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 served as a U.S. Senator representing Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency was marked by significant policy changes and historical milestones, solidifying his place as a notable figure in American history.
1967: Support for Two-State Solution
In 2011, Obama supported the two-state solution to the Arab–Israeli conflict based on the 1967 borders with land swaps.
1969: United States Federal Hate-Crime Law
The United States federal hate-crime law from 1969 was expanded by Obama on October 8, 2009 with the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
1976: Creation of Public Financing System
In 1976 the public financing system was created, the same system that Barack Obama turned down on June 19, 2008.
February 1981: First Public Speech
In February 1981, Obama made his first public speech, advocating for Occidental College to participate in disinvestment from South Africa due to apartheid.
June 1985: Director of Developing Communities Project
In June 1985, Obama was hired as director of the Developing Communities Project in Chicago, working as a community organizer.
1985: Project Coordinator
For three months in 1985, after graduating, Obama worked as a project coordinator for the New York Public Interest Research Group on the City College of New York campus.
May 1988: End of Work at Developing Communities Project
In May 1988, Obama's work as director for the Developing Communities Project came to an end.
1989: Summer Associate at Sidley Austin
During the summer of 1989, Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Sidley Austin in Chicago.
1990: Summer Associate at Hopkins & Sutter
During the summer of 1990, Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Hopkins & Sutter in Chicago.
1991: Visiting Law Fellow
In 1991, Obama accepted a position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School to work on his first book.
October 1992: End of Project Vote
In October 1992, Obama concluded Illinois's Project Vote.
1992: Lecturer at University of Chicago
From 1992 to 1996, Obama taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School as a lecturer.
1992: Teaching at University of Chicago Law School
In 1992, Barack Obama began teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School.
1994: Violence Against Women Act
In 1994 the Violence Against Women Act was first drafted by Joe Biden.
1995: Publication of 'Dreams from My Father'
In 1995, Barack Obama's book "Dreams from My Father" was published.
1996: Obama Favors Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage
As a candidate for the Illinois state senate in 1996, Barack Obama stated he favored legalizing same-sex marriage.
1996: Senior Lecturer at University of Chicago
From 1996 to 2004, Obama taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School as a senior lecturer.
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 began his service as an Illinois State Senator.
2004: Run for U.S. Senate
In 2004, Barack Obama successfully ran for the U.S. Senate.
2004: End of State Senate Term
In 2004, Barack Obama's service as an Illinois State Senator came to an end.
2004: End of Teaching at University of Chicago
In 2004, Obama ended his time as a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.
2005: U.S. Senator
In 2005, Barack Obama began his service as a U.S. Senator representing Illinois.
2006: Publication of 'The Audacity of Hope'
In 2006, Barack Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope" was published.
2006: Grammy Award for Dreams from My Father
In 2006, Obama received a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for "Dreams from My Father".
2006: ATF Head Appointment
Obama approved the appointment of the head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the first time since 2006 on January 16, 2013.
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 against Hillary Clinton.
June 19, 2008: Obama Turns Down Public Financing
On June 19, 2008, Barack Obama became the first major-party presidential candidate to turn down public financing in the general election since the system was created in 1976.
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.
October 2008: Presidential Debates with John McCain
In October 2008, Barack Obama and John McCain engaged in three presidential debates.
2008: Presidential Election Victory
In 2008, Barack Obama won the presidential election against John McCain, becoming the first African-American president.
2008: End of Senate Term
In 2008, Barack Obama's service as a U.S. Senator representing Illinois came to an end.
2008: TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year
In 2008, Obama was named TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year.
2008: Effective Campaigner and Orator
In 2008, Obama's campaign was particularly highlighted as one of the most effective in American history, establishing him as one of the most talented political orators of the 21st century.
2008: Don't Ask, Don't Tell Promise
In the 2008 presidential campaign Barack Obama promised to end the Don't ask, don't tell policy of 1993.
January 20, 2009: Obama's Inauguration
On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States.
February 2009: Increase in 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."
February 2009: Obama rated as most respected world leader
In a February 2009 poll conducted in Western Europe and the U.S. by Harris Interactive for France 24 and the International Herald Tribune, Obama was rated as the most respected world leader, as well as the most powerful.
February 17, 2009: Obama Signs American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a $787 billion economic stimulus package designed to help the U.S. economy recover from a worldwide recession. The act included increased federal spending for health care, infrastructure, education, tax breaks, and direct assistance to individuals.
February 27, 2009: Announcement of End to Combat Operations in Iraq
On February 27, 2009, President Obama announced that combat operations in Iraq would end within 18 months.
March 11, 2009: Creation of White House Council on Women and Girls
On March 11, 2009, Obama created the White House Council on Women and Girls.
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: Reversal of Bush-Era Stem Cell Research Policy
In March 2009, Obama reversed a Bush-era policy that had limited funding of embryonic stem cell 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 allow them to continue operations during reorganization.
March 2009: Obama Lifts Ban on Federal Funding for 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 took further steps to manage the financial crisis, including introducing the Public–Private Investment Program for Legacy Assets, which contained provisions for buying up to $2 trillion in depreciated real estate assets. Also in March 2009, Obama lifted a ban on using federal funds for stem cell research.
May 2009: Replacement of 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.
May 2009: Obama rated as most popular world leader
In a similar poll conducted by Harris in May 2009, Obama was rated as the most popular world leader, as well as the one figure most people would pin their hopes on for pulling the world out of the economic downturn.
May 26, 2009: Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor
On May 26, 2009, Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to 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: Obama Calls to Accelerate Economic Stimulus and Signs "Cash for Clunkers" into Law
In June 2009, dissatisfied with the pace of economic stimulus, President Obama called on his cabinet to accelerate the investment. He also signed into law the Car Allowance Rebate System, known as "Cash for Clunkers", which temporarily boosted the economy in June 2009.
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: 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 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 continued the Bush administration's program by increasing nuclear weapons production. The "Complex Modernization" initiative expanded two existing nuclear sites to produce new bomb parts.
October 8, 2009: Signing of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
On October 8, 2009, Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded the 1969 United States federal hate-crime law.
October 30, 2009: Lifting of HIV Travel Ban
On October 30, 2009, Obama lifted the ban on travel to the United States by those infected with HIV.
November 7, 2009: House 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 begin to decline
According to the Gallup Organization, Obama's approval ratings remained above the majority level until November 2009.
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, of which only $3 trillion had been spent.
December 1, 2009: Deployment of Additional Troops 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 in July 2011.
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.
2009: Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act 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, expanding federal hate crime laws to include crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
December 31, 2009: Federal inmate population
From December 31, 2009, to December 31, 2015, inmates sentenced in U.S. federal custody declined by five percent.
March 2010: Public Stance Against 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 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 the arsenals of both countries by about a third.
March 2010: CBO Estimates Deficit Reduction from ACA
In March 2010, the CBO estimated that the net effect of both ACA 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 known as "Obamacare") 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 to win support for an energy and climate bill and reduce foreign imports of oil and gas.
April 2010: Obama and Medvedev sign New START treaty
In April 2010, Obama and Medvedev signed the New START treaty.
April 2010: Space Policy Speech
In April 2010, Obama announced a planned change in direction at NASA, ending plans for a return of human spaceflight to the moon in favor of other projects.
May 10, 2010: Nomination of Elena Kagan
On May 10, 2010, Obama nominated Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court.
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 in a magazine article.
July 2010: CIA Begins Developing Intelligence on Bin Laden's Hideout
In July 2010, the CIA began developing intelligence that determined what they believed to be the hideout of Osama bin Laden, based on information received from Central Intelligence Agency operatives.
August 5, 2010: Confirmation of Elena Kagan
On August 5, 2010, Elena Kagan was confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice.
August 2010: Obama's approval rating in the low 40s
By August 2010, Obama's approval rating was in the low 40s, a trend similar to Ronald Reagan's and Bill Clinton's first years in office.
August 2010: Completion of Combat Troop Withdrawal from Iraq
By August 2010, the Obama administration scheduled the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq 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: Exit of Last U.S. Combat Brigade from Iraq
On August 19, 2010, the last U.S. combat brigade exited Iraq, marking a transition from combat operations to counter-terrorism efforts and the training of Iraqi security forces.
August 31, 2010: Announcement of End to Combat Mission in Iraq
On August 31, 2010, President Obama announced that the United States combat mission in Iraq was over.
December 2010: U.S. Senate ratifies New START treaty
In December 2010, the U.S. Senate ratified the New START treaty.
December 17, 2010: Obama Signs Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act
On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 into law. The 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: Signing of 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 policy of 1993 that had prevented gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces.
2010: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform signed
In 2010, Obama signed into effect the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in response to the financial crisis of 2007–2008.
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, representing a significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of healthcare coverage in the U.S.
2010: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
In 2010, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, which included the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, went into effect, which expanded federal hate crime laws to include crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
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. These protests soon turned violent.
March 2011: CIA Reports Bin Laden Intelligence to Obama
In March 2011, CIA head Leon Panetta reported intelligence regarding the location of Osama bin Laden's hideout to President Obama.
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".
May 1, 2011: Death of Osama bin Laden
On May 1, 2011, a "surgical raid" authorized by President Obama and conducted by United States Navy SEALs resulted in the shooting death of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
May 2, 2011: Obama experiences poll bounce after death of Osama bin Laden
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, following President Obama's announcement in December 2009.
August 2, 2011: Obama Signs Bipartisan Budget Control Act
On August 2, 2011, President Obama signed the bipartisan Budget Control Act of 2011, which 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. The Act aimed to prevent a U.S. government default on its obligations.
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," regarding the situation 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 for foreign aid
In December 2011, Obama instructed agencies to consider LGBT rights when issuing financial aid to foreign countries.
2011: United States Vetoes Security Council Resolution
In 2011, the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements, with the United States being the only nation to do so.
2011: Obama's approval rating falls to 38 percent
In late 2011, Obama's approval rating fell to 38 percent on several occasions.
April 3, 2012: Obama Secures Democratic Nomination
On April 3, 2012, Barack Obama secured the 2778 convention delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination for the 2012 presidential election.
May 9, 2012: Obama Affirms Support for Same-Sex Marriage
On May 9, 2012, Obama publicly affirmed his personal support for the legalization of same-sex marriage, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so.
June 28, 2012: Supreme Court 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 was re-elected as president.
2012: Presidential Re-election
In 2012, Barack Obama defeated Mitt Romney in the presidential election, winning a second term as president.
2012: TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year
In 2012, Obama was named TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year.
2012: Authorization of 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.
2012: Obama's approval rating recovers
In mid-2012, Obama's approval rating recovered, with polls showing an average approval of 50 percent.
January 16, 2013: Executive Orders on Gun Control
On January 16, 2013, one month after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Obama signed 23 executive orders and outlined a series of proposals regarding gun control.
January 21, 2013: Call for Full 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.
February 2013: Announcement of Troop Level Reduction in Afghanistan
In February 2013, President Obama announced that 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 stable
After his second inauguration in 2013, Obama's approval ratings remained stable around 52 percent before declining for the rest of the year, with the last time that Obama reached the level being May 2013.
August 2013: Obama criticizes Russia's anti-gay law
In August 2013, Obama criticized Russia's law that discriminates against gays, but he stopped short of advocating a boycott of the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
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 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 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. 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 President Obama believed that "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.
February 2014: Reduction of Troop Levels in Afghanistan Completed
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: Deployment of Troops to Baghdad
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: Order for Airstrikes Against ISIL
In August 2014, during the Sinjar massacre, President Obama ordered a campaign of U.S. airstrikes against ISIL.
December 2014: Negotiated Restoration of Relations with Cuba
In December 2014, it was announced that President Obama, with Pope Francis as an intermediary, had negotiated a restoration of relations with Cuba after nearly sixty years of détente.
2014: Obama Begins Openly Discussing Racial Disadvantages
By 2014, Obama began openly discussing the disadvantages faced by many members of minority groups.
2014: Ambassador of Humanity Award
In 2014, Obama received The Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education's Ambassador of Humanity Award.
2014: Authorization of Air Campaign Against ISIL
In 2014, President Obama authorized an air campaign aimed primarily at ISIL following a chemical weapons attack in Syria.
2014: Obama Compares Zionist Movement to Civil Rights Movement
In 2014, President Obama likened the Zionist movement to the civil rights movement in the United States, stating both seek justice and equal rights for historically persecuted peoples.
2014: Obama's approval ratings at their lowest
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 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: Authorization of Support to Saudis in Yemen
In March 2015, President Obama authorized U.S. forces to provide logistical and intelligence support to the Saudis in their military intervention in Yemen, establishing a "Joint Planning Cell" with Saudi Arabia.
June 2015: Supreme Court Rules on 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 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
July 1, 2015: Announcement 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: Obama administration announces nuclear deal with Iran
On July 14, 2015, the Obama administration announced a deal with Iran titled the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Sanctions were 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, the countries' respective "interests sections" in one another's capitals were upgraded to embassies.
October 2015: Abandonment of Pentagon-Run Program to Train Syrian Rebels
In October 2015, it was found that the Pentagon-run program to train anti-Assad rebels had failed, and the program was formally abandoned.
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
In November 2015, Obama reaffirmed his stance from August 18, 2011, stating that "The time has come for President Assad to step aside." regarding the situation in Syria.
December 2015: Obama starts program to back nuclear arms buildup
In December 2015, Obama started a $348 billion worth program to back the biggest U.S. buildup of nuclear arms since Ronald Reagan left the White House.
2015: Criticism over 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: Ranked the 18th-greatest American president
In 2015, from the Brookings Institution survey, Obama was ranked the 18th-greatest American president.
2015: Increase in U.S. Ground Troops in Iraq
In early 2015, with the addition of the "Panther Brigade" of the 82nd Airborne Division, the number of U.S. ground troops in Iraq increased to 4,400. By July, American-led coalition air forces had counted 44,000 sorties over the battlefield.
2015: Obama's approval ratings begin to reach the high 40s
Obama's approval rating continued to lag throughout most of 2015 but began to reach the high 40s by the end of the year.
December 31, 2015: Federal inmate population
From December 31, 2009, to December 31, 2015, inmates sentenced in U.S. federal custody declined by five percent.
January 5, 2016: New Executive Actions Extending Background Checks
On January 5, 2016, Obama announced new executive actions extending background check requirements to more gun sellers.
March 2016: Obama's approval rating reaches 50 percent
According to Gallup, Obama's approval rating reached 50 percent in March 2016, a level unseen since May 2013.
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: Snubbed by Xi Jinping at G20 Summit
In September 2016, President Obama was snubbed by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party upon arrival at Hangzhou International Airport for the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit, 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: U.S. Abstains from UN Security Council Resolution
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: Ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces ends
In 2016, Obama's administration ended the ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces.
2016: Obama on the Libyan Intervention
In 2016, President Obama said, "Our coalition could have and should have done more to fill a vacuum left behind" in Libya. He also stated that the lack of preparation following the government's overthrow was the "worst mistake" of his presidency.
2016: Use of drone strikes and military presence
In 2016, during the last year of his presidency, the U.S. dropped 26,171 bombs on seven different countries. Obama left about 8,400 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, 5,262 in Iraq, 503 in Syria, 133 in Pakistan, 106 in Somalia, seven in Yemen, and two in Libya at the end of his presidency.
2016: Proposed Arms Deals with Saudi Arabia
In 2016, the Obama administration proposed a series of arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth $115 billion. Later, Obama halted the sale of guided munition technology to Saudi Arabia after a deadly attack in Yemen.
2016: Pentagon Ends Transgender Military Ban
In 2016, the Pentagon ended the policy that barred transgender people from serving openly in the military.
January 5, 2017: U.S. House Condemns UN Resolution
On January 5, 2017, the United States House of Representatives voted 342–80 to condemn the UN Resolution.
January 6, 2017: Israeli Government Withdraws Dues from UN
On January 6, 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the organization, which totaled $6 million, in response to the UN resolution.
January 2017: Obama leaves office with 60 percent approval rating
In January 2017, Obama left office with a 60 percent approval rating.
January 20, 2017: Obama's presidency ends
Obama's presidency ended on January 20, 2017, upon the inauguration of his successor, Donald Trump.
2017: Obama Leaves Office
In 2017, Barack Obama left office as president.
2017: End of Presidential Term
In 2017, Barack Obama's term as the 44th President of the United States came to an end.
2017: John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award
In 2017, Obama received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
2017: Obama's final approval rating at 59 percent
In polling conducted January 16–19, 2017, Obama's final approval rating was 59 percent, which placed him on par with George H. W. Bush and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
May 22, 2018: Barack and Michelle Obama signed a deal with Netflix
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.
2018: Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award
In 2018, Obama received the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award.
2018: Job approval poll
In Gallup's 2018 job approval poll for the past 10 U.S. presidents, he received a 63 percent approval rating.
April 14, 2020: Obama endorses Biden for president
On April 14, 2020, Obama endorsed 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: Affordable Care Act provisions in effect
By 2020, all provisions of the Affordable Care Act were in effect, solidifying its impact on the U.S. healthcare system.
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.'"
2022: Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Narrator for Our Great National Parks
In 2022, Obama received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for "Our Great National Parks".
March 2023: Obama travels to Australia for speaking tour
In March 2023, Obama traveled to Australia as 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 discusses Israel-Hamas 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.
2023: Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Narrator for Working: What We Do All Day
In 2023, Obama received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for "Working: What We Do All Day".
July 2024: Obama Expresses Concerns and Endorses Harris
In July 2024, Obama voiced concerns about Biden's campaign following a debate with Trump. Later in July 2024, after Biden withdrew, Obama endorsed Vice President Harris for the Democratic nomination, alongside Michelle Obama, and delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Mentioned in this timeline
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