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 the Affordable Care Act, the end of the Iraq War, and the killing of Osama bin Laden. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.
1953: Outer Continental Shelf Act
In December 2016, 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.
August 4, 1961: Barack Obama's birth
August 4, 1961, Barack Obama was born at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu, Hawaii. His mother was 18 and American, and his father was 27 and Kenyan.
August 1961: Move to Seattle
In late August 1961, Barack Obama and his mother moved to the University of Washington in Seattle, a few weeks after his birth.
March 15, 1965: Marriage to Lolo Soetoro
On March 15, 1965, Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, married Lolo Soetoro on Molokai.
1965: Medicare and Medicaid Passage
In 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were passed, setting the stage for significant healthcare reforms.
1971: Return to Honolulu
In 1971, Barack Obama returned to Honolulu to live with his maternal grandparents, Madelyn and Stanley Dunham.
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 Developing Communities Project
In June 1985, Barack Obama was hired as director of the Developing Communities Project, a faith-based community organization in Chicago.
1985: Chicago Bears Super Bowl Win
In 1985, the Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl, but were unable to visit the White House in 1986 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster; they were later invited by President Obama in 2011.
1985: Woods Fund of Chicago funded the Developing Communities Project
In 1985, the Woods Fund of Chicago was the first foundation to fund the Developing Communities Project.
1986: Space Shuttle Challenger disaster
In 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster prevented the 1985 Chicago Bears from visiting the White House after their Super Bowl win, a visit that eventually happened in 2011 when President Obama invited them.
October 1987: Obama Met Jeremiah Wright
In October 1987, Barack Obama met Trinity United Church of Christ pastor Jeremiah Wright.
1988: Enrolls at Harvard Law School
In the fall of 1988, Obama enrolled at Harvard Law School.
June 1989: Obama Met Michelle Robinson
In June 1989, Barack Obama met Michelle Robinson while working at Sidley Austin, where she was assigned as his advisor.
1991: Visiting Law and Government Fellow
In 1991, Barack Obama accepted a two-year position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School.
1991: Obama became engaged with Michelle Robinson
In 1991, Barack Obama became engaged to Michelle Robinson, marking a significant step in their relationship.
October 3, 1992: Obama Married Michelle Robinson
On October 3, 1992, Barack Obama married Michelle Robinson after becoming engaged in 1991.
October 1992: Directing Illinois's Project Vote
From April to October 1992, Barack Obama directed Illinois's Project Vote, a voter registration campaign.
1992: Obama Became Member of Trinity Church
In 1992, Barack Obama became a member of Trinity United Church of Christ.
1994: Obama served on the boards of directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago
In 1994, Obama served on the boards of directors of the Woods Fund of Chicago.
1995: Obama served on the board of directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge
From 1995 to 2002, Obama served on the board of directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, and from 1995 to 1999 as chairman.
1996: Obama Elected to Illinois Senate
In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to the Illinois Senate, succeeding Alice Palmer from Illinois's 13th District.
1996: Church Arson Prevention Act
In 1996, Democratic President Bill Clinton signed into law the Church Arson Prevention Act.
1998: Obama Re-elected to Illinois Senate
In 1998, Barack Obama was re-elected to the Illinois Senate, defeating Republican Yesse Yehudah.
1998: Birth of Malia Ann Obama
In 1998, Malia Ann Obama, the first daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, was born.
1999: Obama served as chairman of the board of directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge until 1999
From 1995 to 1999, Obama served as chairman of the board of directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.
2000: Obama Lost Congressional Primary Race
In 2000, Barack Obama lost a Democratic primary race for Illinois's 1st congressional district to Bobby Rush.
2001: Birth of Natasha ("Sasha") Obama
In 2001, Natasha 'Sasha' Obama, the second daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, was born.
2001: Obama Supported Payday Loan Regulations
In 2001, as co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, Barack Obama supported Governor George Ryan's payday loan regulations.
2001: Extension of Income Tax Rates
In December 2010, Obama signed a compromise deal that included a temporary, two-year extension of the 2001 income tax rates.
May 2002: Obama Commissioned Poll for Senate Prospects
In May 2002, Barack Obama commissioned a poll to assess his prospects in a 2004 U.S. Senate race.
August 2002: Obama Began Lining Up Political Media Consultant
In August 2002, Barack Obama began lining up political media consultant David Axelrod for his Senate campaign.
2002: Obama Re-elected to Illinois Senate Again
In 2002, Barack Obama was re-elected to the Illinois Senate for another term.
2002: Obama served on the boards of directors of the Joyce Foundation until 2002
In 2002, Obama served on the boards of directors of the Joyce Foundation until 2002.
January 2003: Obama Became Chairman of Illinois Senate Committee
In January 2003, Barack Obama became chairman of the Illinois Senate's Health and Human Services Committee.
January 2003: Obama Formally Announced Senate Candidacy
In January 2003, Barack Obama formally announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
March 2003: Obama Addressed Another Anti-War Rally
In March 2003, Barack Obama addressed another anti-war rally, stating "it's not too late" to stop the war.
2003: Extension of Income Tax Rates
In December 2010, Obama signed a compromise deal that included a temporary, two-year extension of the 2003 income tax rates.
March 2004: Obama Won Illinois Primary Election
In March 2004, Barack Obama won the Illinois Democratic primary election in an unexpected landslide.
June 2004: Jack Ryan Withdrew From Senate Race
In June 2004, Jack Ryan, Barack Obama's expected opponent in the general election, withdrew from the race.
July 2004: Obama Delivered DNC Keynote Address
In July 2004, Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, which elevated his status in the Democratic Party.
November 2004: Obama Resigned from Illinois Senate
In November 2004, Barack Obama resigned from the Illinois Senate after being elected to the U.S. Senate.
November 2004: Obama Won Senate Election
In November 2004, Barack Obama won the general election for the U.S. Senate with 70 percent of the vote.
2004: Obama ran for U.S. Senate
In 2004, Barack Obama was running for U.S. Senate.
January 3, 2005: Obama Sworn in as Senator
On January 3, 2005, Barack Obama was sworn in as a U.S. Senator, becoming the only Senate member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
2005: Obama Threw First Pitch at ALCS
In 2005, Barack Obama threw out the first pitch at the American League Championship Series (ALCS) while serving as a senator.
2005: Obama's Household Income
In 2005, Barack Obama's household income was $1.6 million, primarily from book sales.
2005: Obama Family Moved to Kenwood Home
In 2005, the Obama family moved from a Hyde Park condominium to a $1.6 million house in Kenwood, Chicago, using proceeds from a book deal.
December 2006: Bush signed into law the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act
In December 2006, President Bush signed into law the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act, marking the first federal legislation to be enacted with Obama as its primary sponsor.
December 2006: Obama Served on Senate Committees
Through December 2006, Barack Obama held assignments on the Senate Committees for Foreign Relations, Environment and Public Works, and Veterans' Affairs.
2006: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
In 2006, Barack Obama introduced the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, which authorized the establishment of USAspending.gov.
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.
January 2007: Obama Introduced Corporate Jet Provision
In January 2007, Barack Obama and Senator Feingold introduced a corporate jet provision to the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act.
January 2007: Obama Changed Committee Assignments
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.
February 10, 2007: Obama Announced Presidential Candidacy
On February 10, 2007, Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States in Springfield, Illinois.
August 2007: Remarks to National Association of Black Journalists
In August 2007, Obama addressed the National Association of Black Journalists, discussing perceptions of his racial identity and the challenges of appealing to diverse demographics.
September 2007: Honest Leadership and Open Government Act Signed into Law
In September 2007, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, including a corporate jet provision introduced by Barack Obama, was signed into law.
October 2007: Campaign Speech Acknowledging Youthful Image
In October 2007, Obama addressed his youthful image in a campaign speech, emphasizing the importance of passing the torch to a new generation.
December 2007: Obama's Estimated Net Worth
In December 2007, Money Magazine estimated Barack Obama's net worth at $1.3 million.
2007: Obama's Law License Became Inactive
In 2007, Barack Obama's law license became inactive.
2007: Obama sponsored an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act
In 2007, Obama sponsored an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act to add safeguards for personality-disorder military discharges.
2007: Financial Crisis
The financial crisis of 2007-2008 influenced the future financial regulation in the United States.
January 2008: Obama's statements on being Christian
In January 2008, Barack Obama affirmed his Christian faith, stating his belief in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
May 2008: Obama Resigned from Trinity Church
In May 2008, during his first presidential campaign, Barack Obama resigned from Trinity United Church of Christ after some of Jeremiah Wright's statements were criticized.
June 2, 2008: Obama Clinches Democratic Nomination
On June 2, 2008, Barack Obama secured enough votes to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination after a close primary race.
June 3, 2008: Obama introduced legislation on Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act
On June 3, 2008, Senator Obama introduced follow-up legislation: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008.
June 19, 2008: Obama Declines Public Financing
On June 19, 2008, Barack Obama became the first major-party presidential candidate since 1976 to turn down public financing for the general election.
August 23, 2008: Obama Selects Joe Biden as Running Mate
On August 23, 2008, Barack Obama announced his selection of Delaware Senator Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate for the upcoming election.
October 2008: Obama and McCain Presidential Debates
In October 2008, Barack Obama and John McCain participated in three presidential debates leading up to the election.
November 16, 2008: Obama Resigned Senate Seat
On November 16, 2008, Barack Obama resigned his Senate seat to focus on his transition to the presidency.
2008: Nomination for President
In 2008, Barack Obama was nominated by the Democratic Party for president after a primary campaign against Hillary Clinton, and selected Joe Biden as his running mate.
2008: Time Person of the Year
In 2008, Obama was named TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year.
2008: Obama's amendment passed the full Senate
In the spring of 2008, Barack Obama's amendment to the Defense Authorization Act passed the full Senate.
2008: Successful Campaign
Obama's 2008 campaign being particularly highlighted as one of the most effective campaigns in American history.
2008: Financial Crisis
The financial crisis of 2007-2008 influenced the future financial regulation in the United States.
January 2009: Obama daughters started at Sidwell Friends School
In January 2009, after the Obamas moved to Washington, D.C., their daughters started attending Sidwell Friends School.
January 20, 2009: Obama Inaugurated 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, President Obama announced an increase in U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan by 17,000 military personnel, aiming to stabilize the deteriorating situation in the region.
February 2009: Most Respected World Leader
In February 2009, a Harris Interactive poll rated Obama as the most respected and powerful world leader.
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 to help the economy recover from the global recession.
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, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
March 11, 2009: Obama Creates White House Council on Women and Girls
On March 11, 2009, President Obama established the White House Council on Women and Girls to advise him on issues relating to the welfare of American women and girls.
March 2009: Automotive Industry Intervention
In March 2009, Obama intervened in the troubled automotive industry, renewing loans for General Motors (GM) and Chrysler to continue operations while reorganizing.
March 2009: Stem Cell Research Ban Lifted
In March 2009, Obama lifted a ban on using federal funds for stem cell research.
March 2009: Obama Reverses Bush-era Stem Cell Policy
In March 2009, President 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: Geithner Introduces Public-Private Investment Program
In March 2009, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, under President Obama, introduced the Public-Private Investment Program for Legacy Assets to manage the financial crisis.
March 2009: "New Era" in U.S. Foreign Relations
In 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".
May 2009: Obama Appoints McChrystal as Commander in Afghanistan
In May 2009, President Obama replaced General David D. McKiernan with Lt. Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal as the military commander in Afghanistan.
May 2009: Most Popular World Leader
In May 2009, a Harris poll rated Obama as the most popular world leader and the figure most people would rely on to address the economic downturn.
May 26, 2009: Obama Nominates Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court
On May 26, 2009, Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Associate Justice David Souter.
June 4, 2009: Cairo University Speech
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.
June 2009: Economic Stimulus Acceleration
In June 2009, dissatisfied with the pace of economic stimulus, 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.
June 26, 2009: Condemnation of Iranian Government
On June 26, 2009, Obama condemned the Iranian government's actions towards protesters following Iran's 2009 presidential election.
July 14, 2009: Health Care 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: Obama Launches Priority Enforcement Program
In July 2009, President Obama launched the Priority Enforcement Program and continued the Secure Communities program, which involved sharing fingerprint and immigration status data.
August 6, 2009: Sonia Sotomayor Confirmed to Supreme Court
On August 6, 2009, Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice, becoming the first Justice of Hispanic descent.
October 1, 2009: Obama Administration Increases Nuclear Weapons Production
On October 1, 2009, the Obama administration went ahead with a Bush administration program, increasing nuclear weapons production.
October 8, 2009: Obama Signs Hate Crimes Prevention Act
On October 8, 2009, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, expanding hate crime law to include crimes motivated by gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
October 9, 2009: Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
On October 9, 2009, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded Obama the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.
October 30, 2009: Obama Lifts HIV Travel Ban
On October 30, 2009, President Obama lifted the ban on travel to the United States by individuals infected with HIV.
November 7, 2009: House Passes Health Care Bill
On November 7, 2009, a health care bill featuring the public option was passed in the House.
November 2009: Approval Ratings Dip
By November 2009, Obama's approval ratings, which had been high at the start of his presidency, dipped below the majority level.
November 2009: Federal Reserve Spending
By the end of November 2009, the Bush and Obama administrations had spent $3 trillion of the $11.5 trillion authorized by the Federal Reserve and the Department of the Treasury.
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, with proposed troop withdrawals set to begin in 18 months.
December 24, 2009: Senate Passes Health Care Bill
On December 24, 2009, the Senate passed its own health care bill—without a public option—on a party-line vote of 60–39.
2009: Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
In 2009, Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in international diplomacy, a decision that received both criticism and praise.
2009: Obama's Household Income
In 2009, Barack Obama's tax return showed a household income of $5.5 million, up from $4.2 million in 2007.
2009: Obama threw the ceremonial first pitch at the All-Star Game
In 2009, Barack Obama, as President, threw the ceremonial first pitch at the All-Star Game while wearing a White Sox jacket.
2009: National Defense Authorization Act Signed into Law
In 2009, President 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.
2009: Obama Family Moved to Washington, D.C.
In 2009, after moving to Washington, D.C., the Obama family began attending various Protestant churches but not on a regular basis.
2009: Thanks, Obama Origin
In 2009, the saying "thanks, Obama" first appeared in a Twitter hashtag, "#thanks Obama", and was later used in a demotivational poster, eventually adopted satirically.
2009: Rise in Unemployment Rate
In 2009, the unemployment rate rose, reaching a peak of 10.0 percent in October and averaging 10.0 percent in the fourth quarter.
March 2010: Obama Publicly Opposes Israeli Housing Projects in East Jerusalem
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 the administration of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to replace the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with a new pact.
March 2010: CBO Estimate of Deficit Reduction
In March 2010, the CBO estimated that the net effect of both the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act would be a reduction in the federal deficit by $143 billion over the first decade.
March 21, 2010: House Passes Affordable Care Act
On March 21, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in the House by a vote of 219 to 212, after being passed by the Senate in December.
March 23, 2010: Obama Signs Affordable Care Act
On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law.
March 31, 2010: Ending Oil and Gas Drilling Ban
On March 31, 2010, Obama ended a ban on oil and gas drilling along the majority of the East Coast of the United States and along the coast of northern Alaska.
April 2010: Obama and Medvedev sign the New START treaty
In April 2010, Obama and Medvedev signed the New START treaty, a pact reducing the number of long-range nuclear weapons.
April 2010: Survey on Stimulus Bill Impact
In April 2010, a 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 20, 2010: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
On April 20, 2010, an explosion destroyed an offshore drilling rig at the Macondo Prospect in the Gulf of Mexico, causing a major oil leak. Obama announced a federal investigation and formed a bipartisan commission to recommend new safety standards.
May 10, 2010: Obama Nominates Elena Kagan to Supreme Court
On May 10, 2010, Obama nominated Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Associate Justice John Paul Stevens.
June 2010: David Petraeus Replaces 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 on 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 Develops Intelligence on Bin Laden Hideout
Starting in July 2010, the CIA developed intelligence on what they believed to be the hideout of Osama bin Laden, living in seclusion in a large compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
August 5, 2010: Elena Kagan Confirmed to Supreme Court
On August 5, 2010, Elena Kagan was confirmed to the Supreme Court, bringing the number of women sitting simultaneously on the Court to three for the first time in American history.
August 2010: Approval in the Low 40s
By August 2010, Obama's approval ratings declined to the low 40s, mirroring trends seen in the early years of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton's presidencies.
August 19, 2010: Last U.S. Combat Brigade Exits Iraq
On August 19, 2010, the last U.S. combat brigade exited Iraq, signaling a transition from combat operations to counter-terrorism and advisory roles for the remaining troops.
September 27, 2010: Obama released statement commenting on his religious views
On September 27, 2010, Obama released a statement commenting on his religious views.
December 2010: U.S. Senate Ratifies New START Treaty
In December 2010, the U.S. Senate ratified the New START treaty, signed by President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in April 2010.
December 2010: Unemployment Rate and Employment Increase
In December 2010, the unemployment rate remained at 9.6 percent. Between February and December 2010, employment rose by 0.8 percent.
December 17, 2010: Tax Relief Act Signed
On December 17, 2010, Obama signed the $858 billion Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which included a temporary extension of income tax rates.
December 22, 2010: Obama Repeals "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
On December 22, 2010, President Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, ending the policy that prevented gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the U.S. Armed Forces.
2010: Obama's Charitable Contributions
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 Act Signed
In 2010, Obama signed the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act into effect, bringing significant changes to financial regulation.
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 ban on open service for LGBT people in the U.S. armed forces.
2010: ACA Provisions in Effect
In 2010, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) began to take effect, marking a significant achievement in healthcare reform.
2010: ACA Insurance Subsidies
In 2010, the ACA subsidized insurance premiums for people making up to 400 percent of the FPL ($88,000 for family of four), limiting their out-of-pocket payments for annual premiums.
2010: Iran Sanctions Enabling Act
In 2010, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act incorporated aspects of Obama's earlier Iran Sanctions Enabling Act.
March 2011: CIA Reports Bin Laden Intelligence to Obama
In March 2011, CIA head Leon Panetta reported the intelligence regarding Osama bin Laden's hideout to President Obama.
April 4, 2011: Obama Announces Reelection Campaign
On April 4, 2011, Barack Obama officially filed election papers and announced his reelection campaign for 2012 with a video titled "It Begins with Us".
May 1, 2011: Osama bin Laden Killed in Surgical Raid
On May 1, 2011, Osama bin Laden was killed during a "surgical raid" conducted by United States Navy SEALs in Abbottabad, Pakistan, authorized by President Obama.
May 2, 2011: Poll Bounce After Bin Laden's Death
Following the death of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011, Obama experienced a temporary increase in poll approval, maintaining 50-53 percent for about a month.
May 2011: Meeting with Irish Cousins
In May 2011, Barack Obama met with his Irish cousins in Moneygall, Ireland.
July 2011: Troop Withdrawals Begin in Afghanistan
In July 2011, troop withdrawals began in Afghanistan, following President Obama's December 2009 announcement of a deployment increase and subsequent withdrawal timeline.
August 2, 2011: Signing of the Budget Control Act of 2011
On August 2, 2011, Obama signed the bipartisan Budget Control Act of 2011 after a lengthy congressional debate over raising the nation's debt limit. The legislation enforced limits on discretionary spending until 2021.
October 21, 2011: Obama Announces Full Troop Withdrawal from Iraq
On October 21, 2011, President Obama announced that all U.S. troops would leave Iraq in time to be "home for the holidays,", completing the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.
December 2011: Obama Instructs Agencies to Consider LGBT Rights in Foreign Aid
In December 2011, President Obama instructed agencies to consider LGBT rights when issuing financial aid to foreign countries.
2011: Obama Invited 1985 Chicago Bears to White House
In 2011, Barack Obama invited the 1985 Chicago Bears to the White House, as the team had not been able to visit after their Super Bowl win in 1986.
2011: Drone Strike Killing of Anwar al-Awlaki
In 2011, Obama ordered a drone strike in Yemen which targeted and killed Anwar al-Awlaki, an American imam suspected of being a leading Al-Qaeda organizer, leading to significant controversy.
2011: Approval Rating Falls
In late 2011, Obama's approval rating fell to 38 percent on several occasions before recovering in mid-2012.
April 3, 2012: Obama Secures Democratic Nomination for Reelection
On April 3, 2012, Barack Obama secured the necessary convention delegates to win the Democratic nomination for president, running virtually unopposed.
May 9, 2012: Obama Publicly Supports Same-Sex Marriage
On May 9, 2012, President Obama publicly announced 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 in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius that the individual mandate in the ACA was constitutional under Congress's taxing authority.
November 6, 2012: Obama Reelected as President
On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama was reelected as President of the United States, winning 332 electoral votes and becoming the first Democratic president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win a majority of the popular vote twice.
November 2012: Decline in Unemployment Rate
By November 2012, the unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent.
2012: Re-elected as President
In 2012, Barack Obama defeated Republican opponent Mitt Romney in the presidential election, securing his second term as President of the United States.
2012: Obama's Financial Disclosure
In 2012, Barack Obama's financial disclosure indicated he may be worth as much as $10 million.
2012: Time Person of the Year
In 2012, Obama was named TIME Magazine's Time Person of the Year.
2012: Approval Rating Recovers
In mid-2012, Obama's approval rating recovered, with polls showing an average approval of 50 percent.
January 16, 2013: Obama Announces Gun Control Proposals
On January 16, 2013, President Obama signed 23 executive orders and outlined sweeping proposals regarding gun control, including reintroducing a ban on assault weapons and implementing background checks on all gun sales.
January 21, 2013: Obama Calls for Full Equality for Gay Americans
On January 21, 2013, during his second inaugural address, President Obama called for full equality for gay Americans and mentioned gay rights, marking the first time a U.S. president in office did so during an inaugural address.
February 2013: Obama Announces Troop Reduction in Afghanistan
In February 2013, President Obama announced that the U.S. military would reduce troop levels in Afghanistan from 68,000 to 34,000 by February 2014.
May 2013: Approval Ratings Stable
After his second inauguration, Obama's approval ratings remained stable around 52 percent until May 2013.
July 2013: Reservations About Keystone XL Pipeline
In July 2013, Obama expressed reservations about the Keystone XL pipeline and stated he would reject it if it increased carbon pollution or greenhouse emissions.
August 2013: Obama Criticizes Russia's Anti-Gay Law
In August 2013, President Obama criticized Russia's law that discriminates against gays.
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: Income Inequality Speech and Trade Pact Urging
In December 2013, Obama declared growing income inequality a "defining challenge of our time" and called on Congress to bolster the safety net and raise wages. Obama also urged Congress to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
2013: Sunny joined the Obama Family
In 2013, Sunny, a female Portuguese Water Dog, joined Bo in the Obama Family.
2013: Global surveillance disclosures
In 2013, following global surveillance disclosures by Edward Snowden, Obama condemned the leak as unpatriotic, but called for increased restrictions on the National Security Agency (NSA) to address violations of privacy.
2013: Unemployment Rate Decrease
In the last month of 2013, the unemployment rate decreased to 6.7 percent.
January 22, 2014: Obama Establishes Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault
On January 22, 2014, President Obama established the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault to address issues of sexual assault on college and university campuses.
February 2014: U.S. Military Reduces Troop Level in Afghanistan
By February 2014, the U.S. military reduced the troop level in Afghanistan from 68,000 to 34,000, as announced by President Obama in February 2013.
June 2014: Obama Sends Troops to Iraq Amidst ISIL Advance
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 forces.
December 2014: Obama Negotiates 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 Discusses Racial Disadvantages
By 2014, President Obama began openly discussing the disadvantages faced by many members of minority groups amid rising racial tensions and the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement.
2014: Continued Decline in Unemployment Rate
During 2014, the unemployment rate continued to decline, falling to 6.3 percent in the first quarter.
2014: Ambassador of Humanity Award
In 2014, Obama received The Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education's Ambassador of Humanity Award.
2014: Russian Invasion of Crimea
In 2014, Russia invaded Crimea, leading to criticism of Obama's foreign policy approach.
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: Approval Ratings Lowest Before Midterm Elections
In polling conducted before the 2014 midterm elections, Obama's approval ratings were at their lowest, with disapproval reaching 57 percent.
February 24, 2015: Keystone XL Pipeline Veto
On February 24, 2015, Obama vetoed a bill that would have authorized the Keystone XL pipeline. This was the third veto of Obama's presidency.
March 2015: Support to Saudis in Yemen
In March 2015, Obama declared that he had 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 Ruling on ACA Subsidies
In June 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in King v. Burwell that subsidies to help individuals and families purchase health insurance were authorized for those doing so on both the federal exchange and state exchanges.
July 1, 2015: Formal Diplomatic Relations Between Cuba and the United States Resume
On July 1, 2015, President Obama announced that formal diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States would resume, and embassies would be opened in Washington and Havana.
July 14, 2015: Deal Announced Regarding Iranian Nuclear Program
On July 14, 2015, a deal titled the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" was announced. Sanctions were removed in exchange for measures that would prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons.
August 13, 2015: Cuba Upgrades Interests Sections to Embassies
On August 13, 2015, Cuba's interests sections in the US was upgraded to embassies.
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, citing the deteriorating security situation as the primary reason.
December 2015: Obama Starts Program to Back Buildup of Nuclear Arms
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: Obama Uses Phrase
In 2015, Obama himself used the phrase "thanks, Obama" in a video.
2015: Approval Ratings Lag
Obama's approval ratings lagged throughout most of 2015 but began to reach the high 40s by the end of the year.
December 31, 2015: Decline in Federal Inmates
According to data, from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2015, there was a five percent decline in inmates sentenced in U.S. federal custody, the largest decline since Jimmy Carter.
January 5, 2016: Obama Announces New Executive Actions on Gun Control
On January 5, 2016, President Obama announced new executive actions to extend background check requirements to more gun sellers in an effort to reduce gun violence.
March 2016: Approval Reaches 50 Percent
In March 2016, Obama's approval rating reached 50 percent, a level unseen since May 2013.
March 2016: Obama Visits Havana, Cuba
In March 2016, President Obama visited Havana, Cuba, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to arrive since Calvin Coolidge in 1928.
March 2016: Gallup Poll on Race Relations
In a March 2016 Gallup poll, nearly one third of Americans expressed significant worry about race relations, marking the highest level recorded since 2001.
September 2016: Snub by Xi Jinping at G20 Summit
In September 2016, Obama was snubbed by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party as he descended from Air Force One to the tarmac of Hangzhou International Airport for the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit without the usual red carpet welcome.
December 2016: Offshore Drilling Ban
In December 2016, Obama permanently banned new offshore oil and gas drilling in most United States-owned waters in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
December 23, 2016: U.S. 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 Shared Inspirational Items
In 2016, Barack Obama said that he gets inspiration from items that remind him "of all the different people I've met along the way."
2016: Obama Uses Phrase Again
In 2016, Obama himself used the phrase "thanks, Obama" in a video.
2016: Interference in the U.S. Presidential Election
In 2016, Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election drew criticism and concerns about Obama's foreign policy legacy.
2016: Transgender Service Ban Ends
In 2016, the Obama administration ended the ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. armed forces.
2016: Arms Deals with Saudi Arabia
In 2016, the Obama administration proposed a series of arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth $115 billion. Obama also halted the sale of guided munition technology to Saudi Arabia after Saudi warplanes targeted a funeral in Yemen's capital Sanaa.
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: U.S. House of Representatives Condemns UN Resolution
On January 5, 2017, the United States House of Representatives voted 342–80 to condemn the UN Resolution which the US abstained from.
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, following the U.S. abstention from UN Security Council Resolution 2334 on December 23, 2016.
January 2017: Obama's Approval Rating
In January 2017, Obama left office with a 60 percent approval rating.
January 20, 2017: End of Presidency
On January 20, 2017, Obama's presidency ended with the inauguration of Donald Trump, and the Obama family moved to Kalorama, Washington, D.C.
2017: Obama Leaves Office
In 2017, Barack Obama left office with high approval ratings.
2017: John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award
In 2017, Obama received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
2017: Colbert Uses Phrase
In 2017, Stephen Colbert used the phrase "thanks, Obama" to express gratitude to Obama on his last day in office.
2017: Repeal of Individual Mandate Penalty
In 2017, the penalty for violating the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act was repealed, effective 2019.
2017: Final Approval Rating
In polling conducted 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: Netflix Production Deal
On May 22, 2018, Barack and Michelle Obama signed a deal to produce content for Netflix through their company, Higher Ground Productions.
2018: Gallup Approval Rating
In 2018, Gallup's retrospective approval polls of former presidents gave Obama a 63 percent approval rating, ranking him among the most popular presidents since World War II.
2018: Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award
In 2018, Obama received the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award.
2019: Purchase of Home
In 2019, Barack and Michelle Obama bought a home on Martha's Vineyard from Wyc Grousbeck.
2019: Repeal of Individual Mandate Penalty Takes Effect
In 2019, the penalty for violating the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act was repealed, effective this year.
April 14, 2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden
On April 14, 2020, Obama endorsed Joe Biden for president, stating that he has "all the qualities we need in a president right now."
2020: American Factory Wins Award
In 2020, Higher Ground's first film, American Factory, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
2020: ACA Provisions in Effect
In 2020, provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continue to be in effect, marking a significant achievement in healthcare reform.
February 2021: Renegades: Born in the USA Podcast
In February 2021, Obama and Bruce Springsteen started a podcast called Renegades: Born in the USA.
May 8, 2021: Death of Bo, the Obama's dog
On May 8, 2021, Bo, the Obama family's dog, a Portuguese Water Dog, died of cancer.
2021: End of Spending Limits
In 2021, the spending limits enforced by the Budget Control Act of 2011 expired.
March 4, 2022: Audio Publishers Association Award
On March 4, 2022, Obama won an Audio Publishers Association (APA) Award for his narration of his memoir A Promised Land.
2022: Opposition to Expanding the Supreme Court
In 2022, Obama opposed expanding the Supreme Court beyond the present nine Justices.
2022: Primetime Emmy Award
In 2022, Obama won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for Our Great National Parks.
2022: Biden's Twitter Account Uses Phrase
In 2022, President Joe Biden's Twitter account posted the phrase "thanks, Obama".
March 2023: Travel to Australia
In March 2023, Obama traveled to Australia as part of his speaking tour, meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and visiting Melbourne.
2023: Gallup Approval Rating
In 2023, Gallup's retrospective approval polls of former presidents gave Obama a 63 percent approval rating, ranking him among the most popular presidents since World War II.
2023: Primetime Emmy Award
In 2023, Obama won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for Working: What We Do All Day.
2023: Obama's Estimated Net Worth in 2023
In 2023, the $1.3 million Obama's net worth was in December 2007 was equivalent to $1.9 million.
2023: Value of Obama's Kenwood Home in 2023
In 2023, the $1.6 million house the Obama family bought in Kenwood, Chicago, in 2005 was equivalent to $2.5 million.
2023: Tax Relief Act of 2010 cost
The $858 billion Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 was equivalent to $1.2 trillion in 2023.
July 2024: 2024 Presidential Election
In July 2024, Obama expressed concerns about Biden's campaign viability, endorsed Harris and delivered a speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention formally endorsing her.
