History of Barack Obama in Timeline
Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President (2009-2017), was the first African American to hold the office. A Democrat, he previously served as a U.S. Senator for Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency was marked by significant policy changes and challenges both domestically and internationally.
36 minutes ago : Obama Visits Bronx Child Care Center with Mayor Mamdani, Reads to Children
Former President Barack Obama joined Mayor Mamdani at a Bronx child care center. They read to pre-K children and discussed early childhood education initiatives in NYC.
1928: Calvin Coolidge in Cuba
In 1928, Calvin Coolidge became the last sitting U.S. President to visit Cuba before Obama's visit in March 2016.
1942: Ann Dunham's Birth
In 1942, Ann Dunham, Barack Obama's mother, was born in Wichita, Kansas.
1960: Parents Meet
In 1960, Barack Obama's parents met in a Russian language class at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
February 2, 1961: Marriage of Obama's Parents
On February 2, 1961, Barack Obama's parents, Ann Dunham and Barack Obama Sr., were married in Wailuku, Hawaii, six months before Obama was born.
August 4, 1961: Barack Obama's Birth
On August 4, 1961, Barack Hussein Obama II was born at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu, Hawaii.
August 1961: Move to Seattle
In late August 1961, Barack and his mother moved to the University of Washington in Seattle.
June 1962: Father's Graduation
In June 1962, Barack Obama's father completed his undergraduate degree in economics in Hawaii.
1963: Meeting Lolo Soetoro
In 1963, Ann Dunham met Lolo Soetoro at the University of Hawaiʻi.
March 1964: Parents' Divorce
In March 1964, Barack Obama's parents divorced.
March 15, 1965: Marriage to Lolo Soetoro
On March 15, 1965, Ann Dunham married Lolo Soetoro on Molokai.
1965: Passage of Medicare and Medicaid
In 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were passed. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is considered the most significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of coverage since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.
1966: Lolo's Return to Indonesia
In 1966, Lolo Soetoro returned to Indonesia after visa extensions.
1967: Move to Indonesia
In 1967, Ann Dunham and Barack Obama moved to Indonesia to join Lolo Soetoro.
1967: Support for Two-State Solution Based on 1967 Borders
Obama supports the two-state solution to the Arab–Israeli conflict based on the 1967 borders with land swaps.
1970: Move to Menteng District
From 1970, the family lived in a wealthier neighborhood in the Menteng district of Central Jakarta.
1971: Father's Visit
In 1971, Barack Obama's father visited him in Hawaii for Christmas.
1971: Return to Honolulu
In 1971, Obama returned to Honolulu to live with his maternal grandparents.
1972: Mother and Sister Live in Hawaii
From 1972 to 1975, Obama lived with his mother and half-sister, Maya Soetoro, in Hawaii.
1973: United Nations Security Council Resolution
In 2011, Obama ordered the military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
1975: Mother and Sister Return to Indonesia
In 1975, Obama's mother and half-sister returned to Indonesia.
1979: Move to Los Angeles
After graduating from high school in 1979, Obama moved to Los Angeles to attend Occidental College.
1979: High School Graduation
In 1979, Barack Obama graduated from high school from Punahou School.
February 1981: First Public Speech
In February 1981, Obama made his first public speech, calling for Occidental to participate in the disinvestment from South Africa in response to that nation's policy of apartheid.
1982: Father's Death
In 1982, Barack Obama's father was killed in an automobile accident in Kenya.
1983: Graduation from Columbia University
In 1983, Barack Obama graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.
June 1985: Director of Developing Communities Project
From June 1985, Obama worked as the director of the Developing Communities Project in Chicago.
1985: Project Coordinator
For three months in 1985, Obama worked as a project coordinator for the New York Public Interest Research Group on the City College of New York campus.
May 1988: Departure from Developing Communities Project
In May 1988, Obama departed from his position as director of the Developing Communities Project.
1988: Enrollment in Harvard Law School
In 1988, Barack Obama enrolled in Harvard Law School, where he later became the first black president of the Harvard Law Review.
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 and Government Fellow
In 1991, Obama accepted a two-year position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School.
1991: Graduation from Harvard Law
In 1991, Obama graduated from Harvard Law with a Juris Doctor magna cum laude.
October 1992: Illinois's Project Vote
From April to October 1992, Obama directed Illinois's Project Vote, a voter registration campaign.
1992: Teaching at the University of Chicago Law School
In 1992, Barack Obama began teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School.
1993: "40 under Forty" Powers to be
In 1993, Crain's Chicago Business named Obama to its list of "40 under Forty" powers to be.
1995: Publication of 'Dreams from My Father'
In 1995, Barack Obama published his book "Dreams from My Father".
1996: Election to Illinois Senate
In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to represent the 13th district in the Illinois Senate.
1996: Bill Clinton signed into law the Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996
In 1996, Bill Clinton signed into law the Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996.
1996: Senior Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School
In 1996, Obama became a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.
1997: Illinois State Senator
In 1997, Barack Obama began his service as an Illinois State Senator, a position he held until 2004.
2004: End of State Senate Term
In 2004, Barack Obama ended his tenure as an Illinois State Senator.
2004: Running for U.S. Senate
In 2004, Barack Obama successfully ran for the U.S. Senate after serving in the Illinois Senate.
2004: End of Teaching at the University of Chicago Law School
In 2004, Obama concluded his teaching position at the University of Chicago Law School.
2005: U.S. Senator for Illinois
In 2005, Barack Obama began his term as a U.S. Senator representing Illinois, a position he held until 2008.
2006: Obama received Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Dreams from My Father
Barack Obama received a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for "Dreams from My Father" in 2006.
2006: Publication of 'The Audacity of Hope'
In 2006, Barack Obama published his book "The Audacity of Hope".
2006: Interview Highlighting Family Diversity
In a 2006 interview, Obama highlighted the diversity of his extended family.
February 10, 2007: Obama Announces Presidential Candidacy
On February 10, 2007, Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States in front of the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, emphasizing issues of rapidly ending the Iraq War, increasing energy independence, and reforming the health care system.
August 2007: Obama addresses questions about being 'black enough'
In August 2007, expressing puzzlement over questions about whether he is "black enough", Obama told a meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists that "we're still locked in this notion that if you appeal to white folks then there must be something wrong."
October 2007: Obama remarks on his youthful image
In an October 2007 campaign speech, Obama acknowledged his youthful image, remarking: "I wouldn't be here if, time and again, the torch had not been passed to a new generation."
2007: Discovery of Ancestral Roots in Ireland
In 2007, it was discovered that Ann Dunham's great-great-grandfather Falmouth Kearney emigrated from Moneygall, Ireland, to the U.S. in 1850.
June 2, 2008: Obama Clinches Democratic Nomination
On June 2, 2008, Barack Obama received enough votes to clinch the Democratic nomination for President.
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 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.
October 2008: Presidential Debates
In October 2008, Barack Obama and John McCain engaged in three presidential debates.
November 2, 2008: Death of Madelyn Dunham
On November 2, 2008, Madelyn Dunham, Obama's maternal grandmother, died two days before his election to the presidency.
2008: Obama named TIME Magazine's Person of the Year in 2008
Barack Obama was named TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year in 2008.
2008: End of Senate Term
In 2008, Barack Obama concluded his service as a U.S. Senator representing Illinois.
2008: Nomination for President
In 2008, Barack Obama was nominated by the Democratic Party for president after a primary campaign against Hillary Clinton. He selected Joe Biden as his running mate and defeated John McCain and Sarah Palin in the general election.
2008: Response to Financial Crisis
In 2008, Obama's administration responded to the financial crisis with measures including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
2008: Obama's 2008 Campaign
Obama's 2008 campaign was particularly highlighted as one of the most effective campaigns in American history. He was also considered one of the most talented political orators of the 21st century.
2008: Financial crisis of 2008
The financial crisis of 2008 led to the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
January 20, 2009: Obama's Inauguration
On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States. In his first few days in office, he issued executive orders and presidential memoranda directing the U.S. military to develop plans to withdraw troops from Iraq and ordered the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp.
February 2009: Troop Increase in Afghanistan
In February 2009, Obama announced an increase in U.S. troop levels to 17,000 military personnel in Afghanistan to "stabilize a deteriorating situation".
February 2009: Polls showed strong support for Obama in Western Europe and the U.S.
In February 2009, a poll conducted in Western Europe and the U.S. by Harris Interactive rated Barack Obama as the most respected world leader and 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 aimed at helping the economy recover from the worldwide recession. The act included increased federal spending for health care, 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: Creation of the White House Council on Women and Girls
On March 11, 2009, Barack Obama created the White House Council on Women and Girls to advise him on issues relating to the welfare of American women and girls.
March 2009: Obama Intervenes in Automotive Industry
In March 2009, Barack Obama intervened in the troubled automotive industry by renewing loans for General Motors (GM) and Chrysler to continue operations while reorganizing.
March 2009: Obama Lifts Ban on Federal Funds for Stem Cell Research
In March 2009, Barack Obama lifted a ban on using federal funds for stem cell research.
March 2009: Reversal of Bush-era policy on stem cell research
In March 2009, Obama reversed a Bush-era policy that had limited funding of embryonic stem cell research and pledged to develop "strict guidelines" on the research.
March 2009: Treasury Secretary Takes Steps to Manage Financial Crisis
In March 2009, Obama's Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, introduced the Public–Private Investment Program for Legacy Assets, containing provisions for buying up to $2 trillion in depreciated real estate assets to manage the 2008 financial crisis.
March 2009: U.S. Foreign Policy "Reset"
In March 2009, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced a "new era" in U.S. foreign relations with Russia and Europe, signaling major policy changes. Also, Obama attempted to reach out to Arab leaders by granting his first interview to an Arab satellite TV network, Al Arabiya.
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 2009: Obama rated as the most popular world leader
In May 2009, a Harris poll rated Barack Obama as the most popular world leader and 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 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, Obama delivered a speech at Cairo University in Egypt, calling for "A New Beginning" in relations between the Islamic world and the United States and promoting Middle East peace.
June 2009: Obama Calls for Accelerated Economic Stimulus and Signs "Cash for Clunkers"
In June 2009, dissatisfied with the pace of economic stimulus, Barack Obama called on his cabinet to accelerate the investment. He signed into law the Car Allowance Rebate System, known colloquially as "Cash for Clunkers", which temporarily boosted the economy.
June 26, 2009: Obama Condemns Iranian Government's Actions
On June 26, 2009, Obama condemned the Iranian government's actions towards protesters following Iran's 2009 presidential election.
July 14, 2009: House Democrats Introduce 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 Obama wanted Congress to approve by the end of 2009.
July 2009: Launch of Priority Enforcement Program
In July 2009, Barack Obama launched the Priority Enforcement Program, an immigration enforcement program that had been pioneered by George W. Bush.
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 a Bush administration program, increasing nuclear weapons production through the "Complex Modernization" initiative, expanding two existing nuclear sites to produce new bomb parts.
October 8, 2009: Signing of the 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 2009 Nobel Peace Prize
On October 9, 2009, Barack Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation. He called it a "call to action" and an affirmation of American leadership.
October 30, 2009: Lifting of the Ban on Travel 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 fall below majority level
According to the Gallup Organization, Obama's approval ratings remained above the majority level until November 2009.
November 2009: Spending and Loan Guarantees Authorized
By the end of November 2009, the Bush and Obama administrations had 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: Announcement of Troop Increase in Afghanistan
On December 1, 2009, 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: Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009
Barack Obama received the Norwegian Nobel Committee's Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.
2009: President of the United States
In 2009, Barack Obama began his service as the 44th president of the United States, holding the office until 2017.
2009: Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
In 2009, Barack 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.
2009: Nobel Peace Prize Awarded
In 2009, Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in international diplomacy.
December 31, 2009: Inmates in U.S. federal custody declined by five percent
From December 31, 2009, to December 31, 2015, inmates sentenced in U.S. federal custody declined by five percent, the largest decline since Jimmy Carter.
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 long-range 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 laws will be a reduction in the federal deficit by $143 billion over the first decade.
March 21, 2010: Affordable Care Act Passes in the House
On March 21, 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), previously passed by the Senate in December, passed in the House by a vote of 219 to 212.
March 23, 2010: Obama Signs Affordable Care Act into Law
On March 23, 2010, Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA, colloquially "Obamacare") into law.
March 31, 2010: Obama Ends Ban on Oil and Gas Drilling Along East Coast and Northern Alaska Coast
On March 31, 2010, prior to the oil spill, Barack 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: Survey Shows Opinions on Stimulus Bill Impact
An April 2010 survey of members of the National Association for Business Economics showed an increase in job creation, but 73 percent of respondents believed the stimulus bill had no impact on employment.
April 2010: Obama and Medvedev sign the 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 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 20, 2010: Offshore Drilling Rig Explosion in Gulf of Mexico
On April 20, 2010, an explosion destroyed an offshore drilling rig at the Macondo Prospect in the Gulf of Mexico, causing a major sustained oil leak. Obama visited the Gulf, announced a federal investigation, and formed a bipartisan commission to recommend new safety standards.
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: Replacement of McChrystal in Afghanistan
In June 2010, David Petraeus replaced McChrystal as commander in Afghanistan, after McChrystal's staff criticized White House personnel.
July 2010: Federal Reserve Notes Slowing Economic Activity
In July 2010, the Federal Reserve noted that economic activity continued to increase, but its pace had slowed, and chairman Ben Bernanke said the economic outlook was "unusually uncertain".
July 2010: CIA Operatives Gathered Information on Osama Bin Laden
Starting in July 2010, CIA operatives gathered information that eventually led them to the hideout of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
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: Obama's approval was in the low 40s
By August 2010, Obama's approval was in the low 40s, a trend similar to Ronald Reagan's and Bill Clinton's first years in office.
August 2010: Withdrawal of Combat Troops Completed
By August 2010, the Obama administration completed the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq, decreasing troop levels while leaving a transitional force.
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: End of U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq Announced
On August 31, 2010, Obama announced that the United States combat mission in Iraq was over, transitioning to counter-terrorism efforts.
December 2010: U.S. Senate ratifies the New START treaty
In December 2010, the U.S. Senate ratified the New START treaty.
December 2010: Unemployment Rate
In December 2010, the employment rose by 0.8 percent.
December 17, 2010: Obama Signs Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
On December 17, 2010, Barack Obama signed the $858 billion Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which included a temporary two-year extension of the 2001 and 2003 income tax rates, a one-year payroll tax reduction, continuation of unemployment benefits, and a new rate and exemption amount for estate taxes.
December 22, 2010: Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
On December 22, 2010, 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, fulfilling a promise made in the 2008 presidential campaign.
2010: Obama signed Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act into effect
In 2010, Barack Obama signed into effect the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. It brought significant changes to financial regulation in the United States since the Great Depression.
2010: Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act
In 2010, Barack Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act, ending the ban on open service for LGBT people in the U.S. armed forces. The law went into effect the following year.
2010: Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions went into effect
In 2010, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect. The ACA represents a significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of healthcare coverage.
2010: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
In 2010, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, which contained in it the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, was implemented.
February 2011: Protests in Libya
In February 2011, protests began in Libya against Muammar Gaddafi as part of the Arab Spring. They soon turned violent.
March 2011: CIA Reports Bin Laden Intelligence to President Obama
In March 2011, CIA head Leon Panetta reported intelligence to President Obama regarding the potential hideout of Osama bin Laden.
April 4, 2011: Obama Announces Reelection Campaign
On April 4, 2011, Barack Obama filed election papers and announced his reelection campaign for 2012 in a video titled "It Begins with Us" posted on his website.
May 1, 2011: Death of Osama bin Laden
On May 1, 2011, a United States Navy SEALs operation resulted in the shooting death of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The announcement was followed by celebrations across the United States.
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, until his approval numbers dropped back to the low 40s.
May 2011: Meeting with Irish Cousins
In May 2011, Barack Obama met with his Irish cousins in Moneygall, Ireland.
July 2011: Start of Troop Withdrawals from Afghanistan
In July 2011, troop withdrawals began from Afghanistan, following Obama's announcement in December 2009.
August 2, 2011: Obama Signs Budget Control Act of 2011
On August 2, 2011, after a lengthy congressional debate over raising the debt limit, Barack Obama signed the bipartisan Budget Control Act of 2011. The legislation enforced limits on discretionary spending until 2021 and established procedures for deficit reduction.
August 18, 2011: Statement on Assad Stepping Aside
On August 18, 2011, Obama issued a written statement that said: "The time has come for President Assad to step aside."
October 21, 2011: Announcement of Full U.S. 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: Withdrawal from Iraq
Following the 2011 withdrawal from Iraq, Obama ordered military intervention in Iraq after gains made by ISIL.
2011: Renewal of the Patriot Act
In 2011, Barack Obama signed a four-year renewal of the Patriot Act.
2011: Drone Strike Killing of Anwar al-Awlaki
In 2011, Obama ordered a drone strike in Yemen that killed Anwar al-Awlaki, an American imam suspected of Al-Qaeda involvement, sparking controversy over due process. al-Awlaki became the first U.S. citizen to be targeted and killed by a U.S. drone strike.
2011: Military Intervention in Libya
In 2011, Obama ordered the military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
2011: United States Vetoes Security Council Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlements
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 fell to 38 percent
Obama's approval rating fell to 38 percent on several occasions in late 2011.
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, Barack Obama, shortly after the official launch of his campaign for re-election as president, publicly affirmed his personal support for the legalization of same-sex marriage, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so.
June 28, 2012: Supreme Court Upholds ACA Individual Mandate
On June 28, 2012, the Supreme Court ruled by a 5–4 vote in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius that the ACA's individual mandate was constitutional under Congress's taxing authority.
July 2012: Ancestry.com Discovery
In July 2012, Ancestry.com found a strong likelihood that Ann Dunham was descended from John Punch, an enslaved African man who lived in the Colony of Virginia during the seventeenth century.
November 6, 2012: Obama Re-elected as President
On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama won 332 electoral votes and was reelected as president, becoming the first Democratic president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win the majority of the popular vote twice.
November 2012: Unemployment Rate Falls
By November 2012, the unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent.
2012: Obama named TIME Magazine's Person of the Year in 2012
Barack Obama was named TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year in 2012.
2012: Re-election to the Presidency
In 2012, Barack Obama defeated Republican opponent Mitt Romney and his running mate Paul Ryan in the presidential election, securing his second term as President of the United States.
2012: Authorization of Programs to Train Anti-Assad Rebels
In 2012, Obama authorized multiple programs run by the CIA and the Pentagon to train anti-Assad rebels.
2012: Obama's approval rating recovers in mid-2012
Obama's approval rating recovered in mid-2012 with polls showing an average approval of 50 percent.
January 16, 2013: Obama's Gun Control Proposals
On January 16, 2013, one month after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Barack Obama signed 23 executive orders and outlined a series of sweeping proposals regarding gun control. He urged Congress to reintroduce an expired ban on military-style assault weapons, impose limits on ammunition magazines to 10 rounds, introduce background checks on all gun sales, pass a ban on possession and sale of armor-piercing bullets, introduce harsher penalties for gun-traffickers, especially unlicensed dealers who buy arms for criminals and approving the appointment of the head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the first time since 2006.
January 21, 2013: Obama Calls for Full Equality for Gay Americans
During his second inaugural address on January 21, 2013, Barack Obama became the first U.S. president in office to call for full equality for gay Americans and the first to mention gay rights or the word "gay" in an inaugural address.
February 2013: Announcement of Troop Reduction in Afghanistan
In February 2013, 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 stabilize after his second inauguration
After his second inauguration in 2013, Obama's approval ratings remained stable around 52 percent until May 2013.
August 2013: Obama criticizes 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 began negotiations with Iran with the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, including an interim agreement.
December 10, 2013: Handshake with Raúl Castro at Mandela Memorial
On December 10, 2013, Cuban President Raúl Castro greeted and shook hands with Obama at the Nelson Mandela memorial service in Johannesburg.
December 2013: Obama Calls for Congress to Bolster Safety Net and Raise Wages
In December 2013, Barack 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: Global Surveillance Disclosures
Following the 2013 global surveillance disclosures by whistleblower Edward Snowden, Barack Obama condemned the leak as unpatriotic, but called for increased restrictions on the National Security Agency (NSA) to address violations of privacy.
2013: Obama's View on Israeli Settlement Announcements
In 2013, Jeffrey Goldberg reported that, in Obama's view, "with each new settlement announcement, Netanyahu is moving his country down a path toward near-total isolation."
January 22, 2014: Establishment of the 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 to advise him on issues relating to sexual assault on college and university campuses throughout the United States.
February 2014: Troop Level Reduced in Afghanistan
By February 2014, the U.S. military reduced the troop level in Afghanistan from 68,000 to 34,000 U.S. troops, as announced by Obama in February 2013.
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 for 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, it was announced that Obama, with Pope Francis as an intermediary, had negotiated a restoration of relations with Cuba, after nearly sixty years of détente.
2014: Obama received the Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education's Ambassador of Humanity Award in 2014
Barack Obama received the Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education's Ambassador of Humanity Award in 2014.
2014: Obama Discusses Racial Disadvantages
By 2014, Barack Obama began openly discussing the disadvantages faced by many members of minority groups, sparked by events such as the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.
2014: Obama authorized air campaign against ISIL
In 2014, Obama authorized an air campaign primarily aimed at ISIL.
2014: Obama Compares Zionist and Civil Rights Movements
In 2014, Obama likened the Zionist movement to the civil rights movement in the United States, citing the shared pursuit of justice and equal rights.
2014: ACA Provisions Take Effect
In 2014, most health-related provisions of the ACA took effect, including expanding Medicaid eligibility and subsidizing insurance premiums.
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, Barack Obama vetoed a bill that would have authorized the Keystone XL pipeline. It was the third veto of his presidency and his first major veto.
March 2015: U.S. Support for Saudi Intervention in Yemen
In March 2015, 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 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, not only those purchasing plans "established by the State", as the statute reads.
July 1, 2015: Resumption of Formal Diplomatic Relations Between Cuba and the United States
On July 1, 2015, President Obama announced that formal diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States would resume, and embassies would be opened in Washington and Havana.
July 14, 2015: Deal announced with Iran regarding nuclear weapons
On July 14, 2015, a deal titled the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" was announced with Iran. This deal involved the removal of sanctions in exchange for Iran taking measures to prevent the production of nuclear weapons.
August 13, 2015: Upgrading of Cuban "interests sections" to embassies
On August 13, 2015, the countries' respective "interests sections" in one another's capitals were upgraded to embassies. Relations between the US and Cuba were thawing.
October 2015: Abandonment of Pentagon-Run Program to Train Anti-Assad Rebels
In October 2015, the Pentagon-run program to train anti-Assad rebels was formally abandoned, after it was found to have failed.
October 2015: 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, citing the deteriorating security situation.
November 2015: Reaffirmation of Stance on Assad
In November 2015, Obama reaffirmed his stance from August 18, 2011, that "The time has come for President Assad to step aside."
December 2015: Obama backs US buildup of nuclear arms
In December 2015, Obama initiated a $348 billion program to back the biggest U.S. buildup of nuclear arms since Ronald Reagan left the White House.
2015: Criticism of Iran Nuclear Deal
In 2015, Obama was criticized for advocating and signing the Iran Nuclear Deal, with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it "dangerous."
2015: Military intervention in Syria
2015: Obama ranked the 18th-greatest American president
In 2015, from the same survey from the Brookings Institution, Obama gained 10 spots and 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.
2015: Obama's approval ratings lag throughout most of 2015 but 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: Inmates in U.S. federal custody declined by five percent
From December 31, 2009, to December 31, 2015, inmates sentenced in U.S. federal custody declined by five percent, the largest decline since Jimmy Carter.
January 5, 2016: New Executive Actions on Gun Control
On January 5, 2016, Barack 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: Visit to 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.
March 2016: Gallup Poll on Race Relations
In a March 2016 Gallup poll, nearly one third of Americans said they worried "a great deal" about race relations, a higher figure than in any previous Gallup poll since 2001.
September 2016: Snubbed by Xi Jinping at G20 Summit
In September 2016, Obama was snubbed by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party upon arrival at the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit, receiving no red carpet welcome.
December 2016: Obama Bans Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling
In December 2016, Barack 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 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: Obama's reflection on Libya Intervention
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". He has stated that the lack of preparation surrounding the days following the government's overthrow was the "worst mistake" of his presidency.
2016: Sanctions Against Russia
In 2016, Obama initiated sanctions against Russia following Russian interference in the U.S. elections.
2016: Interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election
In 2016, Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election.
2016: End to ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces
In 2016, the Obama administration ended the ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces.
2016: Proposed Arms Deals with Saudi Arabia and Halt of Munition Sale
In 2016, the Obama administration proposed arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth $115 billion. However, Obama halted the sale of guided munition technology to Saudi Arabia after Saudi warplanes targeted a funeral in Yemen's capital Sanaa, killing more than 140 people.
2016: Pentagon Ends Ban on Transgender People in the Military
In 2016, the Pentagon ended the policy that barred transgender people from serving openly in the military.
2016: U.S. dropped 26,171 bombs on seven different countries
In 2016, the last year of Barack Obama's presidency, the U.S. dropped 26,171 bombs on seven different countries.
January 5, 2017: US 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 UN
On January 6, 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the UN, which totaled $6 million, in response to the US abstention from Resolution 2334.
January 2017: Obama left office with a 60 percent approval rating
In January 2017, Barack Obama left office with a 60 percent approval rating.
January 20, 2017: End of Obama's presidency
On January 20, 2017, Obama's presidency ended with the inauguration of Donald Trump, and the Obama family moved to a house they rented in Kalorama, Washington, D.C.
2017: Obama received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2017
Barack Obama received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2017.
2017: Obama Leaves Office
In 2017, Barack Obama left office but continues to reside in Washington, D.C., remaining politically active.
2017: End of Presidential Term
In 2017, Barack Obama's term as the 44th president of the United States came to an end.
2017: Penalty for violating individual mandate of ACA was repealed
In 2017, the penalty for violating the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was repealed, with the repeal becoming effective in 2019.
2017: Obama's final approval rating
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: Obamas sign deal with Netflix
On May 22, 2018, Barack and Michelle Obama signed a deal with Netflix to produce docu-series, documentaries and features under their newly formed production company, Higher Ground Productions.
2018: Obama received the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award in 2018
Barack Obama received the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award in 2018.
2018: Obama received a 63 percent approval rating
In Gallup's 2018 job approval poll for the past 10 U.S. presidents, Barack Obama received a 63 percent approval rating.
2018: Obama's retrospective approval polls garner a 63 percent approval rating
In Gallup's retrospective approval polls of former presidents, Obama garnered a 63 percent approval rating in 2018.
2019: Penalty for violating individual mandate of ACA became effective
In 2019, the repeal of the penalty for violating the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was decided in 2017, became effective.
April 14, 2020: Obama endorses Joe Biden for president
On April 14, 2020, Obama endorsed his former vice president, Joe Biden, the presumptive nominee, for president in the presidential election.
2020: American Factory wins Academy Award
In 2020, Higher Ground's first film, American Factory, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
2020: Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions went into effect
In 2020, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect. The ACA represents a significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of healthcare coverage.
2020: Campaigning for Biden
In the 2020 presidential election, Barack Obama campaigned for candidates in American elections, including in Joe Biden's successful presidential bid.
January 2021: Obama attends the inauguration of Joe Biden
In January 2021, Obama and his wife attended the inauguration of Joe Biden.
February 2021: Obama and Bruce Springsteen start a 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: Presidential Library Construction Begins
In 2021, construction began on Barack Obama's presidential library in the South Side of Chicago.
March 4, 2022: Obama wins Audio Publishers Association Award
On March 4, 2022, Obama won an Audio Publishers Association (APA) Award in the best narration by the author category for the narration of his memoir A Promised Land.
2022: Obama received Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Narrator for Our Great National Parks
Barack Obama received a Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Narrator for Our Great National Parks in 2022.
March 2023: Obama travels to Australia for a speaking tour
In March 2023, Obama traveled to Australia as a part of his speaking tour of the country, meeting with Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and visiting Melbourne for the first time.
2023: Obama received Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Narrator for Working: What We Do All Day
Barack Obama received a Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Narrator for Working: What We Do All Day in 2023.
2023: Obama's retrospective approval polls garner a 63 percent approval rating again
In Gallup's retrospective approval polls of former presidents, Obama garnered a 63 percent approval rating again in 2023, ranking him the fourth most popular president since World War II.
July 2024: Obama expresses concerns about Biden's campaign viability and endorses Harris
In July 2024, Obama expressed concerns about Biden's campaign viability after his critically maligned debate performance against former president Trump. After Biden withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Vice President Harris, Obama reluctantly endorsed Harris alongside his wife Michelle five days later.
2024: Obama won the Sylvanus Thayer Award
In 2024 Barack Obama became the first and so far only President from the Democratic Party to win the Sylvanus Thayer Award.
January 2025: Obama attends the second inauguration of Donald Trump
In January 2025, Obama attended the second inauguration of Donald Trump.
2025: Obama received Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Narrator for Our Oceans
Barack Obama received a Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Narrator for Our Oceans in 2025.
February 2026: Obama decries racist meme posted by Trump
In February 2026, after Trump posted a racist meme of him and his wife, Obama decried the post, criticized the lack of decorum and the conduct of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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