Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Barack Obama
Discover the career path of Barack Obama, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President (2009-2017), was the first African American to hold the office. A Democrat, he previously served as a U.S. Senator for Illinois (2005-2008) and as an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency saw the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the end of the Iraq War, and the killing of Osama bin Laden. He faced challenges including the Great Recession and political polarization. Obama is often praised for his eloquence and commitment to progressive policies.
1965: Passage of Medicare and Medicaid
In 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were passed. The Affordable Care Act is the U.S. healthcare system's most significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of coverage since Medicare and Medicaid.
1969: United States federal hate-crime law
On October 8, 2009, Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a measure that expanded 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.
1976: Public Financing System Creation
In 1976, the public financing system was created, and on June 19, 2008, Obama became the first major-party presidential candidate since then to turn down public financing for the general election.
June 1985: Director of the Developing Communities Project
In June 1985, Barack Obama was hired as director of the Developing Communities Project in Chicago.
1985: Project Coordinator
In 1985, Barack Obama worked as a project coordinator for the New York Public Interest Research Group.
1985: Woods Fund of Chicago first funds the Developing Communities Project
In 1985, the Woods Fund of Chicago became the first foundation to fund the Developing Communities Project.
May 1988: End of Work at Developing Communities Project
In May 1988, Barack Obama's work as director of the Developing Communities Project came to an end.
June 1989: Meeting Michelle Robinson
In June 1989, Barack Obama met Michelle Robinson while working at Sidley Austin. Michelle was assigned as Barack's advisor for three months at the firm.
1989: Summer Associate at Sidley Austin
In 1989, during the summer, Barack Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Sidley Austin in Chicago.
1990: Summer Associate at Hopkins & Sutter
In 1990, during the summer, Barack Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Hopkins & Sutter in Chicago.
1991: Fellow at University of Chicago Law School
In 1991, Barack Obama accepted a position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School.
October 1992: Illinois's Project Vote
From April to October 1992, Obama directed Illinois's Project Vote, a voter registration campaign.
1992: Lecturer at University of Chicago Law School
In 1992, Barack Obama began teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School as a lecturer.
1993: Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy
On December 22, 2010, Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, which fulfilled a promise made in the 2008 presidential campaign to end the don't ask, don't tell policy of 1993 that had prevented gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces.
1994: Joins Woods Fund Board
In 1994, Barack Obama joined the board of directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago.
1994: Violence Against Women Act
In 1994, the Violence Against Women Act was first drafted by Joe Biden. The White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault was a development out of the White House Council on Women and Girls and Office of the Vice President of the United States, and prior to that the 1994 Violence Against Women Act.
1995: Joins Chicago Annenberg Challenge
From 1995 Barack Obama served on the board of directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, and as founding president and chairman of the board.
1995: Publication of "Dreams from My Father"
In 1995, Barack Obama published his book "Dreams from My Father".
1996: Senior Lecturer
In 1996, Barack Obama became a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.
1996: Election to Illinois Senate
In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to represent the 13th district in the Illinois Senate.
1997: Illinois State Senator
In 1997, Barack Obama became an Illinois State Senator, a position he held until 2004.
1998: Re-election to Illinois Senate
In 1998, Barack Obama was re-elected to the Illinois Senate, defeating Republican Yesse Yehudah.
1999: Obama's last year as founding president and chairman of the board for the Chicago Annenberg Challenge
In 1999, Barack Obama's last year as founding president and chairman of the board for the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.
2000: Loss in Democratic Primary
In 2000, Barack Obama lost a Democratic primary race for Illinois's 1st congressional district to four-term incumbent Bobby Rush by a margin of two to one.
2001: Supports Payday Loan Regulations
In 2001, as co-chairman of the bipartisan Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, Barack Obama supported Republican governor George Ryan's payday loan regulations and predatory mortgage lending regulations.
May 2002: Commissioned a poll to assess prospects in 2004 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: Lines up political media consultant David Axelrod
In August 2002, Barack Obama lined up political media consultant David Axelrod.
2002: Leaves Woods Fund and Joyce Foundation Boards
In 2002, Barack Obama completed his service on the boards of directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago and the Joyce Foundation.
2002: Re-election to the Illinois Senate
In 2002, Barack Obama was re-elected to the Illinois Senate.
January 2003: Becomes Chairman of Illinois Senate 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: Formally announced his candidacy in January 2003
In January 2003, Barack Obama formally announced his candidacy for the 2004 U.S. Senate race.
March 2003: Speaks at Second Anti-War Rally
In March 2003, Barack Obama spoke at another anti-war rally, stating "it's not too late" to stop the war.
March 2004: Wins Democratic Primary
In the March 2004 primary election, Barack Obama won in an unexpected landslide, making him a rising star within the national Democratic Party and leading to speculation about a presidential future.
June 2004: Jack Ryan Withdraws from Senate Race
In June 2004, Barack Obama's expected opponent in the general election, Republican primary winner Jack Ryan, withdrew from the race.
July 2004: Delivers Keynote Address at Democratic National Convention
In July 2004, Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, which was seen by nine million viewers 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: Elected to U.S. Senate
In the November 2004 general election, Barack Obama won with 70 percent of the vote, the largest margin of victory for a Senate candidate in Illinois history.
2004: End of Lectureship
In 2004, Barack Obama ended his tenure as a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.
2004: 2004 U.S. Senate Race
In 2004, Barack Obama ran for the U.S. Senate Race.
2004: End of Illinois Senate Term
In 2004, Barack Obama's term as an Illinois State Senator concluded.
January 3, 2005: Sworn in as Senator
On January 3, 2005, Barack Obama was sworn in as a senator, becoming the only Senate member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
2005: U.S. Senator
In 2005, Barack Obama became a U.S. Senator representing Illinois, a position he held until 2008.
December 2006: Bush Signs Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act
In December 2006, President George W. 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: Serves on Senate Committees
Through December 2006, Barack Obama held assignments on the Senate Committees for Foreign Relations, Environment and Public Works, and Veterans' Affairs.
2006: Introduces Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
In 2006, Barack Obama introduced the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, which authorized the establishment of USAspending.gov, a web search engine on federal spending.
2006: Publication of "The Audacity of Hope"
In 2006, Barack Obama published his book "The Audacity of Hope".
2006: ATF Head Appointment
In 2006, approving the appointment of the head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the first time since 2006.
January 2007: Introduces 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: Joins Additional Senate Committees
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: Announces Candidacy for President
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.
September 2007: Honest Leadership and Open Government Act Signed into Law
In September 2007, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, which included the corporate jet provision introduced by Barack Obama and Senator Feingold in January 2007, was signed into law.
2007: Sponsors Amendment to Defense Authorization Act
In 2007, Barack Obama sponsored an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act to add safeguards for personality-disorder military discharges.
2007: Obama's Law License Becomes Inactive
In 2007, Barack Obama's law license became inactive.
May 2008: Resignation from Trinity United Church of Christ
During his first presidential campaign, in May 2008, 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 after a close race with Senator Hillary Clinton.
June 3, 2008: Introduces Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008
On June 3, 2008, Senator Barack 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 for the general election.
August 23, 2008: Obama Announces 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 for the upcoming election.
October 2008: Presidential Debates
In October 2008, Barack Obama and John McCain participated in three presidential debates.
November 16, 2008: Resigns Senate Seat
On November 16, 2008, Barack Obama resigned his Senate seat to focus on the transition period for the presidency.
2008: Nomination for President
In 2008, Barack Obama was nominated by the Democratic Party for president after a close primary campaign.
2008: Effective Campaigner and Orator
In 2008, Barack Obama's presidential campaign was particularly highlighted, establishing him as one of the most effective campaigners in American history and a talented political orator.
2008: End of Senate Term
In 2008, Barack Obama's term as a U.S. Senator representing Illinois ended.
2008: Passage of Amendment to Defense Authorization Act
In the spring of 2008, Barack Obama's amendment to the Defense Authorization Act, which added safeguards for personality-disorder military discharges, passed the full Senate.
2008: Promises Made During 2008 presidential campaign
On December 22, 2010, Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, which fulfilled a promise made in the 2008 presidential campaign to end the don't ask, don't tell policy of 1993 that had prevented gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces.
January 20, 2009: Obama's Inauguration
On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States.
February 2009: Obama Increases 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", marking an early shift in his approach to the war in Afghanistan.
February 17, 2009: Obama Signs American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a $787 billion economic stimulus package designed to help the economy recover from the global recession. The act included increased federal spending in areas such as health care, infrastructure, education, tax breaks, 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, signaling a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
March 11, 2009: Obama creates the White House Council on Women and Girls
On March 11, 2009, Obama created the White House Council on Women and Girls, which formed part of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, having been established by Executive Order 13506 with a broad mandate to advise him on issues relating to the welfare of American women and girls.
March 2009: Biden and Clinton Announce 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.
March 2009: Obama Reverses Bush-era Stem Cell Research Policy
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: Obama Intervenes in Automotive Industry
In March 2009, President Obama intervened in the troubled automotive industry by renewing loans for General Motors (GM) and Chrysler to continue operations while undergoing reorganization. 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: Obama Lifts Ban on Stem Cell Research
In March 2009, President Obama lifted a ban on using federal funds for stem cell research.
March 2009: Treasury Secretary Takes Steps to Manage Financial Crisis
In March 2009, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner introduced the Public–Private Investment Program for Legacy Assets to manage the 2008 financial crisis. This program included provisions to buy up to $2 trillion in depreciated real estate assets.
May 2009: Obama Replaces Military Commander in Afghanistan
In May 2009, President Obama replaced the military commander in Afghanistan, General David D. McKiernan, with Lt. Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, indicating a shift towards counterinsurgency tactics in the war.
May 26, 2009: Obama Nominates Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court
On May 26, 2009, Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to replace retiring associate justice David Souter on the Supreme Court.
June 4, 2009: Obama Delivers Speech at Cairo University
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: Obama Calls for Accelerated Economic Stimulus
In June 2009, dissatisfied with the pace of economic stimulus, President Obama called on his cabinet to accelerate investment. He also signed into law the Car Allowance Rebate System, colloquially known as "Cash for Clunkers", which temporarily boosted the economy.
June 26, 2009: Obama Condemns Iranian Government Actions
On June 26, 2009, President Obama condemned the Iranian government's actions towards protesters following Iran's 2009 presidential election.
July 14, 2009: House Democrats Introduce Health Care 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.
August 6, 2009: Sotomayor Confirmed as Supreme Court Justice
On August 6, 2009, Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice, becoming the first Supreme Court 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, increasing nuclear weapons production through the "Complex Modernization" initiative, which expanded two existing nuclear sites to produce new bomb parts.
October 8, 2009: Obama Signs Hate Crimes Prevention Act
On October 8, 2009, Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, expanding the 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, Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. He called it a call to action and an affirmation of American leadership.
October 30, 2009: Obama Lifts 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 Passes Health Care Bill
On November 7, 2009, a health care bill featuring the public option was passed in the House.
November 2009: Federal Spending and Loan Guarantees
By the end of November 2009, the Bush and Obama administrations had authorized spending and loan guarantees totaling about $11.5 trillion, but only $3 trillion had been spent.
December 1, 2009: Obama Announces Troop Surge in Afghanistan
On December 1, 2009, President Obama announced the deployment of an additional 30,000 military personnel to Afghanistan, with a proposed start to troop withdrawals 18 months later, outlining his strategy for the war.
December 24, 2009: Senate Passes 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: President of the United States
In 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States, serving until 2017.
2009: National Defense Authorization Act and Hate Crimes Prevention Act
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, expanding federal hate crime laws.
March 2010: Obama Takes Stance Against Israeli Settlement Plans
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: CBO Estimates ACA Deficit Reduction
In March 2010, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the net effect of both Affordable Care Act (ACA) laws would be a reduction in the federal deficit by $143 billion over the first decade.
March 21, 2010: House Passes Patient Protection and 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: Obama Signs Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Into Law
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law.
March 31, 2010: Obama Ends Ban on Oil and Gas Drilling
Prior to the 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.
April 2010: Survey Shows Mixed Views on Stimulus Impact
An April 2010 survey of members of the National Association for Business Economics showed an increase in job creation, but 73 percent of respondents believed the stimulus bill had no impact on employment.
April 2010: NASA Space Program Changes
In April 2010, Obama announced a change in direction at NASA, ending plans for a human spaceflight return to the moon and the development of the Ares I and Ares V rockets and the Constellation program, in favor of funding earth science projects, a new rocket type, research and development for an eventual crewed mission to Mars, and ongoing missions to the International Space Station.
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.
May 10, 2010: Obama Nominates Elena Kagan to Supreme Court
On May 10, 2010, Obama nominated Elena Kagan to replace retiring Associate Justice John Paul Stevens on the Supreme Court.
June 2010: David Petraeus Replaces McChrystal in Afghanistan
In June 2010, David Petraeus replaced McChrystal as the commander in Afghanistan after McChrystal's staff criticized White House personnel, marking another leadership change in the war effort.
July 2010: CIA Receives Initial Intelligence on Bin Laden's Hideout
Starting in July 2010, the CIA began receiving intelligence that eventually led them to believe they had located the hideout of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
August 5, 2010: Kagan Confirmed as Supreme Court Justice
On August 5, 2010, Elena Kagan was confirmed as Supreme Court Justice, bringing the number of women sitting simultaneously on the Court to three for the first time in American history.
August 2010: Withdrawal of Combat Troops Completed in Iraq
By 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 Exits Iraq
On August 19, 2010, the last U.S. combat brigade exited Iraq, marking a key milestone in the withdrawal of troops from the country. Remaining troops transitioned to counter-terrorism and advisory roles.
August 31, 2010: Obama Announces End of U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq
On August 31, 2010, President Obama announced that the United States combat mission in Iraq was officially over, marking a significant moment in the drawdown of U.S. military involvement in the region.
December 2010: Employment Rises Slightly
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 17, 2010: Obama Signs Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. This compromise deal with Congressional Republican leadership 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: Obama Signs Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act
On December 22, 2010, Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, ending the "don't ask, don't tell" policy of 1993 that prevented gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces.
2010: Obama donates 14 percent of income to non-profits
In 2010, Barack Obama's income was $1.7 million and he donated 14 percent to non-profit organizations, including $131,000 to the Fisher House Foundation.
2010: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
In 2010, Obama signed into effect the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act as a response to the 2008 financial crisis, bringing significant changes to financial regulation in the United States.
2010: National Defense Authorization Act
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, expanding federal hate crime laws.
2010: Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act
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: Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010
In 2010, The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act was enacted, it incorporated the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act that Barack Obama previously sponsored supporting divestment of state pension funds from Iran's oil and gas industry.
2010: Affordable Care Act Provisions
In 2010, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect, marking a significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of healthcare coverage in the U.S.
2010: ACA Subsidies and Premium Caps
In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) included provisions subsidizing insurance premiums for people making up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, ensuring their maximum "out-of-pocket" payment for annual premiums would be from 2 percent to 9.5 percent of income.
February 2011: Protests Begin in Libya
In February 2011, protests began in Libya against long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi as part of the Arab Spring, setting the stage for international intervention.
March 2011: CIA Reports Bin Laden Intelligence to Obama
In March 2011, CIA head Leon Panetta reported to President Obama that the agency believed they had located Osama bin Laden living in seclusion in a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
April 4, 2011: Obama Files Election Papers for 2012
On April 4, 2011, Barack Obama filed election papers and announced his reelection campaign for 2012, posting a video titled "It Begins with Us" on his website.
May 1, 2011: Bin Laden Killed in Surgical Raid
On May 1, 2011, a United States Navy SEALs "surgical raid" authorized by President Obama resulted in the shooting death of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The operation also led to the seizure of papers, computer drives and disks from the compound.
July 2011: Start of Troop Withdrawals from Afghanistan
Troop withdrawals from Afghanistan started in July 2011, as proposed by President Obama in December 2009, marking the beginning of the drawdown of U.S. forces in the country.
August 2, 2011: Obama Signs Budget Control Act of 2011
On August 2, 2011, President Obama signed the bipartisan Budget Control Act of 2011. This legislation enforced limits on discretionary spending until 2021, established a procedure to increase the debt limit, and created a Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to propose further deficit reduction.
August 18, 2011: Obama Calls 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 Announces 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," completing the withdrawal of American forces from the country.
2011: Obama Orders 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: U.S. Vetoes UN 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, underscoring its support for Israel.
April 3, 2012: Obama Secures Democratic Nomination for 2012
On April 3, 2012, Barack Obama secured the 2778 convention delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination for the 2012 presidential election.
May 9, 2012: Obama Affirms Support for Same-Sex Marriage
On May 9, 2012, shortly after launching his reelection campaign, Barack 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 Upholds ACA Individual Mandate
On June 28, 2012, the Supreme Court ruled by a 5–4 vote in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius that the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate was constitutional under the U.S. Congress's taxing authority.
November 6, 2012: Obama Re-elected as President
On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama was re-elected as President of the United States, winning 332 electoral votes and 51.1% of the popular vote. He addressed supporters in Chicago after his reelection.
November 2012: Unemployment Rate Falls
By November 2012, the unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent.
2012: Re-election as President
In 2012, Barack Obama defeated Republican opponent Mitt Romney and was re-elected as President of the United States.
2012: Obama Authorizes 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. However, the Pentagon-run program was later found to have failed.
January 16, 2013: Obama Announces 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 sweeping proposals regarding gun control.
January 21, 2013: Obama Calls for Equality for Gay Americans
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 Announces Reduction of Troops in Afghanistan
In February 2013, President Obama announced the U.S. military would reduce troop levels in Afghanistan from 68,000 to 34,000 by February 2014, continuing the drawdown of American forces.
July 2013: Obama Expresses Reservations About Keystone XL Pipeline
In July 2013, President Obama expressed reservations and stated he "would reject the Keystone XL pipeline if it increased carbon pollution [or] greenhouse emissions."
December 10, 2013: Obama Shakes Hands with Raúl Castro
On December 10, 2013, Cuban President Raúl Castro greeted and shook hands with President Obama at the Nelson Mandela memorial service in Johannesburg, marking a significant public moment between the two leaders.
December 2013: Obama Addresses 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 the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
2013: Unemployment Rate Decreases
During the last month of 2013, the unemployment rate decreased to 6.7 percent.
2013: Obama Views Netanyahu Leading Israel to Isolation
In 2013, Jeffrey Goldberg reported that President Obama believed that "with each new settlement announcement, Netanyahu is moving his country down a path toward near-total isolation."
January 22, 2014: Obama Establishes 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 broad mandate to advise him on issues relating to sexual assault on college and university campuses throughout the United States.
February 2014: Troop Level Reduced in Afghanistan
By 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 Iraq Following ISIL Capture of Mosul
In June 2014, following the capture of Mosul by ISIL, President Obama sent 275 troops to Iraq to provide support and security for U.S. personnel and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, amidst growing concerns over ISIS's territorial gains and actions.
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, signaling a direct military response to the group's atrocities.
December 2014: Obama Announces Restoration of Relations with Cuba
In December 2014, after secret meetings, 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: Unemployment Rate Continues to Decline
During 2014, the unemployment rate continued to decline, falling to 6.3 percent in the first quarter.
2014: Obama Authorizes Air Campaign Against ISIL
In 2014, President Obama authorized an air campaign aimed primarily at ISIL, marking a significant escalation in the U.S. military involvement in the fight against the terrorist group.
2014: Obama Likens 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: ACA Provisions Take Effect
In 2014, most of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) health-related provisions took effect, including expanding Medicaid eligibility and subsidizing insurance premiums.
2014: Obama Discusses Racial Disadvantages
Though Obama entered office reluctant to talk about race, by 2014 he began openly discussing the disadvantages faced by many members of minority groups.
February 24, 2015: Obama Vetoes 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 Obama's presidency and his first major veto.
March 2015: Obama Authorizes Support to Saudis in Yemen
In March 2015, President Obama authorized U.S. forces to provide logistical and intelligence support to Saudi Arabia for their military intervention in Yemen. As part of this authorization, a "Joint Planning Cell" was established with Saudi Arabia.
June 2015: Supreme Court Upholds ACA Subsidies
In June 2015, the 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.
July 1, 2015: Formal Diplomatic Relations Between Cuba and U.S. Resume
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.
August 13, 2015: Upgrade to Embassies in Cuba and the US
On August 13, 2015, the countries' respective "interests sections" in one another's capitals were upgraded to embassies. This marks the establishment of embassies in both Washington and Havana.
October 2015: Pentagon-Run Program Abandoned
In October 2015, the Pentagon-run program was formally abandoned. This was a program that trained anti-Assad rebels.
October 2015: White House Announces Plan to Keep Forces in Afghanistan Indefinitely
In October 2015, the White House announced a plan to keep U.S. Forces in Afghanistan indefinitely, reversing earlier plans for a full withdrawal due to the deteriorating security situation.
November 2015: Obama Reaffirms Stance on Assad
In November 2015, President Obama reaffirmed his stance that "The time has come for President Assad to step aside." This stance was first issued in 2011.
2015: Obama Criticized for Iran Nuclear Deal
In 2015, President Obama faced criticism from Israel for advocating and signing the Iran Nuclear Deal; Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal "dangerous" and "bad."
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.
January 5, 2016: Obama Announces New Executive Actions Extending Background Check Requirements
On January 5, 2016, Obama announced new executive actions extending background check requirements to more gun sellers.
March 2016: Obama Visits Havana, Cuba
In March 2016, President Obama visited Havana, Cuba, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to arrive since Calvin Coolidge in 1928, marking a historic moment in U.S.-Cuba relations.
September 2016: Obama Snubbed at G20 Summit in China
In September 2016, President Obama was snubbed by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party at the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit. Obama descended from Air Force One without the usual red carpet welcome.
December 2016: Obama Bans New 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 on 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, effectively allowing it to pass.
2016: End to Ban on Transgender People in the Military
In 2016, Obama's administration ended the ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces.
2016: Obama Comments on Intervention in Libya
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". He has stated that the lack of preparation surrounding the days following the government's overthrow was the "worst mistake" of his presidency.
2016: Obama Administration Proposes 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 after Saudi warplanes targeted a funeral in Yemen, resulting in significant casualties.
2016: Pentagon Ends Transgender Military Ban
In 2016, the Pentagon ended the policy that barred transgender people from serving openly in the military.
January 20, 2017: End of Obama's presidency
On January 20, 2017, Obama's presidency concluded with the inauguration of Donald Trump as his successor, marking the end of his time in office.
2017: End of Presidential Term
In 2017, Barack Obama concluded his service as the 44th President of the United States after serving two terms.
2017: Departure from Office
In 2017, Barack Obama left office with high approval ratings.
April 14, 2020: Obama endorses Joe Biden for president
On April 14, 2020, Obama endorsed his former vice president, Joe Biden, for president in the upcoming presidential election, citing Biden's qualities needed in a president.
2020: Affordable Care Act Provisions
In 2020, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect, marking a significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of healthcare coverage in the U.S.
March 2023: Obama's speaking tour in Australia
In March 2023, Obama traveled to Australia as part of his speaking tour, where he met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and visited Melbourne for the first time, reportedly earning over $1 million for two speeches.
July 2024: Obama expresses concerns about Biden's campaign viability
In July 2024, Obama expressed concerns about Biden's campaign viability after his critically maligned debate performance against former president Trump.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Pope Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church...
Michelle Obama is an American attorney author and former First...
Bill Clinton the nd U S President - served as...
John F Kennedy JFK was the th U S President...
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is an American politician lawyer and...
Trending
51 minutes ago Pirates and Marlins Show Willingness to Spend; MLB Execs Optimistic
51 minutes ago Billy Crudup Speaks About Mary-Louise Parker Breakup and Co-Parenting Relationship
51 minutes ago NOAA Forecasts Winter, Reports Moderate Solar Flare, and Space Weather Alert Issued
2 hours ago Anthropic CEO to testify on Chinese AI cyberattack; Chatbots becoming criminals.
2 hours ago Joaquín Guzmán López, son of El Chapo, to plead guilty in Illinois court
2 hours ago Google's AI Comeback: Benioff Switches to Gemini 3, OpenAI Feels the Pressure.
Popular
Aftyn Alyssa Behn is an American politician currently serving as...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
William Franklin Graham III commonly known as Franklin Graham is...
Candace Owens is an American conservative political commentator and author...
Matt and Ross Duffer known as the Duffer Brothers are...
Richard Branson is a prominent English business magnate best known...