History of Barack Obama in Timeline
Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President (2009-2017), was the first African American to hold the office. A Democrat, he served as a U.S. Senator for Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency was marked by the Affordable Care Act, the end of the Iraq War, and the killing of Osama bin Laden. Prior to his political career, Obama was a community organizer and civil rights attorney. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School.
1928: Last U.S. Presidential Visit to Cuba Before Obama
In 1928, Calvin Coolidge was the last sitting U.S. president to visit Havana, Cuba before Obama's visit in March 2016.
1953: Obama Uses the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Act to Ban Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling
In December 2016, President Obama permanently banned new offshore oil and gas drilling in most United States-owned waters in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans using the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Act.
1960: Meeting of Barack Obama's parents
In 1960, Barack Obama's parents met in a Russian language class at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
February 2, 1961: Marriage of Barack Obama's parents
On February 2, 1961, Barack Obama's parents were married in Wailuku, Hawaii, six months before Obama was born.
August 4, 1961: Barack Obama's Birth
On August 4, 1961, Barack Hussein Obama II was born. He would later become the 44th President of the United States.
August 1961: Move to Seattle
In late August 1961, Barack and his mother moved to the University of Washington in Seattle, where they lived for a year.
June 1962: Graduation of Barack Obama's father
In June 1962, Barack Obama's father completed his undergraduate degree in economics in Hawaii.
1963: Meeting of Ann Dunham and Lolo Soetoro
In 1963, Ann Dunham met Lolo Soetoro at the University of Hawaiʻi.
March 1964: Divorce of Obama's Parents
In March 1964, Barack Obama's parents divorced.
March 15, 1965: Marriage to Lolo Soetoro
On March 15, 1965, Ann Dunham (Obama's mother) married Lolo Soetoro on Molokai.
1965: Medicare and Medicaid passage
In 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were passed, prior to the most significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of coverage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
1966: Lolo Soetoro Returns to Indonesia
In 1966, after extensions of his J-1 visa, Lolo Soetoro returned to Indonesia.
1967: Move to Indonesia
In 1967, Ann Dunham and Barack Obama followed Lolo Soetoro to Indonesia.
1967: Obama Supported Two-State Solution Based on 1967 Borders
President Obama supports the two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict based on the 1967 borders with land swaps.
1969: United States federal hate-crime law
In 1969, the United States federal hate-crime law was created and later expanded by Obama in 2009 to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
1970: Move to Wealthier Neighborhood in Jakarta
From 1970, the family lived in a wealthier neighborhood in the Menteng district of Central Jakarta.
1971: Return to Honolulu
In 1971, Obama returned to Honolulu to live with his maternal grandparents.
1972: Mother's Graduate Studies
From 1972 to 1975, Obama lived with his mother and half-sister, Maya Soetoro, in Hawaii while his mother was a graduate student in anthropology at the University of Hawaii.
1975: Mother and Sister return to Indonesia
In 1975, Obama stayed in Hawaii while his mother and half-sister returned to Indonesia.
1976: Creation of Public Financing System
In 1976, the public financing system was created, which was later turned down by Obama in 2008.
1979: High School Graduation
In 1979, Obama graduated from high school in Honolulu.
1979: Moves to Los Angeles
In 1979, after graduating from high school, Obama moved to Los Angeles to attend Occidental College on a full scholarship.
February 1981: First Public Speech
In February 1981, Obama made his first public speech, calling for Occidental to participate in the disinvestment from South Africa in response to that nation's policy of apartheid.
1982: Death of Barack Obama Sr.
In 1982, Barack Obama Sr. (Barack Obama's father) died.
1983: Graduation from Columbia University
In 1983, Obama graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
June 1985: Director of the Developing Communities Project
In June 1985, Obama was hired as director of the Developing Communities Project in Chicago.
1985: Project Coordinator for the New York Public Interest Research Group
In 1985, Obama worked as a project coordinator for the New York Public Interest Research Group on the City College of New York campus for three months.
1985: Woods Fund funded Developing Communities Project
In 1985, The Woods Fund of Chicago had been the first foundation to fund the Developing Communities Project.
1985: Chicago Bears won Super Bowl
In 1985, the Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl, they weren't able to visit the White House after their Super Bowl win in 1986 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, but were invited to the White House in 2011.
1986: Space Shuttle Challenger disaster
In 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster prevented the 1985 Chicago Bears from visiting the White House after their Super Bowl win, they were invited to the White House in 2011.
October 1987: Meeting Jeremiah Wright
In October 1987, Barack Obama met Trinity United Church of Christ pastor Jeremiah Wright.
May 1988: End of Tenure at the Developing Communities Project
In May 1988, Obama's time as a community organizer for the Developing Communities Project ended.
1988: Enrollment at Harvard Law School
In the fall of 1988, Obama enrolled at Harvard Law School.
June 1989: Meeting Michelle Robinson
In June 1989, Barack Obama met Michelle Robinson while working at Sidley Austin. She was assigned as his advisor for three months.
1989: Summer Associate at Sidley Austin
During the summer of 1989, Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Sidley Austin in Chicago.
1990: Summer Associate at Hopkins & Sutter
During the summer of 1990, Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Hopkins & Sutter in Chicago.
1991: Engagement to Michelle Robinson
In 1991, Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson became engaged.
1991: Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School
In 1991, Obama accepted a two-year position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School.
1991: Graduation from Harvard Law School
In 1991, Obama graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor magna cum laude.
October 3, 1992: Marriage to Michelle Robinson
On October 3, 1992, Barack Obama married Michelle Robinson.
October 1992: Director of Illinois's Project Vote
From April to October 1992, Obama directed Illinois's Project Vote, a voter registration campaign.
1992: Membership to Trinity United Church of Christ
In 1992, Barack Obama became a member of Trinity United Church of Christ.
1992: Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School
In 1992, Obama began teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School as a lecturer.
1993: 40 under Forty
In 1993, Crain's Chicago Business named Obama to its list of "40 under Forty" powers to be.
1993: Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy
In 1993, the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy was implemented, preventing gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces until it was repealed in 2010.
1994: Board of Directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago
In 1994, Barack Obama served on the board of directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago.
1994: Violence Against Women Act
In 1994, the Violence Against Women Act, first drafted by Biden, was created.
1995: Obama served on the board of directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge
From 1995, Barack Obama served on the board of directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.
1995: Death of Ann Dunham
In 1995, Ann Dunham (Barack Obama's mother) died.
1995: Publication of "Dreams from My Father"
In mid-1995, Obama's memoir "Dreams from My Father" was published.
1996: Support for Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage
As a candidate for the Illinois state senate in 1996, Obama stated he favored legalizing same-sex marriage.
1996: Election to Illinois Senate
In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to the Illinois Senate, succeeding Alice Palmer.
1996: Church Arson Prevention Act signed into law
In 1996, Democratic President Bill Clinton signed into law the Church Arson Prevention Act.
1996: Senior Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School
In 1996, Obama became a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.
1998: Re-election to Illinois Senate
In 1998, Barack Obama was re-elected to the Illinois Senate, defeating Republican Yesse Yehudah.
1998: Birth of Malia Ann Obama
In 1998, Malia Ann, the first daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, was born.
1999: Obama's time as chairman of the board of directors
From 1995 to 1999, Barack Obama was founding president and chairman of the board of directors for Chicago Annenberg Challenge
2000: Loss in Democratic Primary for U.S. House of Representatives
In 2000, Barack Obama lost a Democratic primary race for Illinois's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives to Bobby Rush.
2001: Birth of Natasha ("Sasha") Obama
In 2001, Natasha ("Sasha"), the second daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, was born.
2001: Gallup Poll on Race Relations
In 2001, a gallop poll showed the number of Americans worried about race relations was lower than in 2016.
2001: Support for Payday Loan Regulations
In 2001, as co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, Barack Obama supported Republican governor George Ryan's payday loan regulations and predatory mortgage lending regulations.
2001: Two-Year Extension of the 2001 income tax rates
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 signed by President Obama on December 17, 2010 included a temporary two-year extension of the 2001 income tax rates.
May 2002: Commissioning of Poll for U.S. Senate Race
In May 2002, Barack Obama commissioned a poll to assess his prospects in a 2004 U.S. Senate race.
August 2002: Lining up Political Media Consultant
In August 2002, Barack Obama lined up political media consultant David Axelrod for his potential U.S. Senate race.
2002: End of service on the boards of directors
In 2002, Barack Obama ended his service on the boards of directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago and of the Joyce Foundation.
2002: Re-election to Illinois Senate
In 2002, Barack Obama was re-elected again to the Illinois Senate.
January 2003: Chairman of Illinois Senate's Health and Human Services Committee
In January 2003, Barack Obama became chairman of the Illinois Senate's Health and Human Services Committee after Democrats regained a majority.
January 2003: Formal Announcement of Candidacy for U.S. Senate
In January 2003, Barack Obama formally announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
March 2003: Address at Anti-War Rally
In March 2003, Barack Obama addressed another anti-war rally and told the crowd "it's not too late" to stop the war.
2003: Two-Year Extension of the 2003 income tax rates
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 signed by President Obama on December 17, 2010 included a temporary two-year extension of the 2003 income tax rates.
March 2004: Landslide Victory in Primary Election
In the March 2004 primary election, Barack Obama won in an unexpected landslide, which elevated him within the Democratic Party and led to the reissue of his memoir, Dreams from My Father.
June 2004: Withdrawal of Jack Ryan from Senate Race
In June 2004, Jack Ryan, Barack Obama's expected opponent in the general election, withdrew from the race.
July 2004: Keynote Address at Democratic National Convention
In July 2004, Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, which was well received and elevated his status within the Democratic Party.
November 2004: Resignation from Illinois Senate
In November 2004, Barack Obama resigned from the Illinois Senate following his election to the U.S. Senate.
November 2004: Election to U.S. Senate
In November 2004, Barack Obama won the general election for U.S. Senate with 70 percent of the vote, the largest margin of victory for a Senate candidate in Illinois history.
2004: Support for Civil Unions
During his Senate run in 2004, Obama said he supported civil unions and domestic partnerships for same-sex partners but opposed same-sex marriages.
2004: End of Teaching at University of Chicago Law School
In 2004, Obama ended his tenure teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School
January 3, 2005: Sworn in as a Senator
On January 3, 2005, Barack Obama was sworn in as a senator, becoming the only Senate member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
2005: Obama's Household Income
In 2005, Barack Obama's household income was $1.6 million, which increased to $5.5 million by 2009, primarily from book sales.
2005: Throwing First Pitch at ALCS
In 2005, Barack Obama, then a senator, threw out the first pitch at the American League Championship Series (ALCS) game.
2005: Obama Family Moves to Kenwood, Chicago
In 2005, using proceeds from a book deal, the Obama family moved from a Hyde Park condominium to a $1.6 million house in Kenwood, Chicago.
December 2006: Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act Signed into Law
In December 2006, President Bush signed into law the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act, marking the first federal legislation to be enacted with Barack Obama as its primary sponsor.
December 2006: Senate Committee Assignments
Through December 2006, Barack Obama held assignments on the Senate Committees for Foreign Relations, Environment and Public Works, and Veterans' Affairs.
2006: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
In 2006, Barack Obama co-sponsored the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, which authorized the establishment of USAspending.gov, a web search engine on federal spending.
2006: Grammy Award for Dreams from My Father
In 2006, Obama received a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Dreams from My Father.
2006: Diversity of Extended Family
In a 2006 interview, Obama highlighted the diversity of his extended family.
2006: Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Head Appointment
Since 2006, the head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has not been appointed.
January 2007: Introduction of Corporate Jet Provision
In January 2007, Barack Obama and Senator Feingold introduced a corporate jet provision to the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act.
January 2007: Senate Committee Assignments and Chairman of the Senate's subcommittee on European Affairs
In January 2007, Barack Obama left the Environment and Public Works committee and took additional assignments with Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. He also became Chairman of the Senate's subcommittee on European Affairs.
February 10, 2007: Announcement of Candidacy for President of the United States
On February 10, 2007, Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States in front of the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, emphasizing issues of rapidly ending the Iraq War, increasing energy independence, and reforming the health care system.
August 2007: Obama Addresses Questions About His Identity
In August 2007, at a meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, Obama addressed questions about whether he was "black enough," expressing puzzlement over the notion that appealing to white people implies something is wrong.
September 2007: Honest Leadership and Open Government Act Signed into Law
In September 2007, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, which included a corporate jet provision introduced by Barack Obama and Senator Feingold, was signed into law.
October 2007: Obama Acknowledges His Youthful Image
In October 2007, during a campaign speech, Obama acknowledged his youthful image, stating that he wouldn't be where he was if the torch hadn't been passed to a new generation.
December 2007: Money Magazine Estimates Obama's Net Worth
In December 2007, Money Magazine estimated Barack Obama's net worth at $1.3 million.
2007: Obama's law license became inactive
In 2007, Barack Obama's law license became inactive.
2007: Discovery of Ancestral Link in Moneygall, Ireland
In 2007, it was discovered that Ann Dunham's great-great-grandfather, Falmouth Kearney, emigrated from the village of Moneygall, Ireland, to the U.S. in 1850.
2007: Sponsorship of Amendment to Defense Authorization Act
Later in 2007, Barack Obama sponsored an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act to add safeguards for personality-disorder military discharges.
January 2008: Obama Discusses Christian Faith
In January 2008, Barack Obama told Christianity Today that he is a Christian and believes in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
May 2008: Resignation from Trinity United Church of Christ
In May 2008, during his first presidential campaign, Barack Obama resigned from Trinity United Church of Christ after some of Jeremiah Wright's statements were criticized.
June 2, 2008: Obama Clinches Democratic Nomination
On June 2, 2008, Barack Obama received enough votes to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
June 3, 2008: Introduction of Legislation on Federal Spending
On June 3, 2008, Senator Obama—along with Senators Tom Carper, Tom Coburn, and John McCain—introduced follow-up legislation: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008.
June 19, 2008: Obama Turns Down Public Financing
On June 19, 2008, Barack Obama became the first major-party presidential candidate since 1976 to turn down public financing in the general election, demonstrating a unique approach to campaign funding.
August 23, 2008: Obama Selects Joe Biden as Running Mate
On August 23, 2008, Barack Obama announced his selection of Delaware senator Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate, a decision made from a speculated field including Evan Bayh and Tim Kaine.
October 2008: Presidential Debates
In October 2008, Barack Obama and John McCain engaged in three presidential debates as part of the election process.
November 2, 2008: Death of Madelyn Dunham
On November 2, 2008, Madelyn Dunham, Obama's maternal grandmother, passed away.
November 16, 2008: Resignation from Senate
On November 16, 2008, Barack Obama resigned from his Senate seat to focus on the transition period for the presidency.
2008: Promise to End Don't Ask, Don't Tell
During the 2008 presidential campaign, Obama promised to end the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy, a commitment he fulfilled in 2010.
2008: Nomination by the Democratic Party for president.
In 2008, Barack Obama was nominated by the Democratic Party for president after a close primary campaign against Hillary Clinton. He selected Joe Biden as his running mate and would later defeat Republican nominee John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin.
2008: Obama's effective campaign
In 2008, Obama ran one of the most effective campaigns in American history and proved himself to be one of the most talented political orators of the 21st century.
2008: Opposition to Gay Marriage
In 2008, Obama reaffirmed his position by stating "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I am not in favor of gay marriage."
2008: TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year
In 2008, Obama was named TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year.
2008: Response to the 2008 financial crisis
In 2008, Obama's administration responded to the financial crisis with measures including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
2008: Start of the Financial Crisis
In 2008, the financial crisis began and in March 2009, Obama's Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, took further steps to manage the 2008 financial crisis, including introducing the Public–Private Investment Program for Legacy Assets.
2008: Passage of Amendment to Defense Authorization Act
In the spring of 2008, Barack Obama's amendment to the Defense Authorization Act, adding safeguards for personality-disorder military discharges, passed the full Senate.
2008: Great Recession
Many commentators credit Obama with averting a threatened depression and pulling the economy back from the Great Recession in 2008.
January 2009: Move to Washington, D.C. and daughters start at Sidwell Friends School
In January 2009, the Obama family moved to Washington, D.C., and his daughters started attending Sidwell Friends School.
January 20, 2009: Obama's Inauguration
On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States, marking the beginning of his presidency.
February 2009: Obama Increased Troop Levels in Afghanistan
In February 2009, President Obama announced an increase in U.S. troop levels to 17,000 military personnel in Afghanistan to "stabilize a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan".
February 2009: Obama Rated Most Respected World Leader
In February 2009, a poll conducted in Western Europe and the U.S. by Harris Interactive rated Obama as the most respected and powerful world leader.
February 17, 2009: Obama Signs American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a $787 billion economic stimulus package, equivalent to $1153 billion in 2024. This act aimed to help the economy recover from the global recession and included increased federal spending for health care, infrastructure, education, tax breaks, incentives, and direct assistance to individuals.
February 27, 2009: Obama Announces End to Combat Operations in Iraq
On February 27, 2009, President Obama announced that combat operations in Iraq would end within 18 months.
March 11, 2009: Creation of White House Council on Women and Girls
On March 11, 2009, Obama created the White House Council on Women and Girls, to advise him on issues relating to the welfare of American women and girls.
March 2009: Announcement of "New Era" in Foreign Relations
In February and March 2009, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made separate overseas trips to announce a "new era" in U.S. foreign relations with Russia and Europe, using the terms "break" and "reset" to signal major changes from the policies of the preceding administration. On March 19, Obama continued his outreach to the Muslim world, releasing a New Year's video message to the people and government of Iran.
March 2009: Stem Cell Research Funding
In March 2009, Obama reversed a Bush-era policy that had limited funding of embryonic stem cell research and pledged to develop "strict guidelines" on the research.
March 2009: Intervention in Automotive Industry
In March 2009, President Obama intervened in the troubled automotive industry by renewing loans for General Motors (GM) and Chrysler to allow them to continue operations while reorganizing. The White House set terms for both firms' bankruptcies, including the sale of Chrysler to Fiat and a reorganization of GM giving the U.S. government a temporary 60 percent equity stake.
March 2009: Lifting Ban on Stem Cell Research
In March 2009, President Obama lifted a ban on using federal funds for stem cell research.
March 2009: Steps to Manage the 2008 Financial Crisis
In March 2009, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, under President Obama, introduced the Public–Private Investment Program for Legacy Assets to manage the 2008 financial crisis, which included provisions for buying up to $2 trillion in depreciated real estate assets. This initiative was part of the broader efforts to stabilize the financial system during the economic downturn.
May 2009: Obama Appointed McChrystal as Military Commander in Afghanistan
In May 2009, President Obama replaced the military commander in Afghanistan, General David D. McKiernan, with former Special Forces commander Lt. Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal.
May 2009: Obama Rated Most Popular World Leader
In May 2009, another poll by Harris rated Obama as the most popular world leader, with many people pinning their hopes on him to lead the world out of the economic downturn.
May 26, 2009: Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor
On May 26, 2009, Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice David Souter.
June 4, 2009: Cairo University Speech
On June 4, 2009, President Obama delivered a speech at Cairo University in Egypt calling for "A New Beginning" in relations between the Islamic world and the United States and promoting Middle East peace.
June 2009: Call to accelerate economic stimulus
In June 2009, President Obama, dissatisfied with the pace of economic stimulus, called on his cabinet to accelerate the investment. He also signed into law the Car Allowance Rebate System, known as "Cash for Clunkers", which temporarily boosted the economy.
June 26, 2009: Condemnation of Iranian Government's Actions
On June 26, 2009, President Obama condemned the Iranian government's actions towards protesters following Iran's 2009 presidential election.
July 14, 2009: Introduction of Health Care Overhaul Plan
On July 14, 2009, House Democratic leaders introduced a 1,017-page plan for overhauling the U.S. health care system, which President Obama wanted Congress to approve by the end of 2009.
July 2009: Launch of Priority Enforcement Program
In July 2009, Obama launched the Priority Enforcement Program, an immigration enforcement program that had been pioneered by George W. Bush, and the Secure Communities fingerprinting and immigration status data-sharing program.
August 6, 2009: Confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor
On August 6, 2009, Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice, becoming the first Justice of Hispanic descent.
October 1, 2009: Obama Administration Increases Nuclear Weapons Production
On October 1, 2009, the Obama administration proceeded with a Bush administration program, which increased nuclear weapons production through the "Complex Modernization" initiative, expanding two nuclear sites to produce new bomb parts.
October 8, 2009: Hate Crimes Prevention Act
On October 8, 2009, Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, expanding the 1969 United States federal hate-crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
October 9, 2009: Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize
On October 9, 2009, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that Obama had won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples".
October 30, 2009: Lifting of HIV Travel Ban
On October 30, 2009, Obama lifted the ban on travel to the United States by those infected with HIV.
November 7, 2009: House Passage of Health Care Bill
On November 7, 2009, a health care bill featuring the public option was passed in the House.
November 2009: Obama's Approval Ratings Decline
By November 2009, Obama's approval ratings, which began at 68 percent, had declined but remained above the majority level.
November 2009: Spending and loan guarantees
By the end of November 2009, the Bush and Obama administrations authorized spending and loan guarantees from the Federal Reserve and the Department of the Treasury totaling about $11.5 trillion, but only $3 trillion had been spent.
December 1, 2009: Obama Announced Troop Surge in Afghanistan
On December 1, 2009, President Obama announced the deployment of an additional 30,000 military personnel to Afghanistan and proposed to begin troop withdrawals 18 months from that date.
December 24, 2009: Senate Passage of Health Care Bill
On December 24, 2009, the Senate passed its own health care bill—without a public option—on a party-line vote of 60–39.
2009: Obama's Household Income
In 2009, Barack Obama's tax return showed a household income of $5.5 million, up from approximately $4.2 million in 2007 and $1.6 million in 2005, primarily from book sales.
2009: Nobel Peace Prize received
In 2009, Obama received the Norwegian Nobel Committee's Nobel Peace Prize.
2009: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 signed into law
In 2009, Obama signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, which included the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
2009: Rise in unemployment rate
In 2009, the unemployment rate rose, reaching a peak in October at 10.0 percent and averaging 10.0 percent in the fourth quarter. GDP growth returned in the third quarter of 2009, expanding at a rate of 1.6 percent, followed by a 5.0 percent increase in the fourth quarter.
2009: Attending Protestant Churches
Since moving to Washington, D.C., in 2009, the Obama family has attended several Protestant churches, including Shiloh Baptist Church and St. John's Episcopal Church, as well as Evergreen Chapel at Camp David, but the members of the family do not attend church on a regular basis.
December 31, 2009: Decline in U.S. federal custody inmates
From December 31, 2009, to December 31, 2015, inmates sentenced in U.S. federal custody declined by five percent.
March 2010: Obama Opposed Israeli Housing Projects in East Jerusalem
In March 2010, President Obama took a public stance against plans by the government of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue building Jewish housing projects in predominantly Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem.
March 2010: Agreement Reached with Russia on Nuclear Arms Reduction
In March 2010, an agreement was reached with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's administration to replace the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with a new pact. The new pact aimed to reduce the number of long-range nuclear weapons in both countries' arsenals by about a third.
March 2010: CBO Estimate of Deficit Reduction
In March 2010, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the net effect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 would be a reduction in the federal deficit by $143 billion over the first decade.
March 21, 2010: House Passage of the Affordable Care Act
On March 21, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, colloquially "Obamacare") passed by the Senate in December was passed in the House by a vote of 219 to 212.
March 23, 2010: Signing the Affordable Care Act into Law
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), colloquially known as "Obamacare", into law.
March 31, 2010: Ending Ban on Oil and Gas Drilling
Prior to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, on March 31, 2010, President Obama ended a ban on oil and gas drilling along the majority of the East Coast of the United States and along the coast of northern Alaska. This action was taken in an effort to win support for an energy and climate bill and to reduce foreign imports of oil and gas.
April 2010: Survey on Job Creation
An April 2010 survey of members of the National Association for Business Economics showed an increase in job creation (over a similar January survey) for the first time in two years. However, 73 percent of 68 respondents believed the stimulus bill had no impact on employment.
April 2010: Obama and Medvedev Sign New START Treaty
In April 2010, Obama and Dmitry Medvedev signed the New START treaty, formalizing the agreement to reduce long-range nuclear weapons.
April 2010: Space Policy Speech
In April 2010, Obama announced a change in direction at NASA, ending plans for a return of human spaceflight to the moon and development of the Ares I rocket, Ares V rocket and Constellation program, in favor of funding earth science projects and an eventual crewed mission to Mars.
April 20, 2010: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
On April 20, 2010, an explosion destroyed an offshore drilling rig at the Macondo Prospect in the Gulf of Mexico, causing a major sustained oil leak. President Obama visited the Gulf, announced a federal investigation, and formed a bipartisan commission to recommend new safety standards. He also announced a six-month moratorium on new deepwater drilling permits and leases, pending regulatory review.
May 10, 2010: Nomination of Elena Kagan
On May 10, 2010, Barack Obama nominated Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens.
June 2010: Petraeus Replaced McChrystal in Afghanistan
In June 2010, David Petraeus replaced McChrystal as commander in Afghanistan after McChrystal's staff criticized White House personnel in a magazine article.
July 2010: Federal Reserve Assessment of Economic Activity
In July 2010, the Federal Reserve noted that economic activity continued to increase, but its pace had slowed. Chairman Ben Bernanke said the economic outlook was "unusually uncertain".
July 2010: CIA Received Initial Information on bin Laden's Hideout
Starting with information received from Central Intelligence Agency operatives in July 2010, the CIA developed intelligence over the next several months that determined what they believed to be the hideout of Osama bin Laden.
August 5, 2010: Confirmation of Elena Kagan
On August 5, 2010, Elena Kagan was confirmed, bringing the number of women sitting simultaneously on the Court to three for the first time in American history.
August 2010: Obama's Approval Ratings in the Low 40s
By August 2010, Obama's approval ratings had dropped into the low 40s, a trend comparable to those experienced by Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton during their first years in office.
August 2010: Combat Troop Withdrawal Scheduled
In August 2010, the Obama administration scheduled the withdrawal of combat troops to be completed, decreasing troop levels from 142,000 while leaving a transitional force of about 50,000 in Iraq until the end of 2011.
August 19, 2010: Last U.S. Combat Brigade Exited Iraq
On August 19, 2010, the last U.S. combat brigade exited Iraq, marking a significant step in the drawdown of troops.
August 31, 2010: Obama Declared End to U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq
On August 31, 2010, President Obama announced that the United States combat mission in Iraq was over.
September 27, 2010: Obama Released Statement Commenting on Religious Views
On September 27, 2010, Barack Obama released a statement commenting on his religious views.
December 2010: Employment Increase
Between February and December 2010, employment rose by 0.8 percent, which was less than the average of 1.9 percent experienced during comparable periods in the past four employment recoveries.
December 2010: U.S. Senate Ratifies New START Treaty
In December 2010, the U.S. Senate ratified the New START treaty, solidifying the agreement between the U.S. and Russia to reduce long-range nuclear weapons.
December 17, 2010: Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act
On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. This $858 billion act passed with bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress and included a temporary two-year extension of the 2001 and 2003 income tax rates, a one-year payroll tax reduction, continuation of unemployment benefits, and a new rate and exemption amount for estate taxes.
December 22, 2010: Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
On December 22, 2010, Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, fulfilling a promise made in the 2008 presidential campaign to end the policy of 1993 that had prevented gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces.
2010: Obama's Charitable Contributions
In 2010, Barack Obama donated 14 percent of his $1.7 million income to non-profit organizations, including $131,000 to the Fisher House Foundation.
2010: Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act signed
In 2010, Obama signed into effect the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a response to the 2008 financial crisis.
2010: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year in effect
In 2010, Obama signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, which included the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
2010: Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act signed
In 2010, Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act, ending the ban on open service from LGBT people in the U.S. armed forces.
2010: Incorporation of Iran Sanctions Enabling Act
In 2010, The Iran Sanctions Enabling Act supporting divestment of state pension funds from Iran's oil and gas industry, sponsored by Obama, which was never enacted but later incorporated in the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act.
2010: Affordable Care Act provisions go into effect
In 2010, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect, representing a significant overhaul and expansion of the U.S. healthcare system.
2010: Maximum 'out-of-pocket' payment for annual premiums for people making up to 400 percent
In 2014, most of the health-related provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect, including expanding Medicaid eligibility, subsidizing insurance premiums for people making up to 400 percent of the FPL ($88,000 for family of four in 2010) so their maximum "out-of-pocket" payment for annual premiums will be from 2 percent to 9.5 percent of income.
February 2011: Protests Began in Libya Against Gaddafi
In February 2011, protests in Libya began against long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi as part of the Arab Spring, and soon turned violent.
March 2011: CIA Briefed Obama on bin Laden Intelligence
In March 2011, CIA head Leon Panetta reported intelligence to President Obama that identified what they believed to be the hideout of Osama bin Laden.
April 4, 2011: Obama Files for Reelection
On April 4, 2011, Barack Obama officially filed election papers and announced his reelection campaign for 2012 with a video titled "It Begins with Us" posted on his website.
May 1, 2011: Osama bin Laden Killed in U.S. Raid
On May 1, 2011, a "surgical raid" authorized by President Obama and conducted by United States Navy SEALs resulted in the shooting death of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
May 2, 2011: Obama Experiences Poll Bounce After Bin Laden's Death
Following the death of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011, Obama experienced a slight increase in poll numbers and maintained approval ratings between 50 and 53 percent for about a month.
May 2011: Meeting with Irish Cousins in Moneygall
In May 2011, Obama met with his Irish cousins in Moneygall.
July 2011: Start of Troop Withdrawals from Afghanistan
In July 2011, President Obama began troop withdrawals from Afghanistan, 18 months after announcing the deployment of an additional 30,000 troops.
August 2, 2011: Signing of the Budget Control Act of 2011
On August 2, 2011, President Obama signed the bipartisan Budget Control Act of 2011 after a congressional debate over raising the nation's debt limit. The legislation enforced limits on discretionary spending until 2021, established a procedure to increase the debt limit, created a Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, and established automatic procedures for reducing spending if the committee's legislation did not achieve sufficient savings, preventing a U.S. government default.
August 18, 2011: Obama Called for Assad to Step Aside
On August 18, 2011, President Obama issued a written statement that said: "The time has come for President Assad to step aside."
October 21, 2011: Obama Announced Full Troop Withdrawal from Iraq
On October 21, 2011, President Obama announced that all U.S. troops would leave Iraq in time to be "home for the holidays."
December 2011: Obama Instructs Agencies to Consider LGBT Rights in Foreign Aid
In December 2011, Obama instructed government agencies to consider LGBT rights when providing financial aid to foreign countries, promoting human rights on an international scale.
2011: Military Intervention in Iraq After Gains Made by ISIL
Following the 2011 withdrawal from Iraq, Obama ordered military intervention in Iraq after gains made by ISIL.
2011: Invitation of 1985 Chicago Bears to the White House
In 2011, Barack Obama invited the 1985 Chicago Bears to the White House, commemorating their Super Bowl win, which they had not been able to celebrate at the White House in 1986 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
2011: Renewal of Patriot Act
In 2011, Obama signed a four-year renewal of the Patriot Act.
2011: Drone Strike Killing Anwar al-Awlaki
In 2011, President Obama ordered a drone strike in Yemen which targeted and killed Anwar al-Awlaki, an American imam suspected of being a leading Al-Qaeda organizer. al-Awlaki became the first U.S. citizen to be targeted and killed by a U.S. drone strike, leading to significant controversy.
2011: United States Vetoed Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlements
In 2011, the United States, under President Obama, vetoed a Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements, being the only nation to do so.
2011: Obama's Approval Rating Falls
In late 2011, Obama's approval rating fell to 38 percent on multiple occasions.
April 3, 2012: Obama Secures Democratic Nomination
On April 3, 2012, Barack Obama secured the 2778 convention delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination, paving the way for his reelection campaign.
May 9, 2012: Obama Affirms Support for Same-Sex Marriage
On May 9, 2012, Obama publicly affirmed his personal support for the legalization of same-sex marriage, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so.
June 28, 2012: Supreme Court Ruling on ACA Mandate
On June 28, 2012, the Supreme Court ruled by a 5–4 vote in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius that the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was constitutional under the U.S. Congress's taxing authority.
July 2012: Ancestry.com Finds Link to Enslaved African Man
In July 2012, Ancestry.com found a strong likelihood that Ann Dunham, Barack Obama's mother, was descended from John Punch, an enslaved African man who lived in the Colony of Virginia during the seventeenth century.
November 6, 2012: Obama Wins Reelection
On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama won 332 electoral votes, securing his reelection as president and becoming the first Democratic president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win the majority of the popular vote twice.
November 2012: Decrease in Unemployment Rate
By November 2012, the unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent.
2012: Obama's Net Worth Estimated
In 2012, Barack Obama's financial disclosure indicated that his net worth might be as much as $10 million.
2012: Re-election as President
In 2012, Obama defeated Republican opponent Mitt Romney in the presidential election, securing his second term as President.
2012: TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year
In 2012, Obama was named TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year.
2012: Obama Authorized Programs to Train Anti-Assad Rebels
In 2012, President Obama authorized multiple programs run by the CIA and the Pentagon to train anti-Assad rebels in Syria.
January 16, 2013: Gun Control Proposals
On January 16, 2013, one month after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Obama signed 23 executive orders and outlined a series of proposals regarding gun control, including urging Congress to reintroduce an expired ban on military-style assault weapons and introduce background checks on all gun sales.
January 21, 2013: Inaugural Address on Gay Rights
During his second inaugural address on January 21, 2013, Obama became the first U.S. president in office to call for full equality for gay Americans, and the first to mention gay rights or the word "gay" in an inaugural address.
February 2013: Obama Announced Reduction of Troops in Afghanistan
In February 2013, President Obama said the U.S. military would reduce the troop level in Afghanistan from 68,000 to 34,000 U.S. troops by February 2014.
May 2013: Obama's Approval Rating Reaches 50 Percent
According to Gallup, Obama's approval rating reached 50 percent in March 2016, a level unseen since May 2013.
July 2013: Reservations on Keystone XL Pipeline
In July 2013, President Obama expressed reservations and said he "would reject the Keystone XL pipeline if it increased carbon pollution [or] greenhouse emissions."
August 2013: Obama Criticizes Russia's Anti-Homosexual Law
In August 2013, Obama criticized Russia's law that discriminated against homosexual people, but he refrained from advocating a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
November 2013: Obama Administration Opens Negotiations with Iran
In November 2013, the Obama administration started negotiations with Iran aimed at preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons, including an interim agreement as part of the negotiation process.
December 10, 2013: Obama and Castro Shake Hands at Mandela Memorial
On December 10, 2013, Cuban President Raúl Castro greeted and shook hands with President Obama at the Nelson Mandela memorial service in Johannesburg.
December 2013: Addressing Income Inequality
In December 2013, President Obama declared that growing income inequality is a "defining challenge of our time" and called on Congress to bolster the safety net and raise wages. He also urged Congress to ratify a 12-nation free trade pact called the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
2013: Decrease in Unemployment Rate
By the last month of 2013, the unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent.
2013: Global Surveillance Disclosures
Following the 2013 global surveillance disclosures by Edward Snowden, Obama condemned the leak as unpatriotic but called for increased restrictions on the National Security Agency (NSA) to address violations of privacy.
2013: Obama's View on Israeli Settlements
In 2013, Jeffrey Goldberg reported that, in Obama's view, "with each new settlement announcement, Netanyahu is moving his country down a path toward near-total isolation."
2013: Addition of Sunny to the Obama Family
In 2013, the Obama family added Sunny, a female Portuguese Water Dog, to their family.
January 22, 2014: Establishment of White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault
On January 22, 2014, Obama established the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault through a government memorandum, with a mandate to address sexual assault on college and university campuses.
February 2014: Troop Level Reduction in Afghanistan
In February 2014, the U.S. military reduced the troop level in Afghanistan from 68,000 to 34,000 U.S. troops, as announced by President Obama in February 2013.
June 2014: Obama Sends Troops to Baghdad Following ISIL Capture of Mosul
In June 2014, following the capture of Mosul by ISIL, President Obama sent 275 troops to provide support and security for U.S. personnel and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
August 2014: Obama Orders Airstrikes Against ISIL During Sinjar Massacre
In August 2014, during the Sinjar massacre, President Obama ordered a campaign of U.S. airstrikes against ISIL.
December 2014: Obama Negotiated Restoration of Relations with Cuba
In December 2014, it was announced that President Obama, with Pope Francis as an intermediary, had negotiated a restoration of relations with Cuba, after nearly sixty years of détente.
2014: Obama Discusses Racial Disadvantages
By 2014, Obama began openly discussing the disadvantages faced by many members of minority groups, marking a shift in his approach to addressing racial issues.
2014: Further Decline in Unemployment Rate
During 2014, the unemployment rate continued to decline, falling to 6.3 percent in the first quarter.
2014: Ambassador of Humanity Award received
In 2014, Obama received The Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education's Ambassador of Humanity Award.
2014: Obama Authorized Air Campaign Against ISIL
In 2014, President Obama authorized an air campaign aimed primarily at ISIL in Syria.
2014: Obama Likened Zionist Movement to Civil Rights Movement
In 2014, President Obama likened the Zionist movement to the civil rights movement in the United States, stating that both seek to bring justice and equal rights to historically persecuted peoples.
2014: Russia's Invasion of Crimea
In 2014, Russia invaded Crimea, marking a significant geopolitical event.
2014: ACA Provisions Take Effect
In 2014, most of the health-related provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect, including expanding Medicaid eligibility, subsidizing insurance premiums, providing incentives for businesses to provide health care benefits, prohibiting denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions, establishing health insurance exchanges, prohibiting annual coverage caps, and supporting medical research.
February 24, 2015: Veto of Keystone XL Pipeline Bill
On February 24, 2015, President Obama vetoed a bill that would have authorized the Keystone XL pipeline. It was the third veto of his presidency and his first major veto.
March 2015: Obama Authorizes Support for Saudis in Yemen Intervention
In March 2015, President Obama authorized U.S. forces to provide logistical and intelligence support to the Saudi Arabian-led military intervention in Yemen, establishing a "Joint Planning Cell" with Saudi Arabia.
June 2015: Supreme Court Ruling in King v. Burwell
In June 2015, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in King v. Burwell that subsidies to help individuals and families purchase health insurance were authorized for those doing so on both the federal exchange and state exchanges, not only those purchasing plans "established by the State", as the statute reads.
July 1, 2015: Formal Diplomatic Relations Between Cuba and U.S. Resumed
On July 1, 2015, President Obama announced that formal diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States would resume, and embassies would be opened in Washington and Havana.
July 14, 2015: Deal Announced on Iran's Nuclear Program
On July 14, 2015, a deal called the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" was announced regarding Iran's nuclear program, leading to the removal of sanctions in exchange for measures preventing Iran from producing nuclear weapons. This deal was met with both praise and criticism.
August 13, 2015: Cuban Embassy Upgraded
On August 13, 2015, Cuba upgraded the "interests sections" in the United States capital to an embassy.
October 2015: Pentagon-Run Program to Train Anti-Assad Rebels Abandoned
In October 2015, the Pentagon-run program in Syria was formally abandoned after it was found to have failed.
October 2015: White House Announced Plan to Keep U.S. Forces in Afghanistan Indefinitely
In October 2015, the White House announced a plan to keep U.S. Forces in Afghanistan indefinitely in light of the deteriorating security situation.
November 2015: Obama Reaffirmed Stance on Assad Stepping Aside
In November 2015, President Obama reaffirmed his stance that "The time has come for President Assad to step aside."
December 2015: Obama Backs Nuclear Arms Buildup
In December 2015, Obama initiated a $348 billion program to support the largest U.S. buildup of nuclear arms since Ronald Reagan's presidency.
2015: Criticism of Obama for Advocating Iran Nuclear Deal
In 2015, President Obama was harshly criticized by Israel for advocating and signing the Iran Nuclear Deal; Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deal was "dangerous" and "bad."
2015: Brookings Institution rank
In 2015, the Brookings Institution ranked Obama the 18th-greatest American president.
2015: Increase in U.S. Ground Troops in Iraq
In early 2015, with the addition of the "Panther Brigade" of the 82nd Airborne Division, the number of U.S. ground troops in Iraq increased to 4,400, and by July American-led coalition air forces counted 44,000 sorties over the battlefield.
December 31, 2015: Decline in U.S. federal custody inmates
From December 31, 2009, to December 31, 2015, inmates sentenced in U.S. federal custody declined by five percent.
January 5, 2016: Executive Actions on Gun Control
On January 5, 2016, Obama announced new executive actions extending background check requirements to more gun sellers, continuing his efforts to address gun violence.
March 2016: Obama's Approval Rating Reaches 50 Percent
In March 2016, Obama's approval rating reached 50 percent according to Gallup, the highest it had been since May 2013.
March 2016: Obama Visited Havana, Cuba
In March 2016, President Obama visited Havana, Cuba, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to arrive since Calvin Coolidge in 1928.
March 2016: Worries About Race Relations
In a March 2016 Gallup poll, nearly one third of Americans said they worried "a great deal" about race relations, a higher figure than in any previous Gallup poll since 2001.
September 2016: Obama Snubbed at G20 Summit
In September 2016, President Obama was snubbed by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party upon arrival at Hangzhou International Airport for the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit, without the customary red carpet welcome.
December 2016: Permanent Ban on Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling
In December 2016, President Obama permanently banned new offshore oil and gas drilling in most United States-owned waters in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, using the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Act.
December 23, 2016: U.S. Abstains from UN Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlements
On December 23, 2016, under the Obama administration, the United States abstained from United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemned Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories, effectively allowing it to pass.
2016: Obama Discusses Items of Inspiration
In 2016, Barack Obama spoke about items he carries for inspiration, including rosary beads given by Pope Francis, a figurine of the Hindu deity Hanuman, a Coptic cross from Ethiopia, a small Buddha statue given by a monk, and a metal poker chip.
2016: Sanctions against Russia Following Election Interference
In 2016, Obama initiated sanctions against Russia following Russian interference in the U.S. elections.
2016: Ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces ends
In 2016, Obama's administration ended the ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces.
2016: Obama's Regret Over Libya Intervention
In 2016, President Obama said "Our coalition could have and should have done more to fill a vacuum left behind" and that it was "a mess" regarding the Libyan intervention. He stated that the lack of preparation surrounding the days following the government's overthrow was the "worst mistake" of his presidency.
2016: Russian Interference in U.S. Presidential Election
In 2016, Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election, a controversial event that led to discussions about its potential impact on the election's outcome.
2016: Obama Administration Proposed Arms Deals with Saudi Arabia
In 2016, the Obama administration proposed a series of arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth $115 billion. Later, Obama halted the sale of guided munition technology to Saudi Arabia after Saudi warplanes targeted a funeral in Yemen, killing more than 140 people.
2016: Pentagon Ends Transgender Military Ban
In 2016, the Pentagon ended the policy that barred transgender people from serving openly in the military, furthering efforts toward inclusivity in the armed forces.
January 5, 2017: U.S. House Condemned UN Resolution
On January 5, 2017, the United States House of Representatives voted 342–80 to condemn the UN Resolution.
January 6, 2017: Israel Withdrew Dues from the UN
On January 6, 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the United Nations, which totaled $6 million, in response to the UN Resolution.
January 2017: Obama leaves office with 60 percent approval rating
In January 2017, Obama left office with a 60 percent approval rating.
January 20, 2017: Obama's Presidency Ends
On January 20, 2017, Obama's presidency concluded with the inauguration of his successor, Donald Trump, marking the end of his time in office.
May 2017: Relationship with Sheila Miyoshi Jager Made Public
In May 2017, Barack Obama's previous relationship with anthropologist Sheila Miyoshi Jager became public after his presidency had ended. They had been together in Chicago in the 1980s, and he had proposed to her twice, but she and her parents turned him down.
2017: Obama Leaves Office
In 2017, Obama left office with high approval ratings.
2017: John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award received
In 2017, Obama received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
2017: Penalty for violating individual mandate repealed
In 2017, the penalty for violating the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act was repealed, effective in 2019.
2017: Obama's Final Approval Rating
In polling conducted from January 16–19, 2017, Obama's final approval rating was 59 percent, placing him on par with George H. W. Bush and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
May 22, 2018: Obamas Sign Deal with Netflix
On May 22, 2018, Barack and Michelle Obama signed a deal to produce docu-series, documentaries, and features for Netflix under their new production company, Higher Ground Productions.
2018: Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award received
In 2018, Obama received the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award.
2018: Obama's Approval Rating in Retrospective Polls
In 2018, retrospective approval polls conducted by Gallup revealed that Obama had a 63 percent approval rating.
2018: Gallup job approval poll
In Gallup's 2018 job approval poll for the past 10 U.S. presidents, Obama received a 63 percent approval rating.
2019: Penalty for violating individual mandate repealed
In 2019, the penalty for violating the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act was repealed, effective in 2019.
April 14, 2020: Obama Endorses Joe Biden for President
On April 14, 2020, Obama publicly endorsed his former vice president, Joe Biden, as the presumptive nominee for president in the 2020 presidential election, citing Biden's qualifications for the role.
2020: Affordable Care Act provisions in effect
In 2020, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect, representing a significant overhaul and expansion of the U.S. healthcare system.
2020: Campaigning for Candidates
In the 2020 presidential election, Obama remained politically active campaigning for candidates in various American elections, including in Biden's successful presidential bid.
January 2021: Obama Attends Joe Biden's Inauguration
In January 2021, Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, attended the inauguration ceremony of Joe Biden as the new President of the United States.
February 2021: Obama and Bruce Springsteen Launch Podcast
In February 2021, Barack Obama and musician Bruce Springsteen launched a podcast titled "Renegades: Born in the USA," where they discussed their backgrounds, music, and their love for America.
May 8, 2021: Death of Bo
On May 8, 2021, the Obama family's dog, Bo, died of cancer.
2021: Legislation enforced limits on discretionary spending
On August 2, 2011, President Obama signed the bipartisan Budget Control Act of 2011, and the legislation enforced limits on discretionary spending until 2021.
March 4, 2022: Obama Wins Audio Publishers Association Award
On March 4, 2022, Obama received an Audio Publishers Association (APA) Award for Best Narration by the Author for his narration of his memoir, "A Promised Land."
2022: Primetime Emmy Award for Our Great National Parks
In 2022, Obama received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for Our Great National Parks.
March 2023: Obama Travels to Australia for Speaking Tour
In March 2023, Obama traveled to Australia as part of his speaking tour, meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and visiting Melbourne for the first time. It was reported that Obama was paid more than $1 million for two speeches.
October 2023: Obama Addresses Gaza War
In October 2023, during the Gaza war, Obama stated that Israel must dismantle Hamas following the October 7 attacks. He later cautioned that Israel's actions could "harden Palestinian attitudes for generations" and diminish international support, warning that any military strategy neglecting the war's human costs "could ultimately backfire."
2023: Obama's Approval Rating Remains High in Retrospective Polls
In 2023, Gallup's retrospective approval polls showed that Obama still had a high approval rating of 63 percent.
2023: Primetime Emmy Award for Working: What We Do All Day
In 2023, Obama received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for Working: What We Do All Day.
July 2024: Obama Expresses Concerns About Biden's Campaign Viability
In July 2024, Obama voiced concerns regarding Joe Biden's campaign viability after a poor debate performance against former president Trump. Following Biden's withdrawal and endorsement of Vice President Harris, Obama and Michelle endorsed Harris and Obama delivered a speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention formally endorsing her.
2024: Sylvanus Thayer Award
In 2024, Obama became the first and so far only President from the Democratic Party to win the Sylvanus Thayer Award.
2024: Equivalence of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
In 2024, the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama in 2009, is equivalent to $1153 billion.
2024: Equivalent of Obama's 2007 Net Worth in 2024 Dollars
In 2024, the equivalent of Barack Obama's $1.3 million net worth in December 2007 is $2 million.
2024: Value of the Kenwood Home Adjusted for Inflation
In 2024, the equivalent value of the Obama family's $1.6 million house purchase in 2005 in Kenwood, Chicago, is $2.6 million.
2024: Equivalence of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 signed by President Obama on December 17, 2010, a compromise deal with the congressional Republican leadership that included a temporary, two-year extension of the 2001 and 2003 income tax rates, a one-year payroll tax reduction, continuation of unemployment benefits, and a new rate and exemption amount for estate taxes, was worth $858 billion which is equivalent to $1.2 trillion in 2024.
January 2025: Obama attends the second inauguration of Donald Trump
In January 2025, Obama attended the second inauguration of Donald Trump as the President of the United States.
2025: Primetime Emmy Award for Our Oceans
In 2025, Obama received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for Our Oceans.
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