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 president. A Democrat, he previously 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. He faced challenges including the Great Recession and political polarization. Obama's legacy includes his efforts to address climate change and promote international cooperation.
February 1981: Obama's first public speech
In February 1981, Barack 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.
June 1985: Obama Hired as Director of the Developing Communities Project
In June 1985, Barack Obama was hired as director of the Developing Communities Project, a faith-based community organization, in Chicago.
1985: Obama worked as a project coordinator
In 1985, Barack 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 Funds Developing Communities Project
In 1985, the Woods Fund of Chicago was the first foundation to fund the Developing Communities Project.
May 1988: Obama Left the Developing Communities Project
In May 1988, Barack Obama left his position as director of the Developing Communities Project.
1989: Obama summer associate at Sidley Austin
In 1989, Barack Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Sidley Austin in Chicago.
1990: Obama summer associate at Hopkins & Sutter
In 1990, Barack Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Hopkins & Sutter in Chicago.
1991: Obama accepted position at the University of Chicago Law School
In 1991, Barack Obama accepted a two-year position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School to work on his first book.
October 1992: Obama directed Illinois's Project Vote
In October 1992, Barack Obama directed Illinois's Project Vote, a voter registration campaign.
1992: Obama taught at the University of Chicago Law School
In 1992, Barack Obama started teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School as a lecturer.
1993: Obama Named to Crain's Chicago Business List
In 1993, Crain's Chicago Business named Barack Obama to its list of "40 under Forty" powers to be.
1994: Obama Joins the Board of the Woods Fund of Chicago
In 1994, Barack Obama joined the board of directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago.
1995: Obama Joins the Board of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge
In 1995, Barack Obama joined the board of directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, serving as founding president and chairman.
1995: Dreams from My Father Published
In 1995, Barack Obama's memoir, Dreams from My Father, was published.
1996: Obama became a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School
In 1996, Barack Obama became a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.
1996: Obama Elected to Illinois Senate
In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to the Illinois Senate, succeeding Alice Palmer.
1998: Obama Re-elected to Illinois Senate
In 1998, Barack Obama was re-elected to the Illinois Senate, defeating Yesse Yehudah.
1999: Obama Ends Term as Chairman of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge
In 1999, Barack Obama ended his term as chairman of the board of directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.
2000: Obama Loses Congressional Primary Race
In 2000, Barack Obama lost a Democratic primary race for Illinois's 1st congressional district to Bobby Rush.
2001: Obama Supports 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 and predatory mortgage lending regulations.
May 2002: Obama Commissions 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: Obama Lines Up Political Media Consultant
In August 2002, Barack Obama lined up David Axelrod as his political media consultant for a potential U.S. Senate run.
2002: Obama Leaves Boards of Woods Fund and Joyce Foundation
In 2002, Barack Obama ended his service on the boards of directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago and the Joyce Foundation.
2002: Obama Re-elected to Illinois Senate
In 2002, Barack Obama was re-elected to the Illinois Senate for another term.
January 2003: Obama Becomes Chairman of Illinois Senate Committee
In January 2003, Barack Obama became chairman of the Illinois Senate's Health and Human Services Committee.
January 2003: Obama Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate
In January 2003, Barack Obama formally announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
March 2003: Obama Speaks at Anti-War Rally
In March 2003, Barack Obama addressed another anti-war rally, stating "it's not too late" to stop the war.
March 2004: Obama Wins U.S. Senate Primary Election
In the March 2004 primary election, Barack Obama won in an unexpected landslide, making him a rising star and leading to speculation about a presidential future and the reissue of his memoir, Dreams from My Father.
June 2004: Jack Ryan Withdraws from Senate Race
In June 2004, Jack Ryan, Barack Obama's expected opponent in the general election, withdrew from the U.S. Senate race.
July 2004: Obama 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: Obama Resigns from Illinois Senate
In November 2004, Barack Obama resigned from the Illinois Senate following his election to the U.S. Senate.
November 2004: Obama Wins U.S. Senate Election
In the November 2004 general election, Barack Obama won the U.S. Senate seat with 70 percent of the vote against Alan Keyes, the largest margin of victory for a Senate candidate in Illinois history.
2004: Obama stops teaching law
In 2004, Barack Obama stopped teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School.
2004: Assessment of Obama's Prospects in a 2004 U.S. Senate race
In May 2002, Barack Obama commissioned a poll to assess his prospects in a 2004 U.S. Senate race.
January 3, 2005: Obama Sworn in as U.S. Senator
On January 3, 2005, Barack Obama was sworn in as a U.S. Senator, becoming the only Senate member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
December 2006: President Bush Signs Congo Relief Act into Law
In December 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act, the first federal legislation enacted with Barack Obama as its primary sponsor.
December 2006: Obama Served 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: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
In 2006, Barack Obama authorized the establishment of USAspending.gov, a web search engine on federal spending with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act.
January 2007: Obama 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: Obama 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: Obama 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 ending the Iraq War, increasing energy independence, and reforming health care.
September 2007: Honest Leadership and Open Government Act Signed into Law
In September 2007, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, including a corporate jet provision introduced by Barack Obama, was signed into law.
October 2007: Campaign Speech Acknowledging Youthful Image
In October 2007, Obama acknowledged his youthful image in a campaign speech, remarking: "I wouldn't be here if, time and again, the torch had not been passed to a new generation."
2007: Obama 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: Obama Resigns from Trinity Church
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 Hillary Clinton.
June 3, 2008: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act Introduced
On June 3, 2008, Senator Barack Obama, along with Senators Tom Carper, Tom Coburn, and John McCain, introduced the 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 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, choosing him from a group that included 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 2008 election campaign.
November 16, 2008: Obama Resigns from U.S. Senate
On November 16, 2008, Barack Obama resigned his seat in the U.S. Senate to focus on his transition period for the presidency.
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 defeated Republican nominee John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin in the 2008 presidential election.
2008: Response to the 2008 financial crisis
In 2008, Barack Obama's administration responded to the 2008 financial crisis with measures including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
2008: Obama's Effective 2008 Campaign
In 2008, Barack Obama's campaign was highlighted as one of the most effective in American history. He was also considered one of the most talented political orators of the 21st century. Historian Julian Zelizer credits Obama with a keen understanding of government institutions and policy design. Obama's policy successes included the economic stimulus package, Dodd-Frank reforms, and the Affordable Care Act.
2008: Senate Passes Obama's Defense Authorization Amendment
In the spring of 2008, the full Senate passed Barack Obama's amendment to the Defense Authorization Act, adding safeguards for personality-disorder military discharges.
January 20, 2009: Obama Inaugurated as President
On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States. He issued executive orders to withdraw troops from Iraq and close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp.
February 2009: Increase in U.S. Troop Levels in Afghanistan
In February 2009, Obama announced an increase in U.S. troop levels by 17,000 military personnel in Afghanistan to address the deteriorating situation.
February 17, 2009: Signing of 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 aimed at helping the economy recover from the global recession. The act included increased federal spending for healthcare, infrastructure, education, tax breaks, and direct assistance to individuals.
February 27, 2009: Announcement to End Combat Operations in Iraq
On February 27, 2009, Obama announced that combat operations in Iraq would end within 18 months.
March 11, 2009: White House Council on Women and Girls Created
On March 11, 2009, President Obama created the White House Council on Women and Girls, which was established by Executive Order 13506 to advise him on issues relating to the welfare of American women and girls. Valerie Jarrett chaired the council.
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.
March 2009: Intervention in the Automotive Industry
In March 2009, President Obama intervened in the troubled automotive industry, renewing loans for General Motors (GM) and Chrysler 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 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: Stem Cell Research Funding Restored
In March 2009, President Obama reversed a Bush-era policy that had limited funding for embryonic stem cell research, pledging to develop strict guidelines for the research.
May 2009: Replacement of Military Commander in Afghanistan
In May 2009, Obama replaced the military commander in Afghanistan, General David D. McKiernan, with Lt. Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal.
May 26, 2009: Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor
On May 26, 2009, President Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Associate Justice David Souter.
June 4, 2009: 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: 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 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 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 system 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.
August 6, 2009: Sonia Sotomayor Confirmed
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 the Bush administration's program to increase nuclear weapons production by expanding two existing nuclear sites to produce new bomb parts under the "Complex Modernization" initiative.
October 8, 2009: Hate Crimes Prevention Act Signed
On October 8, 2009, President 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 30, 2009: Ban on Travel by HIV-Infected Individuals Lifted
On October 30, 2009, President 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 Reserve 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.
November 2009: Approval Ratings Drop Below Majority Level
In November 2009, Obama's approval ratings dropped below the majority level.
December 1, 2009: Deployment of Additional Troops to Afghanistan
On December 1, 2009, Obama announced the deployment of an additional 30,000 military personnel to Afghanistan.
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: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
In 2009, Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in international diplomacy. During his first term, his administration responded to the 2008 financial crisis with measures including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
2009: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Signed
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. This act expanded federal hate crime laws to include crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
March 2010: Public Stance Against Israeli Housing Plans
In March 2010, 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 to Reduce Nuclear Weapons
In March 2010, an agreement was reached with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to replace the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with a new pact, reducing the number of long-range nuclear weapons in both countries' arsenals by about a third.
March 2010: CBO estimates reduction in federal deficit
In March 2010, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the net effect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will be a reduction in the federal deficit by $143 billion over the first decade.
March 21, 2010: House passes the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
On March 21, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which had previously been passed by the Senate in December 2009, was passed in the House by a vote of 219 to 212.
March 23, 2010: Obama signs the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, colloquially "Obamacare") into law.
March 31, 2010: Ending 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 in an effort to win support for an energy and climate bill and to reduce foreign imports of oil and gas.
April 2010: Signing of the New START Treaty
In April 2010, Obama and Medvedev signed the New START treaty.
April 2010: NASA Space Policy Change Announced
In April 2010, President Obama announced a planned 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 research for a crewed mission to Mars.
May 10, 2010: Nomination of Elena Kagan
On May 10, 2010, President Obama nominated Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Associate Justice John Paul Stevens.
June 2010: Replacement of McChrystal by Petraeus
In June 2010, David Petraeus replaced McChrystal as commander in Afghanistan after McChrystal's staff criticized White House personnel.
July 2010: CIA Received Information on Bin Laden's Hideout
Starting in July 2010, the Central Intelligence Agency began receiving information that led to the determination of Osama bin Laden's suspected hideout.
August 5, 2010: Elena Kagan Confirmed
On August 5, 2010, Elena Kagan was confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice, bringing the number of women sitting simultaneously on the Court to three for the first time in American history.
August 2010: Approval Ratings in the Low 40s
By August 2010, Obama's approval ratings were in the low 40s.
August 2010: Scheduled Withdrawal of Combat Troops from 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, transitioning remaining troops to counter-terrorism efforts and training Iraqi security forces.
August 31, 2010: End of U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq
On August 31, 2010, Obama announced that the United States combat mission in Iraq was over.
December 2010: U.S. Senate Ratifies the New START Treaty
In December 2010, the U.S. Senate ratified the New START treaty.
December 17, 2010: Signing of 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 into law. The $858 billion compromise 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: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal Act Signed
On December 22, 2010, President Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, ending the policy that had prevented gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces.
2010: Obama's Charitable Donations in 2010
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: Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Signed
In 2010, Barack Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act, ending the policy that banned open service in the U.S. armed forces by LGBT people. The law went into effect the following year.
2010: Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010
In 2010, Barack Obama's Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, which was never enacted but later incorporated in the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010; and co-sponsored legislation to reduce risks of nuclear terrorism.
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 in response to the 2008 financial crisis. It brought the most significant changes to financial regulation in the United States since the regulatory reform that followed the Great Depression under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
2010: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year Implemented
In 2010, The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year was implemented. It included the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This act expanded federal hate crime laws to include crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
2010: Maximum out-of-pocket payment for annual premiums
In 2010, for people making up to 400 percent of the FPL ($88,000 for family of four in 2010) their maximum "out-of-pocket" payment for annual premiums will be from 2 percent to 9.5 percent of income, according to White House and CBO figures.
2010: Affordable Care Act Provisions in Effect
In 2010, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect. The ACA represents the U.S. healthcare system's most significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of coverage since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.
February 2011: Start of Protests in Libya
In February 2011, protests began in Libya against Muammar Gaddafi as part of the Arab Spring, and soon turned violent.
March 2011: CIA Reported Intelligence to President Obama
In March 2011, CIA head Leon Panetta reported intelligence regarding Osama bin Laden's hideout to President Obama.
April 4, 2011: Obama Announces Reelection Campaign
On April 4, 2011, Barack Obama officially announced his reelection campaign for 2012 by filing election papers and releasing a video titled "It Begins with Us" on his website.
May 1, 2011: Authorization of "Surgical Raid" and Death of Osama bin Laden
On May 1, 2011, Obama authorized a "surgical raid" by United States Navy SEALs that resulted in the shooting death of Osama bin Laden and the seizure of documents and computer hardware. The raid occurred in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
May 2, 2011: Poll Bounce After Osama Bin Laden's Death
Following the death of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011, Obama experienced a small poll bounce and steadily maintained 50–53 percent approval for about a month.
July 2011: Start of Troop Withdrawals from Afghanistan
In July 2011, troop withdrawals from Afghanistan began, 18 months after Obama announced the deployment of additional 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. The 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.
August 18, 2011: Obama's Demand for Assad to Step Aside
On August 18, 2011, Obama issued a written statement stating that "The time has come for President Assad to step aside" in Syria.
October 21, 2011: Announcement of 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 agencies to consider LGBT rights when issuing financial aid to foreign countries.
2011: Military Intervention in Libya
In 2011, Barack Obama ordered the military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, contributing to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi and the outbreak of the Libyan crisis.
2011: Drone strike in Yemen
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. The killing led to significant controversy.
2011: United States Vetoed Security Council Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlements
In 2011, the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements, being the only nation to do so.
April 3, 2012: Obama Secures Democratic Nomination
On April 3, 2012, Barack Obama secured the 2778 convention delegates needed to win the Democratic presidential nomination, running virtually unopposed in the primaries.
June 28, 2012: Supreme Court upholds 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.
November 6, 2012: Obama Re-elected as President
On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama won 332 electoral votes and 51.1 percent of the popular vote, securing his re-election as President of the United States. He addressed supporters in Chicago after the victory.
2012: Defeated Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election
In 2012, Barack Obama defeated Republican opponent Mitt Romney and his running mate Paul Ryan in the presidential election.
2012: Obama Authorized Programs to Train Anti-Assad Rebels
In 2012, Obama authorized multiple programs run by the CIA and the Pentagon to train anti-Assad rebels in Syria.
February 2013: Reduction of Troop Level in Afghanistan
In February 2013, Obama announced that the U.S. military would reduce troop levels in Afghanistan from 68,000 to 34,000 troops by February 2014.
May 2013: Highest Approval Rating Since Before 2016
Obama's approval rating reached a level unseen since May 2013, when it reached 50 percent.
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: Criticism of Russia's Anti-Homosexual Law
In August 2013, Obama criticized Russia's law that discriminates against homosexual people.
November 2013: Obama administration opens negotiations with Iran
In November 2013, the Obama administration opened negotiations with Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, which included an interim agreement.
December 10, 2013: Obama and Castro greet each other at memorial service
On December 10, 2013, Cuban President Raúl Castro greeted and shook hands with Obama at the Nelson Mandela memorial service in Johannesburg.
December 2013: Call to address 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. Obama also urged Congress to ratify a 12-nation free trade pact called the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
2013: Obama's View on Israeli Settlements
In 2013, Jeffrey Goldberg reported that Obama believed Netanyahu's settlement announcements were leading Israel toward "near-total isolation."
January 22, 2014: White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault Established
On January 22, 2014, President 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. The co-chairs of the Task Force were Vice President Joe Biden and Valerie Jarrett.
February 2014: Planned Reduction of Troops in Afghanistan
By February 2014, the troop levels in Afghanistan were planned to reduce to 34,000 U.S. troops.
June 2014: Deployment of Troops to Baghdad
In June 2014, following the capture of Mosul by ISIL, Obama sent 275 troops to provide support and security for U.S. personnel and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
August 2014: Order of Airstrikes Against ISIL
In August 2014, during the Sinjar massacre, Obama ordered a campaign of U.S. airstrikes against ISIL.
December 2014: Negotiated Restoration of Relations with Cuba
In December 2014, Obama, with Pope Francis as an intermediary, negotiated a restoration of relations with Cuba, after nearly sixty years of détente, known as the Cuban Thaw.
2014: Authorization of Air Campaign Against ISIL
In 2014, Obama authorized an air campaign aimed primarily at ISIL in Syria.
2014: Obama's Likening of Zionist and Civil Rights Movements
In 2014, Obama likened the Zionist movement to the civil rights movement in the United States, stating both sought justice and equal rights.
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 and subsidizing insurance premiums.
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 Obama's presidency and his first major veto.
March 2015: Authorization of U.S. support to Saudis in Yemen intervention
In March 2015, Obama authorized U.S. forces to provide logistical and intelligence support to the Saudi Arabian military intervention in Yemen, which included establishing a "Joint Planning Cell" with Saudi Arabia.
June 2015: Supreme Court upholds ACA subsidies
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.
July 1, 2015: Announcement of Resumption of Formal Diplomatic Relations
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: Announcement of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On July 14, 2015, a deal titled the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" was announced. The deal saw sanctions removed in exchange for measures that would prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons. The deal drew strong criticism from Republican and conservative quarters, and from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
August 13, 2015: Upgrade of Interests Sections to Embassies
On August 13, 2015, Cuba upgraded the "interests section" in Washington to an embassy.
October 2015: Abandonment of Pentagon-Run Program to Train Rebels
In October 2015, the Pentagon-run program to train anti-Assad rebels was formally abandoned after being found to have failed.
October 2015: Announcement 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 due to the deteriorating security situation.
November 2015: Reaffirmation of Stance on Assad Stepping Aside
In November 2015, Obama reaffirmed the stance that "The time has come for President Assad to step aside".
December 2015: Obama Starts a $348 Billion Nuclear Arms Buildup Program
In December 2015, Obama started a $348 billion program to back the biggest U.S. buildup of nuclear arms since Ronald Reagan left the White House.
2015: Increase of 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.
March 2016: Obama's Approval Rating Reaches 50%
According to Gallup, Obama's approval rating reached 50 percent in March 2016, a level unseen since May 2013.
March 2016: President Obama visits Havana, Cuba
In March 2016, Obama visited Havana, Cuba for two days, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to arrive since Calvin Coolidge in 1928.
September 2016: Snub by Xi Jinping at G20 Summit
In September 2016, Obama was snubbed by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party upon arrival at Hangzhou International Airport for the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit, lacking the usual 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. Abstention from UN Security Council Resolution 2334
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.
2016: Obama Said More Could Have Been Done in Libya
In 2016 Obama said "Our coalition could have and should have done more to fill a vacuum left behind" and that it was "a mess".
2016: Sanctions Against Russia Following Interference in US Elections
In 2016, Barack Obama ordered sanctions against Russia following Russian interference in the U.S. elections.
2016: Ban on Transgender People Serving Openly in U.S. Armed Forces Ended
In 2016, the Obama administration ended the ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces.
2016: Obama administration proposed arms deal with Saudi Arabia
In 2016, the Obama administration proposed arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth $115 billion, but halted the sale of guided munition technology after a deadly incident in Yemen.
2016: Transgender Military Ban Ended
In 2016, the Pentagon ended the policy that barred transgender people from serving openly in the military.
January 5, 2017: Condemnation of UN Resolution by U.S. House of Representatives
On January 5, 2017, the United States House of Representatives voted 342–80 to condemn the UN Resolution.
January 6, 2017: Israeli Government Withdrawal of UN Dues
On January 6, 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the United Nations following the U.S. abstention from Security Council Resolution 2334.
January 20, 2017: End of Obama's Presidency
On January 20, 2017, Obama's presidency ended upon the inauguration of his successor, Donald Trump.
2017: Obama left office
In 2017, Barack Obama left office with high approval ratings both within the United States and among foreign advisories.
May 22, 2018: Deal with Netflix to Produce Content
On May 22, 2018, Barack and Michelle Obama signed a deal to produce docu-series, documentaries and features for Netflix under the Obamas' newly formed production company, Higher Ground Productions.
April 14, 2020: Obama Endorses Joe Biden for President
On April 14, 2020, Obama endorsed Joe Biden, the presumptive nominee, for president in the presidential election, stating that he has "all the qualities we need in a president right now."
2020: Biden's presidential bid
In 2020, Barack Obama campaigned for candidates in various American elections, including in Biden's successful presidential bid.
2020: Affordable Care Act Provisions in Effect
In 2020, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect. The ACA represents the U.S. healthcare system's most significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of coverage since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.
February 2021: Obama and Bruce Springsteen Start Podcast
In February 2021, Obama and musician Bruce Springsteen started a podcast called Renegades: Born in the USA where the two talk about "their backgrounds, music and their 'enduring love of America.'"
2021: Budget Control Act discretionary spending limits
In 2021, the discretionary spending limits that were enforced as part of the bi-partisan Budget Control Act signed into law on August 2, 2011 expired.
March 2023: Obama's Speaking Tour in Australia
In March 2023, Obama traveled to Australia as a part of his speaking tour of the country. During the trip, Obama met with Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and visited Melbourne for the first time. Obama was reportedly paid more than $1 million for two speeches.
October 2023: Obama on the Gaza War
In October 2023, during the Gaza war, Obama declared that Israel must dismantle Hamas in the wake of the Hamas-led attack on Israel. Weeks later, Obama warned Israel that its actions could "harden Palestinian attitudes for generations" and weaken international support for Israel; any military strategy that ignored the war's human costs "could ultimately backfire."
July 2024: Obama Expresses Concerns About Biden's Campaign
In July 2024, Barack Obama voiced worries regarding Joe Biden's campaign's prospects following Biden's debate performance against Donald Trump. Later that month, Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Kamala Harris. Obama subsequently endorsed Harris and campaigned for her.
Mentioned in this timeline
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