later expressing regret for passing the bill.

1996: Voted for Defense of Marriage Act

In 1996, Joe Biden voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.

October 2002: Voted for Iraq War Authorization

In October 2002, Biden voted in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq, approving the U.S. invasion of Iraq. As chair of the committee, he assembled witnesses to testify in favor of the authorization.

2005: Called Iraq War Vote a Mistake

By 2005, Biden called his 2002 vote in favor of the Iraq War a "mistake", though he did not push for withdrawal and supported the appropriations for the occupation.

2005: Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act Passes

In 2005, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act passed, with Biden being one of only 18 Democrats to vote for it, despite opposition from leading Democrats and consumer rights organizations. Bill Clinton had vetoed the bill in 2000.

August 2012: Remarks on Wall Street Regulations

In August 2012, Biden's remark before a mixed-race audience that Republican proposals to relax Wall Street regulations would "put y'all back in chains" drew attention to his propensity for colorful remarks.

2015: Defense of Marriage Act Ruled Unconstitutional

In 2015, the Defense of Marriage Act, which Joe Biden had voted for in 1996, was ruled unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges.

March 2019: Women Accuse Biden of Inappropriate Physical Contact

In March 2019, eight women accused Biden of inappropriate physical contact, such as embracing, touching, or kissing.

April 2019: Biden Pledges to be More Respectful of Personal Space

In April 2019, following accusations of inappropriate physical contact, Biden pledged to be more "respectful of people's personal space".

September 2019: Trump Allegedly Pressures Ukraine to Investigate Biden

In September 2019, it was reported that Trump had pressured Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate alleged wrongdoing by Biden and his son Hunter Biden, leading to a political scandal and Trump's impeachment.

2019: Regret over Anita Hill Treatment

In 2019, Biden told Anita Hill he regretted his treatment of her during the Clarence Thomas hearings, but Hill said afterward she remained unsatisfied.

2019: Accusations of Inappropriate Contact by Tara Reade

March 2020: Tara Reade Accuses Biden of Sexual Assault

In late March 2020, Tara Reade accused Biden of having sexually assaulted her in 1993. Biden and his campaign denied the sexual assault allegation.

September 2022: Biden on Defending Taiwan

In a September 2022 interview with 60 Minutes, Biden stated that U.S. forces would defend Taiwan in the event of "an unprecedented attack" by China, which contrasted with the U.S. policy of "strategic ambiguity."

November 2022: Discovery of Classified Documents at Penn Biden Center

In November 2022, Biden's attorneys found classified documents dating from his vice presidency in a "locked closet" at the Penn Biden Center, which were then reported to the U.S. National Archives.

January 11, 2023: House Investigative Committee into Hunter and James Biden

On January 11, 2023, the House of Representatives launched an investigative committee into the foreign business activities of Biden's son, Hunter, and brother, James, with Representative James Comer also investigating alleged corruption related to the Hunter Biden laptop controversy.

December 13, 2023: House Vote to Formalize Impeachment Inquiry

On December 13, 2023, the House of Representatives voted 221–212 to formalize an impeachment inquiry into Biden.

December 2023: Lack of Evidence of Wrongdoing by Biden

As of December 2023, congressional investigations, including by the House Oversight committee, had discovered no evidence of wrongdoing by Biden.

February 2024: Charges Against Alexander Smirnov for False Statements

In February 2024, Alexander Smirnov, a former intelligence informant prominent in the bribery allegations against Biden, was charged with making false statements. Smirnov admitted to publicizing a false story from Russian intelligence officials aimed at damaging Biden's reelection campaign.

February 29, 2024: Killing of Palestinian Civilians Receiving Food Aid

Following the killing of Palestinian civilians receiving food aid on February 29, 2024, Biden said the current level of aid flowing into Gaza was insufficient.

March 2024: Public Disapproval of Israeli Conduct

In March 2024, a Gallup poll indicated that a strong majority of Americans disapproved of Israeli conduct during the war, reflecting significant domestic opposition to American involvement.

April 2024: Gaza War Protests on University Campuses

Beginning in April 2024, widespread Gaza war protests emerged on university campuses, denouncing Biden and his administration's policies.

September 25, 2024: House Resolution Condemning Biden Administration

On September 25, 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the Biden administration for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, with ten Democrats and all Republicans voting in favor.