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 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 in Chicago. He is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
1967: Two-state solution
Obama supports the two-state solution to the Arab–Israeli conflict based on the 1967 borders with land swaps.
1973: United Nations Security Council Resolution
In 2011 Obama ordered the military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
1973: Security Council Resolution
In March 2011, in response to the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, the Foreign Minister of Libya Moussa Koussa announced a ceasefire. However Gaddafi's forces continued to attack the rebels.
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.
June 1985: Director of the Developing Communities Project
From June 1985, Obama worked as director of the Developing Communities Project.
1985: Project Coordinator
In 1985, Obama worked as a project coordinator for the New York Public Interest Research Group on the City College of New York campus.
1985: Woods Fund Funding
In 1985, the Woods Fund of Chicago became the first foundation to fund the Developing Communities Project.
May 1988: End of Community Organizing Role
In May 1988, Obama ended his role as a community organizer.
June 1989: Meeting Michelle Robinson
In June 1989, Barack Obama met Michelle Robinson while working at Sidley Austin, where she was assigned as his advisor.
1989: Summer Associate at Sidley Austin
In 1989, Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Sidley Austin in Chicago.
1990: Summer Associate at Hopkins & Sutter
In 1990, Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Hopkins & Sutter in Chicago.
1991: Visiting Law and Government Fellow
In 1991, Obama accepted a two-year position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School.
October 1992: Directed Illinois's Project Vote
From April to October 1992, Obama directed Illinois's Project Vote, a voter registration campaign.
1992: Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School
In 1992, Obama started teaching constitutional law as a lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.
1993: Named to Crain's Chicago Business "40 under Forty"
In 1993, Crain's Chicago Business named Obama to its list of "40 under Forty" powers to be.
1994: Board of Directors, Woods Fund of Chicago
From 1994, Barack Obama served on the board of directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago.
1995: Board of Directors, Chicago Annenberg Challenge
From 1995, Barack Obama served on the board of directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.
1995: Publication of Dreams from My Father
In 1995, Obama's book, Dreams from My Father, was published.
1996: Election to Illinois Senate
In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to the Illinois Senate, succeeding Alice Palmer from Illinois's 13th District.
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.
1999: Chairman of the Board of Directors
From 1995 to 1999, Barack Obama was the founding president and chairman of the board of directors for the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.
2000: Loss in Congressional Primary
In 2000, Barack Obama lost a Democratic primary race for Illinois's 1st congressional district to Bobby Rush.
2001: Support for Regulations
In 2001, as co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, Barack Obama supported Governor George Ryan's payday loan and predatory mortgage lending regulations.
May 2002: Commissioned Poll
In May 2002, Barack Obama commissioned a poll to assess his prospects in a 2004 U.S. Senate race.
August 2002: Campaign Committee Creation
By August 2002, Barack Obama created a campaign committee, began raising funds, and lined up political media consultant David Axelrod for a potential 2004 U.S. Senate race.
2002: End of Board Service
In 2002, Barack Obama ended his service on the boards of directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago and 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 Committee
In January 2003, Barack Obama became chairman of the Illinois Senate's Health and Human Services Committee.
January 2003: Formal Announcement of Candidacy
In January 2003, Barack Obama formally announced his candidacy for the 2004 U.S. Senate race.
March 2003: Anti-War Rally Speech
In March 2003, Barack Obama addressed another anti-war rally, stating "it's not too late" to stop the war.
March 2004: Landslide Primary Election Win
In the March 2004 primary election, Barack Obama achieved a landslide victory, making him a rising star and leading to the reissue of his memoir, Dreams from My Father.
June 2004: Withdrawal of Jack Ryan
In June 2004, Jack Ryan, Barack Obama's expected opponent, withdrew from the race.
July 2004: Keynote Address at Democratic National Convention
In July 2004, Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, elevating 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: General Election Win
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: Running for U.S. Senate
In 2004, Barack Obama successfully ran for the U.S. Senate.
2004: End of Teaching at University of Chicago
In 2004, Obama concluded his time teaching at the University of Chicago Law School.
January 3, 2005: Swearing-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.
December 2006: Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act
In December 2006, President Bush signed the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act into law, marking the first federal legislation 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 authorized the establishment of USAspending.gov through the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006.
2006: Publication of The Audacity of Hope
In 2006, Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope, was published.
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: New Committee Assignments and Chairmanship
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, also becoming Chairman of the Senate's subcommittee on European Affairs.
February 10, 2007: Presidential Candidacy Announcement
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.
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 Youthful Image
In October 2007, during a campaign speech, Barack Obama acknowledged his youthful image, noting that he wouldn't be where he was if previous generations hadn't passed the torch to new ones.
2007: Inactive Law License
In 2007, Barack Obama's law license became inactive.
2007: 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.
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 primary race with Hillary Clinton.
June 3, 2008: Introduction of Legislation
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 in 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 for the upcoming election.
October 2008: Presidential Debates with John McCain
In October 2008, Barack Obama and John McCain participated in three presidential debates in the lead-up to the election.
November 16, 2008: Resignation from Senate Seat
On November 16, 2008, Barack Obama resigned his Senate seat to focus on his transition period for the presidency.
2008: Nomination by the Democratic Party for President
In 2008, after a close primary campaign against Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama was nominated by the Democratic Party for president and selected Joe Biden as his running mate.
2008: Financial crisis
In 2008, the financial crisis affected the US and Obama administration responded in 2009.
2008: Passage of Defense Authorization Act Amendment
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: Obama's 2008 Campaign Highlighted
Obama has been described as one of the most effective campaigners in American history, with his 2008 campaign being particularly highlighted.
January 20, 2009: Inauguration as 44th President
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, early in his presidency, President Obama announced an increase in U.S. troop levels to 17,000 military personnel in Afghanistan to "stabilize a 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, equivalent to $1153 billion in 2024, aimed at helping the economy recover from the worldwide recession. This act included increased federal spending in areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, and education, as well as various 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, Barack Obama created the White House Council on Women and Girls, advising 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. On March 19, Obama released a New Year's video message to the people and government of Iran.
March 2009: Reversal of Bush-era Policy on Stem Cell Research Funding
In March 2009, Barack Obama reversed a Bush-era policy that 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, renewing loans for General Motors (GM) and Chrysler to continue operations while reorganizing. Terms were set 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's Financial Crisis Management
In March 2009, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, under President Obama, took steps to manage the 2008 financial crisis. These steps included introducing the Public–Private Investment Program for Legacy Assets, which allowed for buying 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.
May 26, 2009: Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court
On May 26, 2009, Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to replace retiring Associate Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court.
June 4, 2009: Obama's 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 investment and signed into law the Car Allowance Rebate System, also known as "Cash for Clunkers", which temporarily boosted the economy.
June 26, 2009: Obama condemns 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 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: Confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor
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 to increase nuclear weapons production via the "Complex Modernization" initiative.
October 8, 2009: Signing of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
On October 8, 2009, Barack 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, only nine months into his first term, Barack Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.
October 30, 2009: Lifting of Ban on Travel to the United States by Those Infected with HIV
On October 30, 2009, Barack Obama lifted the ban on travel to the United States by those infected with HIV.
November 7, 2009: House passes health care bill with public option
On November 7, 2009, a health care bill featuring the public option was passed in the House.
November 2009: Obama's Approval Ratings Dip Below Majority
According to the Gallup Organization, President Obama's approval ratings remained above the majority level until November 2009, before declining.
November 2009: Federal 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 Announces Additional Troop Deployment to 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 passes health care bill without public option
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: National Defense Authorization Act Signed Into Law
In 2009, Obama signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, which contained the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
2009: Awarded Nobel Peace Prize and Response to Financial Crisis
In 2009, Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Also during 2009, his administration responded to the 2008 financial crisis with measures including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
March 2010: Obama Opposes Israeli Housing 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: 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, reducing the number of long-range nuclear weapons in both countries' arsenals by approximately one-third.
March 2010: CBO estimate of deficit reduction from ACA
In March 2010, the CBO estimated that the net effect of both laws will 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, colloquially "Obamacare") into law.
April 2010: Announcement of Changes to NASA Space Policy
In April 2010, Barack 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, a new rocket type, research and development for an eventual crewed mission to Mars, and ongoing missions to the International Space Station.
April 2010: Obama and Medvedev Sign New START Treaty
In April 2010, President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the New START treaty, aimed at reducing nuclear arsenals.
May 10, 2010: Nomination of Elena Kagan to Supreme Court
On May 10, 2010, Barack Obama nominated Elena Kagan to replace retiring Associate Justice John Paul Stevens on the Supreme Court.
June 2010: David Petraeus replaces McChrystal
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: CIA Begins Developing Intelligence on Osama bin Laden's Hideout
Starting in July 2010, the CIA began developing intelligence that determined what they believed to be the hideout of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
August 5, 2010: Confirmation of Elena Kagan to Supreme Court
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, President Obama's approval ratings had declined to the low 40s, mirroring trends observed in Ronald Reagan's and Bill Clinton's first years in office.
August 2010: 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 Exits Iraq
On August 19, 2010, the last U.S. combat brigade exited Iraq, marking a significant step in the withdrawal of troops.
August 31, 2010: Obama Declares End to U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq
On August 31, 2010, President Obama announced that the United States combat mission in Iraq was officially over.
December 2010: U.S. Senate Ratifies New START Treaty
In December 2010, the U.S. Senate ratified the New START treaty, which was signed by Obama and Medvedev in April of that year.
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. The act 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: Signing of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act
On December 22, 2010, Barack 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 had prevented gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces.
2010: Charitable Donations
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 in response to the 2008 financial crisis.
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 policy banning open service from LGBT people in the U.S. armed forces.
2010: Affordable Care Act Provisions Go Into Effect
In 2010, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect.
2010: Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act
In 2010, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act was enacted, incorporating elements of Barack Obama's earlier Iran Sanctions Enabling Act.
2010: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year in Effect
In 2010, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 took effect, including the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
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. They soon turned violent.
March 2011: CIA Reports Intelligence to President Obama on bin Laden's Hideout
In March 2011, CIA head Leon Panetta reported intelligence to President Obama regarding the location of Osama bin Laden's hideout.
April 4, 2011: Obama Announces Reelection Campaign
On April 4, 2011, Barack Obama filed election papers and announced his reelection campaign for 2012 with a video titled "It Begins with Us" on his website.
May 1, 2011: Osama bin Laden Killed in Surgical Raid
On May 1, 2011, President Obama authorized a "surgical raid" conducted by United States Navy SEALs, resulting 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, Barack Obama experienced a temporary increase in his poll approval.
July 2011: Troop Withdrawals Begin in Afghanistan
In July 2011, troop withdrawals began in Afghanistan, as proposed by President Obama in December 2009.
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. This legislation enforced limits on discretionary spending until 2021, established a procedure to increase the debt limit, and created a committee 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 Complete 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 directed government agencies to consider LGBT rights when allocating financial aid to foreign countries.
2011: Withdrawal from Iraq
Following the 2011 withdrawal from Iraq, Obama ordered military intervention in Iraq in response to gains made by ISIL.
2011: Military Intervention in Libya
In 2011, Obama ordered the military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, contributing to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.
2011: United States Vetoes 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.
2011: Obama's Approval Rating Falls to 38 Percent
In late 2011, Obama's approval rating briefly dipped to 38 percent before recovering in mid-2012.
April 3, 2012: Obama Secures Democratic Nomination for Reelection
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, 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 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 ACA was constitutional under the U.S. Congress's taxing authority.
November 6, 2012: Obama Wins Reelection as President
On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama won 332 electoral votes, exceeding the 270 required to be reelected as president of the United States, securing a second term.
2012: Defeated Mitt Romney in Presidential Election
In 2012, Obama defeated Republican opponent Mitt Romney and his running mate Paul Ryan in the presidential election.
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.
2012: Obama's Approval Recovering
In mid-2012, Obama's polls showed an average approval of 50 percent after the approval rate had fallen to 38 percent in late 2011.
January 21, 2013: Call for Full Equality for Gay Americans in Second Inaugural Address
During his second inaugural address on January 21, 2013, Barack Obama called for full equality for gay Americans, and was the first to mention gay rights or the word "gay" in an inaugural address.
February 2013: Obama Announces Reduction of Troop Levels 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 Ratings Around 52 Percent
After his second inauguration in 2013, Obama's approval ratings remained stable around 52 percent before declining for the rest of the year.
August 2013: Obama Criticizes Russia's Anti-Homosexual Law
In August 2013, President Obama criticized Russia's law that discriminates against homosexual people but stopped short of calling for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
November 2013: Obama Administration Opens Negotiations with Iran
In November 2013, the Obama administration began negotiations with Iran with the aim of preventing them from acquiring nuclear weapons, leading to an interim agreement.
December 10, 2013: Obama and Raúl 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: Obama's statement on 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: Obama's View on Israeli Settlements
In 2013, Jeffrey Goldberg reported that, in President Obama's view, "with each new settlement announcement, Netanyahu is moving his country down a path toward near-total isolation."
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 advise him on issues relating to sexual assault on college and university campuses throughout the United States.
February 2014: U.S. Military Reduces Troop Level in Afghanistan
By February 2014, the U.S. military had 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 Negotiates Restoration of Relations with Cuba
In December 2014, President Obama, with Pope Francis as an intermediary, negotiated a restoration of relations with Cuba after nearly sixty years of détente.
2014: Open Discussion of Disadvantages Faced by Minority Groups
By 2014, Barack Obama began openly discussing the disadvantages faced by many members of minority groups.
2014: Obama Authorizes Air Campaign Against ISIL
In 2014, President Obama authorized an air campaign aimed primarily at ISIL.
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 health-related provisions of the ACA took effect, including expanding Medicaid eligibility and subsidizing insurance premiums.
2014: Obama's Approval Ratings at Their Lowest Before Midterm Elections
In polling conducted before the 2014 midterm elections, Obama's approval ratings were at their lowest with his disapproval rating reaching a high of 57 percent.
February 24, 2015: Obama vetoed Keystone XL pipeline bill
On February 24, 2015, President Obama vetoed a bill that would have authorized the Keystone XL pipeline. This was the third veto of his presidency and his first major veto.
March 2015: Obama authorizes support to Saudis in Yemen intervention
In March 2015, President Obama authorized U.S. forces to provide logistical and intelligence support to Saudi Arabia for their military intervention in Yemen. This included establishing a "Joint Planning Cell" with Saudi Arabia to coordinate efforts.
June 2015: Supreme Court rules on 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: Obama Announces Resumption of Formal Diplomatic Relations with Cuba
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: Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Announced
On July 14, 2015, the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" deal with Iran was announced. It aimed to prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons by removing sanctions in exchange for preventative measures. The agreement drew criticism from Republicans, conservatives, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
August 13, 2015: Upgraded to Embassy
On August 13, 2015, Cuba upgraded their "interests sections" in Washington to an embassy.
October 2015: Pentagon-run Program Formally Abandoned
In October 2015, The Pentagon-run program to train anti-Assad rebels was later found to have failed and was formally abandoned.
October 2015: White House Announces 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 due to the deteriorating security situation.
November 2015: Reaffirmation of Stance on Assad
In November 2015, President Obama reaffirmed the 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: Obama Criticized by Israel 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 called the deal "dangerous" and "bad."
2015: Obama's Approval Rating Begins to Rise
In 2015, President Obama's approval rating began to climb, reaching the high 40s by the year's end after lagging for most of the year.
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.
March 2016: Obama's Approval Rating Reaches 50 Percent
According to Gallup, President Obama's approval rating reached 50 percent in March 2016, a level unseen since May 2013.
March 2016: Obama Visits Cuba
In March 2016, President Obama visited Havana, Cuba, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to arrive since Calvin Coolidge in 1928.
September 2016: Obama Snubbed at Hangzhou International Airport
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, receiving no red carpet welcome.
December 2016: Obama bans 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: United States Abstains from UN Security Council 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.
2016: Sanctions Against Russia Following Election Interference
In 2016, Obama ordered sanctions against Russia following Russian interference in the U.S. elections.
2016: Obama on the aftermath of the intervention 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: End to ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces
In 2016, Obama's administration brought an end to the ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces.
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 to Saudi Arabia after Saudi warplanes targeted a funeral in Yemen's capital Sanaa, resulting in over 140 deaths.
2016: Pentagon Ends Policy Barring Transgender People from Serving Openly in the Military
In 2016, the Pentagon ended the policy that barred transgender people from serving openly in the military.
January 5, 2017: House of Representatives Condemns UN Resolution
On January 5, 2017, the United States House of Representatives voted 342–80 to condemn the UN Resolution.
January 6, 2017: Israel withdraws dues from the UN
On January 6, 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the organization, which totaled $6 million, in response to Security Council Resolution 2334.
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 Donald Trump. The Obama family then moved to a rented house in Kalorama, Washington, D.C.
2017: Left Office with High Approval Ratings
In 2017, Obama left office with high approval ratings.
2017: Penalty for violating individual mandate of ACA repealed.
In 2017, the penalty for violating the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was repealed, effective 2019.
2017: Obama's Final Approval Rating at 59 Percent
In a poll 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 Netflix Production Deal
On May 22, 2018, Barack and Michelle Obama signed a deal to produce docu-series, documentaries, and features for Netflix through their new production company, Higher Ground Productions.
2019: Penalty for violating individual mandate of ACA becomes effective.
In 2019, the repeal of the penalty for violating the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) becomes effective.
April 14, 2020: Obama Endorses Joe Biden for President
On April 14, 2020, Barack Obama endorsed Joe Biden, the presumptive nominee, for president in the presidential election, citing Biden's qualities needed in a president.
2020: Biden's presidential bid
In 2020, Obama campaigned for candidates in various American elections, including in Biden's successful presidential bid.
2020: Affordable Care Act Provisions In Effect
Provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remained in effect through 2020.
February 2021: Obama and Bruce Springsteen Start Podcast
In February 2021, Obama and Bruce Springsteen launched a podcast called Renegades: Born in the USA, discussing their backgrounds, music, and their affection for America.
March 2023: Obama Travels to Australia for Speaking Tour
In March 2023, Barack Obama visited Australia as part of a speaking tour, meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and visiting Melbourne for the first time, reportedly earning over $1 million for two speeches.
July 2024: Biden Withdraws from Presidential Race
In July 2024, Obama initially expressed concerns about Biden's campaign prospects after a poorly received debate performance. Later that month, Biden withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Vice President Harris, which Obama and his wife Michelle endorsed five days later, delivering a speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention formally endorsing her.
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