History of Joe Biden in Timeline
Joe Biden served as the 46th President of the United States (2021-2025). A Democrat, he previously represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009. He also served as the 47th Vice President under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017.
2 hours ago : Biden Sues to Block DOJ Release of Interview Audio: Legal Battle Ensues
Joe Biden filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department to prevent the release of audio recordings from an interview. The suit aims to block the DOJ from making the recordings public amidst ongoing concerns.
1934: State Legislative Chambers Result
The 2022 midterm election was the first since 1934 in which the president's party lost no state legislative chambers.
November 20, 1942: Joe Biden's Birth
On November 20, 1942, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born.
1946: Family Purchased Home in Garden City
In 1946, Joe Biden's family purchased a home in Garden City, New York.
1953: Family Moved to Claymont, Delaware
In 1953, when Joe Biden was ten, his family moved to an apartment in Claymont, Delaware.
1961: Graduated from Archmere Academy
In 1961, Joe Biden graduated from Archmere Academy.
1965: Graduated from the University of Delaware
In 1965, Joe Biden graduated from the University of Delaware.
1965: Received Bachelor of Arts Degree
In 1965, Joe Biden received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware.
August 27, 1966: Marriage to Neilia Hunter
On August 27, 1966, Joe Biden married Neilia Hunter in a Catholic church in Skaneateles, New York.
1968: Clerked at Law Firm
In 1968, Joe Biden clerked at a law firm headed by William Prickett and identified as a Republican, later registering as an independent due to his distaste for Richard Nixon.
1968: Earned Juris Doctor
In 1968, Joe Biden earned a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law, though he initially failed a course due to plagiarism.
1968: Graduated from Syracuse University College of Law
In 1968, Joe Biden graduated from Syracuse University College of Law.
1968: Received Medical Deferment
In 1968, Joe Biden received a conditional medical deferment from the draft, reportedly due to having had "asthma as a teenager".
1968: Incumbent Declined to Run for Reelection
In 2024, after Joe Biden withdrew from the race, he became the first eligible incumbent to decline to run for reelection since 1968.
1969: Practiced Law
In 1969, Joe Biden resumed practicing law, first as a public defender in Wilmington, Delaware, then joined a firm headed by Sid Balick before starting his own firm, Biden and Walsh.
1969: Admitted to Delaware Bar
In 1969, Joe Biden was admitted to the Delaware bar.
1970: Ran for New Castle County Council
In 1970, Joe Biden ran for the fourth district seat on the New Castle County Council.
January 5, 1971: Took Office on New Castle County Council
On January 5, 1971, Joe Biden took office on the New Castle County Council.
December 18, 1972: Death of Wife and Daughter
On December 18, 1972, Joe Biden's wife Neilia and one-year-old daughter Naomi were killed in an automobile accident in Hockessin, Delaware.
1972: Elected as U.S. Senator
In 1972, Joe Biden defeated Republican incumbent J. Caleb Boggs to become the junior U.S. senator from Delaware.
January 1, 1973: End of Term on New Castle County Council
On January 1, 1973, Joe Biden's term on the New Castle County Council ended.
1973: Elected to the Senate
In 1973, Joe Biden began representing Delaware in the United States Senate.
1974: Described Political Positions
In 1974, Joe Biden described himself as liberal on civil rights and liberties, senior citizens' concerns, and healthcare, but conservative on other issues, including abortion and military conscription.
1975: Murder of FBI agents
In 1975, FBI agents were murdered and Leonard Peltier was convicted for those murders. Biden commuted Peltier's sentence to house arrest in December 2024.
1975: Met Jill Tracy Jacobs
In 1975, Joe Biden met Jill Tracy Jacobs on a blind date.
1976: Use of Hubert Humphrey Passage
In 1976 Joe Biden used a passage by Hubert Humphrey.
1976: Supported Measure Forbidding Federal Funds for Busing
In 1976, Joe Biden supported a measure forbidding the use of federal funds for transporting students beyond the school closest to them.
1976: Endorsed Jimmy Carter
In 1976, Joe Biden was the first U.S. senator to endorse Governor Jimmy Carter for president in the Democratic primary.
June 17, 1977: Married Jill Tracy Jacobs
On June 17, 1977, Joe Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs at the United Nations chapel in New York.
1977: Co-sponsored Amendment Closing Loopholes in Busing Measure
In 1977, Joe Biden co-sponsored an amendment closing loopholes in a measure that forbade the use of federal funds for transporting students beyond the school closest to them.
1978: Re-elected to U.S. Senate
In 1978, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
1978: Carter Signed Amendment into Law
In 1978, President Carter signed the amendment that Joe Biden co-sponsored into law.
1979: SALT II Treaty Signed
In 1979, the SALT II Treaty was signed by Soviet general secretary Leonid Brezhnev and President Carter, but it was not ratified by Congress. Joe Biden later met with Soviet foreign minister Andrei Gromyko and secured changes.
1980: Biden Loses American Samoa Contest
In 2024, Joe Biden lost the American Samoa contest to venture capitalist Jason Palmer, becoming the first incumbent president to lose a contest while appearing on the ballot since Jimmy Carter in 1980.
1981: Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee
In 1981, Joe Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
1981: Birth of Ashley Biden
In 1981, Joe and Jill Biden had a daughter, Ashley Biden.
1984: Objected to Strategic Defense Initiative
In 1984, Joe Biden objected to the Strategic Defense Initiative plan to construct autonomous systems of ICBM defense at a congressional hearing.
1984: Comprehensive Crime Control Act
In 1984, Joe Biden was a Democratic floor manager for the successful passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act. Supporters praised him for modifying some of the law's worst provisions.
1984: Re-elected to U.S. Senate
In 1984, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
1986: Midterm Election Result
The 2022 midterm election was the first midterm election since 1986 in which the incumbent president's party achieved a net gain in governorships.
June 9, 1987: Announcement of Candidacy for 1988 Presidential Nomination
On June 9, 1987, Joe Biden declared his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination. He was considered a strong candidate.
September 23, 1987: Withdrawal from 1988 Presidential Race
On September 23, 1987, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy from the 1988 presidential race after accusations of plagiarism and false claims about his academic record.
1987: Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary
In 1987, Joe Biden became the chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
February 1988: Surgery for Intracranial Berry Aneurysm
In February 1988, Joe Biden underwent surgery to correct a leaking intracranial berry aneurysm. While recuperating, he suffered a pulmonary embolism.
1988: Unsuccessful Presidential Run
In 1988, Joe Biden ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination.
1988: Robert Bork Nomination Hearings
In 1988, as chair, Joe Biden presided over the contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Robert Bork. Biden reversed his approval of a hypothetical Bork nomination. Bork's nomination was rejected in the committee by a 5–9 vote and then in the full Senate, 42–58.
1988: Presidential Campaign
Joe Biden was a candidate for the 1988 presidential nomination
1989: Relationship with MBNA Began
Since 1989, Joe Biden's campaigns received contributions from MBNA and he was viewed as being close to the credit card company.
1990: Re-elected to U.S. Senate
In 1990, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
1991: Began Teaching at Widener University
In 1991, Joe Biden began co-teaching a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor.
1991: Opposition to Gulf War Authorization
In 1991, Joe Biden voted against authorization for the Gulf War. He also became interested in the Yugoslav Wars after hearing about Serbian abuses during the Croatian War of Independence.
1991: Kevin Nealon Portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live
In 1991, Kevin Nealon was the first person to portray Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.
1991: Clarence Thomas Nomination Hearings
In 1991, during Clarence Thomas's nomination hearings, Joe Biden's questions on constitutional issues were often convoluted. The full Senate confirmed Thomas by a 52–48 vote, with Biden opposed. Liberal legal advocates and women's groups felt strongly that Biden had mishandled the hearings and not done enough to support Anita Hill.
1992: Public Perception of the Economy was Worse Only in 1992
According to Gallup, the public perception of the economy in 2024 was worse only in 2008 and 1992.
April 1993: Meeting with Slobodan Milošević
In April 1993, Joe Biden had a tense three-hour meeting with Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević.
1993: Military Ban on Homosexuals
In 1993, Joe Biden voted for a provision that deemed homosexuality incompatible with military life, thereby banning gay people from serving in the armed forces.
1993: Alleged Sexual Assault by Tara Reade
In 1993, according to allegations made by Tara Reade in 2020, Joe Biden sexually assaulted her. These allegations were denied by Biden and his campaign.
1994: Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act
In 1994, Joe Biden helped pass the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which included a ban on assault weapons, and the Violence Against Women Act, which he has called his most significant legislation. The 1994 crime law was unpopular among progressives and criticized for resulting in mass incarceration.
1995: Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee
In 1995, Joe Biden was the ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
1996: Defense of Marriage Act
In 1996, Joe Biden voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.
1996: Re-elected to U.S. Senate
In 1996, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
1997: Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In 1997, Joe Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
1997: Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee
In 1997, Joe Biden was the ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
1999: Support for NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia
In 1999, during the Kosovo War, Joe Biden supported the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. He and Senator John McCain co-sponsored the McCain-Biden Kosovo Resolution, which called on Clinton to use all necessary force.
2000: Bankruptcy Legislation Veto
In 2000, Joe Biden sponsored bankruptcy legislation sought by credit card issuers. Bill Clinton vetoed the bill that year.
2000: William Roth Defeated
In 2000, William Roth, the senator who Joe Biden was junior to, was defeated.
June 2001: Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In June 2001, Joe Biden became the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
October 2002: Vote in Favor of Iraq War Authorization
In October 2002, Joe Biden, as head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, voted in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq, approving the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
2002: Re-elected to U.S. Senate
In 2002, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
2003: End of Chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In 2003, Joe Biden's chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ended.
2005: Calling Iraq War Vote a Mistake
By 2005, Joe Biden called his 2002 vote for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq a "mistake", but did not push for withdrawal.
2005: Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act
In 2005, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act passed, with Joe Biden being one of only 18 Democrats to vote for it, while leading Democrats and consumer rights organizations opposed it.
2005: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Level
In 2005, the baseline year from which the Rhodium Group used to analyse the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act.
2005: Baseline Year for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction
In April 2021, Joe Biden announced a goal to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 50%-52% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, which served as the baseline for measuring the reduction.
January 2007: Announcement of 2008 Presidential Candidacy
In January 2007, Joe Biden declared his candidacy in the 2008 presidential elections.
September 2007: Non-Binding Resolution Endorsing Iraq Division Plan
In September 2007, a non-binding resolution endorsing Joe Biden's plan to divide Iraq into a loose federation of three ethnic states passed the Senate, but the idea failed to gain traction.
2007: Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In 2007, Joe Biden became the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
2007: Relationship with Barack Obama
In 2007, Joe Biden got to know Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign, and Biden became convinced Obama was "the real deal".
January 3, 2008: Withdrawal from 2008 Presidential Race
On January 3, 2008, Joe Biden placed fifth in the Iowa caucuses and withdrew from the 2008 presidential race.
August 2008: Selection as Obama's Running Mate
In August 2008, Barack Obama and Joe Biden met to discuss the possibility of a place for Biden in the Obama administration, and developed a strong personal rapport. On August 22, Obama announced that Biden would be his running mate.
September 2008: Vote for Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
In September 2008, as the 2008 financial crisis reached a peak, Joe Biden voted for the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which passed in the Senate.
2008: Public Perception of the Economy was Worse Only in 2008
According to Gallup, the public perception of the economy in 2024 was worse only in 2008 and 1992.
2008: Chosen as Running Mate
In 2008, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate.
2008: Jason Sudeikis Portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live
In 2008, Jason Sudeikis portrayed Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live during the election.
2008: Ended Teaching at Widener University
In 2008, Joe Biden ended his time co-teaching at Widener University School of Law.
2008: Re-elected to U.S. Senate
In 2008, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
2008: Spokesperson Addressed Deferment
In 2008, a spokesperson for Joe Biden said his having had "asthma as a teenager" was the reason he received a conditional medical deferment from the draft in 1968.
2008: Worst Year for Stocks Since 2008
In 2022, stocks had their worst year since 2008 before recovering.
2008: 2008 Presidential Campaign
Joe Biden was a candidate in the 2008 presidential elections
2008: Stature in the Political World
Joe Biden's 2008 campaign raised his stature in the political world.
January 2009: Resignation from the Senate
In January 2009, Joe Biden resigned from the Senate on January 15, after being reelected to both the Senate and the vice presidency.
January 20, 2009: Sworn in as Vice President
On January 20, 2009, Joe Biden was sworn in as Vice President of the United States. He stated his intention to eliminate some roles assumed by Dick Cheney and not emulate any previous vice presidency. He became the first vice president from Delaware and the first Roman Catholic vice president.
April 2009: Swine Flu Outbreak Gaffe
In April 2009, Joe Biden's off-message response to a question during the swine flu outbreak led to a swift retraction by the White House, reviving Biden's reputation for gaffes.
May 2009: Visit to Kosovo
In May 2009, Joe Biden visited Kosovo and affirmed the U.S. position that its "independence is irreversible".
July 2009: Acknowledged Misreading Economy
In July 2009, Vice President Biden acknowledged the Obama administration had "misread how bad the economy was" in light of rising unemployment. However, he remained confident the stimulus package would create more jobs.
November 2009: Biden's Net Worth
As of November 2009, Joe Biden's net worth was $27,012.
2009: Became Vice President
In 2009, Joe Biden became the 47th Vice President under President Barack Obama.
2009: End of Chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In 2009, Joe Biden's chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ended.
March 23, 2010: Hot Mic Incident
On March 23, 2010, a hot mic picked up Joe Biden telling Barack Obama that his signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was "a big fucking deal".
October 2010: Obama Asks Biden to Remain as Running Mate
In October 2010, Joe Biden stated that Barack Obama had asked him to remain as his running mate for the 2012 presidential election.
December 2010: Tax Package Compromise
In December 2010, Joe Biden's advocacy for a middle ground and negotiations with Mitch McConnell were instrumental in producing the Obama administration's compromise tax package, which included a temporary extension of the Bush tax cuts.
February 2011: Completed Stimulus Package Oversight
In February 2011, Joe Biden completed his role overseeing infrastructure spending from the Obama stimulus package. He reported the number of fraud incidents with stimulus monies had been less than one percent.
May 2011: Debt Ceiling Crisis Negotiations
During the 2011 U.S. debt ceiling crisis, Joe Biden led negotiations with Congress. His relationship with Mitch McConnell led to the Budget Control Act of 2011 that solved the crisis. Some reports suggest Biden opposed proceeding with the May 2011 U.S. mission to kill Osama bin Laden.
May 2012: Statement on Same-Sex Marriage
In May 2012, Joe Biden's statement that he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex marriage gained considerable public attention. He made the statement without administration consent, and within days, President Obama announced that he too supported same-sex marriage, an action in part forced by Biden's remarks.
August 2012: Remark on Wall Street Regulations
In August 2012, Joe Biden remarked before a mixed-race audience that Republican proposals to relax Wall Street regulations would "put y'all back in chains" again, drawing attention to his propensity for colorful remarks.
December 2012: Gun Violence Task Force
In December 2012, Barack Obama named Joe Biden to head the Gun Violence Task Force, created to address the causes of school shootings and consider possible gun control measures after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
2012: Biden Supports Same-Sex Marriage
Joe Biden has supported same-sex marriage since 2012.
January 20, 2013: Inaugurated to Second Term
On January 20, 2013, Joe Biden was inaugurated to a second term as Vice President at a small ceremony at Number One Observatory Circle.
2013: Biden's Memory Lapses
In 2013, as part of an investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents, special counsel Robert Hur noted that Biden did not remember when he was vice president, specifically stating, "if it was 2013—when did I stop being vice president?" Hur also mentioned that Biden did not recall when his son Beau died, and assessed that his memory "appeared to have significant limitations".
January 2014: White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault
In January 2014, the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault was begun with Joe Biden and Valerie Jarrett as co-chairs.
2014: Biden's Exaggerations Noted by The New Yorker
In 2014, The New Yorker noted Joe Biden's tendency to embellish elements of his life or exaggerate his experiences.
2014: Federal offenses
In December 2024, Biden issued a "full and unconditional" pardon to his son Hunter that covered all federal offenses between that day and 2014.
2014: Previous High Deportation Level
The period from October 2023 to September 2024 saw the highest level of deportations from the U.S. since 2014.
2015: Death of Beau Biden
In 2015, Joe Biden's son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer.
2015: Obergefell v. Hodges
In 2015, the Defense of Marriage Act, which Joe Biden voted for in 1996, was ruled unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges.
2016: Greg Kinnear Portrays Biden in Confirmation
In 2016, Greg Kinnear portrayed Joe Biden in the HBO television film Confirmation, about the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination hearings.
2016: Biden Appears in Law & Order: SVU
Joe Biden appears as himself in a 2016 episode of Law & Order: SVU.
January 20, 2017: Left Office as Vice President
On January 20, 2017, Joe Biden left office as Vice President of the United States and was succeeded by Mike Pence. Biden then became an honorary professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
2017: End of Vice Presidency
In 2017, Joe Biden's term as Vice President ended.
2017: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
Joe Biden proposed partially reversing the corporate tax cuts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
2017: Biden Signs With Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Joe Biden signed with talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) from 2017 to 2020.
January 2018: Time for Biden PAC Formed
In January 2018, a political action committee known as Time for Biden was formed, signaling early speculation about a potential 2020 presidential run.
2018: Senate went Republican
In the 2024 general election, the Senate went Republican for the first time since 2018.
March 2019: Biden Says He is a Bridge to the Future
In March 2019, Joe Biden stated that he viewed himself as a "bridge" to the next generation of leaders, emphasizing his support for emerging figures in the Democratic Party.
April 25, 2019: Launched Presidential Campaign
On April 25, 2019, Joe Biden launched his campaign for president, citing worries about the Trump administration and a "sense of duty".
September 2019: Trump Pressures Ukraine to Investigate Biden
In September 2019, it was reported that Donald Trump had pressured Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate alleged wrongdoing by Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, leading to a political scandal and Trump's impeachment.
2019: Biden Supported Roe v. Wade and Repealing the Hyde Amendment
In 2019, Joe Biden said he supported Roe v. Wade and repealing the Hyde Amendment.
2019: Regret over Treatment of Anita Hill
In 2019, Joe Biden told Anita Hill he regretted his treatment of her during the 1991 Clarence Thomas nomination hearings, but Hill said afterward she remained unsatisfied.
2019: Initial Allegations of Inappropriate Contact
In 2019, Tara Reade was among eight women who accused Joe Biden of inappropriate physical contact. Reade later made further allegations in 2020 regarding an incident from 1993.
February 2020: US-Taliban Agreement Provisions
In February 2020, American forces had begun withdrawing from Afghanistan under the provisions of the US-Taliban agreement, which set a May 1, 2021, deadline.
February 2020: Trump Administration Deal with the Taliban
In February 2020, the Trump administration made a deal with the Taliban to completely withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan by May 1, 2021. This timeline was later adjusted by the Biden administration.
March 2020: Tara Reade Accusation
In late March 2020, Tara Reade accused Joe Biden of sexual assault, relating to an alleged incident in 1993. These allegations were denied by Biden and his campaign.
April 8, 2020: Sanders Suspends Campaign
On April 8, 2020, Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign, making Joe Biden the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party.
November 2020: The Bidens' Net Worth
By November 2020, the Bidens were worth $9 million, largely due to sales of Biden's books and speaking fees after his vice presidency.
November 2020: Biden Elected President
In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected as the 46th President of the United States, defeating incumbent Donald Trump. Trump made false claims of widespread election fraud.
December 2020: CPI Before Biden's Term
From December 2020 to December 2024, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 21.3% overall, with an annualized inflation rate of 5.3% throughout Biden's term in office.
2020: Campaign Promise
During his 2020 campaign, Biden promised to end the practice with private prison companies, but in his final year of presidency the Biden administration worked to extend at least 14 contracts with private prison companies to run immigrant detention centers.
2020: Biden Portrayed by Several Actors on Saturday Night Live
During the 2020 election, Joe Biden was played by John Mulaney, Alex Moffat, Mikey Day, Woody Harrelson, and Jim Carrey on Saturday Night Live.
2020: Won Presidential Election
In 2020, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris defeated Donald Trump and Mike Pence in the presidential election.
2020: Biden Ran on Decriminalizing Cannabis
In 2020, Joe Biden ran on decriminalizing cannabis, after advocating harsher penalties for drug use as a senator.
2020: Biden Signs With Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Joe Biden signed with talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) from 2017 to 2020.
January 6, 2021: Capitol Attack
On January 6, 2021, supporters of Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol Building while Congress was in session to certify the election results. Joe Biden condemned the events as an unprecedented assault.
January 2021: Border Patrol Encounters Begin
Beginning in January 2021, the US Border Patrol confirmed more than 7.2 million illegal migrants trying to cross the Mexico–United States border by January 2024.
January 20, 2021: Biden Inaugurated as President
On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. At 78, he was the oldest person to assume the presidency at that time.
February 2021: 98% Approval Rating from Democrats
In February 2021, Joe Biden had a 98% approval rating from Democrats.
February 2021: Ending Support for Saudi-led Bombing Campaign
In February 2021, the Biden administration announced the United States was ending its support for the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen and revoked the designation of Yemen's Houthis as terrorists.
March 2021: American Jobs Plan Proposed
In late March 2021, as part of the Build Back Better agenda, Biden proposed the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion package addressing transport, utilities, broadband infrastructure, housing, schools, manufacturing, research, and workforce development.
March 2021: Inflation Above Federal Reserve Target
The inflation rate remained above the Federal Reserve's 2% target every month since March 2021, leading to elevated interest rates.
May 1, 2021: Original Deadline for Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan
May 1, 2021 was the original deadline set by the Trump administration in February 2020 for the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. Joe Biden delayed the withdrawal.
June 2021: First Trip Abroad as President
In June 2021, Biden took his first trip abroad as president, visiting Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, and attending several summits.
July 2021: Biden Urges Vaccination Amid Delta Variant Spread
In July 2021, Joe Biden emphasized the importance of Americans getting vaccinated amid a slowing vaccination rate and the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.
August 2021: Decline in Approval Rating
In August 2021, Joe Biden's approval rating began to decline, attributed to the Afghanistan withdrawal, increasing hospitalizations from the Delta variant, high inflation and gas prices, disarray within the Democratic Party, and a general decline in popularity customary in politics.
August 2021: Senate Passes Infrastructure Bill
In August 2021, the Senate passed a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
September 2021: Announcement of AUKUS Security Pact
In September 2021, President Biden announced AUKUS, a security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
November 2021: House Approves Infrastructure Bill
In early November 2021, the House approved the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, covering infrastructure related to transport, utilities, and broadband.
2021: Judicial Appointments
By the end of 2021, Biden had 40 nominees to the federal judiciary confirmed, and he prioritized diversity in his appointments, with most being women and people of color.
2021: Immigration Policies
In 2021, Biden unveiled the U.S. Citizenship Act and moved to dismantle several Trump-era policies, including halting border wall construction and ending the travel ban on Muslim-majority countries.
2021: Became 46th President
In 2021, Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States.
2021: Biden Officially Recognized the Armenian Genocide
In 2021, Joe Biden officially recognized the Armenian genocide, becoming the first U.S. president to do so.
2021: American Rescue Plan Act Signed into Law
In 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law. This was a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package designed to help the United States recover from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Biden Revokes Trump's Security Clearance
In 2021, President Joe Biden revoked Donald Trump's security clearance for his role in inciting the January 6 Capitol attack. This action was a reversal of traditional practices.
2021: Biden Promotes Climate Agreement at COP26
In 2021, before and during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Biden promoted an agreement for the U.S. and the European Union to cut methane emissions by a third by 2030.
2021: Surge in Illegal Border Crossings
In 2021, illegal border crossings at the Mexico-United States border began to surge when Biden assumed office.
2021: Strong Real GDP Growth
In 2021, the US experienced robust growth in real GDP at 5.9%.
2021: Introduction of Honoring our PACT Act
The Honoring our PACT Act was introduced in 2021 and later signed into law by President Biden on August 10, 2022, to improve healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic substances.
January 2022: Justice Breyer Announces Retirement
In January 2022, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his intention to retire.
January 2022: Minimum Wage Increase for Federal Contractors
In January 2022, an executive order signed by Biden to increase the minimum wage for federal contractors to $15 per hour went into effect for 390,000 workers.
February 2022: Counterterrorism raid in Syria
In early February 2022, President Biden ordered a counterterrorism raid in northern Syria, resulting in the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, the second leader of the Islamic State.
April 2022: Biden Signs Postal Service Reform Act
In April 2022, Joe Biden signed into law the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act of 2022. This was done to revamp the finances and operations of the United States Postal Service agency.
June 2022: Inflation Peaked at 9%
In June 2022, the inflation rate in the U.S. peaked at 9%.
June 25, 2022: Biden Signs Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
On June 25, 2022, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law, which aimed to address gun reform issues following the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
July 21, 2022: Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19
On July 21, 2022, Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 with reportedly mild symptoms. He was treated with Paxlovid and worked in isolation at the White House for five days.
August 7, 2022: Senate Passes Inflation Reduction Act
On August 7, 2022, the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act, with all Democrats voting in favor and all Republicans opposed, and Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie.
August 9, 2022: Biden Signs CHIPS and Science Act
On August 9, 2022, President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law, allocating billions of dollars for domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors.
August 10, 2022: Honoring our PACT Act Signed into Law
On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 into law. The act intended to improve healthcare access and funding for veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service.
September 2, 2022: Speech and Midterm Elections
On September 2, 2022, Biden delivered a nationally broadcast speech in Philadelphia calling for a "battle for the soul of the nation" and referred to Trump supporters as "semi-fascists."
October 2022: Pardons for Cannabis Possession
In October 2022, Biden pardoned all Americans convicted of "small" amounts of cannabis possession under federal law.
November 2022: Discovery of Classified Documents at Penn Biden Center
In November 2022, President Biden's attorneys found classified documents dating from his vice presidency in a "locked closet" at the Penn Biden Center. The documents were reported to the U.S. National Archives.
December 2022: No TikTok on Government Devices Act
In December 2022, President Biden signed the No TikTok on Government Devices Act, prohibiting the use of TikTok on devices owned by the federal government.
2022: Congress approved aid to Ukraine
In 2022, Congress approved about $113 billion in aid to Ukraine.
2022: Biden Blocks Railroad Strike
In 2022, Joe Biden blocked a national railroad strike planned by multiple labor unions.
2022: Biden Signs Respect for Marriage Act
In 2022, Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act and requires federal recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages.
2022: House Passed Bill Codifying Roe
In 2022, Joe Biden vowed to sign a bill codifying the protections of Roe v Wade into federal law; such a bill passed the House in 2022, but was unable to clear the Senate filibuster.
2022: Real GDP Growth Cools
In 2022, after 5.9% growth in 2021, real GDP growth cooled to 2.1%, with concerns about a recession during the first half of the year.
2022: Biden's Political Skill
In 2022, journalist Sasha Issenberg wrote that Joe Biden's "most valuable political skill" was "an innate compass for the ever-shifting mainstream of the Democratic Party".
2022: Inflation Reduction Act Passed
In 2022, part of Joe Biden's Build Back Better Act was incorporated into the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed into law.
2022: Siena College Survey Ranks Biden 19th out of 45 Presidents
The Siena College Research Institute's 2022 survey ranked Joe Biden 19th out of 45 presidents.
January 11, 2023: House Investigative Committee into Biden's Son and Brother
On January 11, 2023, the House of Representatives launched an investigative committee into the foreign business activities of President Biden's son, Hunter, and brother, James.
January 12, 2023: Appointment of Special Counsel Robert K. Hur
On January 12, 2023, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Robert K. Hur as special counsel to investigate "possible unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or other records" related to President Biden.
February 4, 2023: Shooting Down of Chinese Surveillance Balloon
On February 4, 2023, President Biden ordered the United States Air Force to shoot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of South Carolina.
February 2023: Unemployment Rate Falls to 53-Year Low
In February 2023, the unemployment rate fell to 3.4%, a 53-year low.
March 2023: Bank Failures and Regulatory Response
In March 2023, three small- to mid-size U.S. banks failed, leading to a drop in global bank stock prices and a quick response from regulators to prevent a wider crisis. After the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Biden opposed a taxpayer bailout, suggesting that the weakening of Dodd-Frank regulations contributed to the bank's failure.
April 4, 2023: Finnish Ascension into NATO
On April 4, 2023, Finland formally ascended into NATO.
April 25, 2023: Biden Confirms Reelection Run
On April 25, 2023, Joe Biden confirmed he would run for reelection as president in the 2024 election, with Kamala Harris as his running mate. A Gallup poll on the same day showed his approval rating at 37 percent, with the economy being the primary concern for most surveyed.
May 2023: Troops Sent to Border as Title 42 Expires
In May 2023, the Biden administration approved sending 1,500 more troops to the U.S.-Mexico border as Title 42 expired.
July 2023: Biden Announces Measures to Combat Heat Waves
In July 2023, as heat waves hit the United States, Biden announced measures to protect the population and linked the heat waves to climate change.
September 2023: COVID-19 Student Loan Pause Extended
In September 2023, Biden extended the COVID-19 student loan pause.
October 2023: Record Low Approval Rating Among Democrats
By October 2023, Joe Biden's approval rating among Democrats had reached a record low of 75%.
October 2023: Easing Inflation Rate
By October 2023, the inflation rate had eased to 3.2% after peaking at 9.1% in June 2022.
October 2023: Domestic Oil Production Reached Record High
Despite Joe Biden's clean energy policies and congressional Republicans characterizing them as a "War on American Energy", domestic oil production reached a record high in October 2023.
October 2023: High Deportation Levels
From October 2023 to September 2024, deportations from the U.S. reached the highest level since 2014.
October 2023: Request for Additional Aid to Ukraine
In October 2023, the Biden administration requested an additional $61.4 billion in aid for Ukraine for the year ahead.
December 13, 2023: Formalization of Impeachment Inquiry into Biden
On December 13, 2023, the House of Representatives voted 221–212 to formalize an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
December 2023: Congressional Investigations Find No Evidence of Wrongdoing by Biden
As of December 2023, congressional investigations, including by the House Oversight committee, have discovered no evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden.
December 2023: Pardons for Cannabis Use
In December 2023, Biden pardoned Americans for cannabis use or possession on federal lands regardless of whether they had been charged or prosecuted.
December 2023: All-Time High in Border Crossings
In December 2023, illegal border crossings at the Mexico-United States border reached an all-time monthly high.
2023: Debt Limit Deal
In 2023, Biden and congressional Republicans faced a standoff over the U.S. debt limit. They reached a deal, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which Biden signed to suspend the debt limit until January 2025, averting a potential default.
2023: Removal of Basal-Cell Carcinoma
In 2023, Joe Biden had a basal-cell carcinoma removed from his chest.
2023: Lowest Approval Rating of Modern U.S. President
In 2023, Joe Biden's approval rating was the lowest of any modern U.S. president after three years in office.
January 2024: Migrants Admitted Under Humanitarian Parole
As of January 2024, over a million migrants had been admitted to the U.S. under humanitarian parole, a measure used by Biden to mitigate illegal border crossings.
January 2024: Border Patrol Encounters End
Between January 2021 and January 2024, the US Border Patrol confirmed more than 7.2 million illegal migrants trying to cross the Mexico–United States border.
January 2024: Support for Bipartisan Immigration Deal
In January 2024, Biden expressed support for a proposed bipartisan immigration deal led by Senators Kyrsten Sinema and James Lankford.
January 17, 2024: House Passes Resolution Denouncing Border Handling
On January 17, 2024, a Republican-led non-binding resolution denouncing the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the U.S. southern border passed the House of Representatives.
February 8, 2024: No Charges Brought Against Biden in Classified Documents Case
On February 8, 2024, Special Counsel Robert Hur announced that no charges would be brought against President Biden regarding the handling of classified documents.
February 2024: Biden Ranked 14th-Greatest President
A February 2024 American Political Science Association poll of historians and scholars also ranked Joe Biden the 14th-greatest president, diverging from public assessments.
February 2024: Charges Against Alexander Smirnov for False Statements
In February 2024, Alexander Smirnov, a former intelligence informant prominent in bribery allegations against President Biden, was charged with making false statements, admitting he publicized a false story given to him by Russian intelligence.
February 29, 2024: Reaction to Killing of Palestinian Civilians Receiving Aid
Following the killing of Palestinian civilians receiving food aid on February 29, 2024, President Biden stated that the current level of aid flowing into Gaza was insufficient.
March 2024: Gallup poll disapproving of Israeli conduct during the war
In March 2024 a Gallup poll found that a strong majority of Americans disapproved of Israeli conduct during the war.
April 2024: Gaza war protests on university campuses
Beginning in April 2024, widespread Gaza war protests emerged on university campuses, denouncing Biden.
April 2024: Plan to Protect Water Sources
In April 2024, Biden unveiled a plan to protect and restore natural water sources, covering 3.2 million hectares of wetlands and 161,000 km of waterways.
April 2024: Signing of Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act
In April 2024, President Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which could ban social networking services deemed to be a "foreign adversary controlled application."
April 2024: Additional aid to Ukraine
In April 2024, an additional $61 billion in aid was added to Ukraine.
May 2024: Increased Tariffs on Chinese Imports
In May 2024, the Biden administration doubled tariffs on solar cells and more than tripled tariffs on lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries imported from China, also raising tariffs on steel, aluminum, and medical materials.
May 31, 2024: Biden's Support for Israeli Ceasefire Proposal
On May 31, 2024, President Biden announced his support for an Israeli ceasefire proposal, noting Hamas was "no longer capable" of another large-scale attack. The ceasefire proposal aimed to establish a permanent ceasefire, release hostages, and reconstruct the Gaza Strip.
June 2024: Executive Order Restricting Border
In June 2024, Biden issued an executive order allowing the president to restrict the Mexico–U.S. border.
June 2024: Pledge Not to Pardon Hunter Biden
In June 2024, Biden pledged not to pardon his son Hunter.
June 2024: Biden Issues Executive Action on Immigration
In June 2024, Joe Biden issued an executive action offering amnesty to unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens. This program, which included a pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship, was later struck down.
June 2024: Concerns About Biden's Mental Acuity
In June 2024, public concern about Joe Biden's mental acuity was widely covered by the media after a weak performance in a presidential debate. Prior to this event, coverage was limited due to pushback from White House officials. After the 2024 election Biden stated that he may have been too old to serve a second term.
June 27, 2024: First Presidential Debate
On June 27, 2024, the first presidential debate was held between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Biden's performance received wide criticism, with commentators noting he frequently lost his train of thought and provided meandering answers. Polling indicated that most viewers believed Trump won. The debate raised questions about Biden's health and age, leading to calls for him to withdraw from the race.
July 2024: Approval Rating Falls to All-Time Low
In July 2024, just before he withdrew from the 2024 presidential election, Gallup found Joe Biden's approval rating had fallen to an all-time low of 36%.
July 17, 2024: Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19 Again
On July 17, 2024, Joe Biden again tested positive for COVID-19.
August 6, 2024: Harris Becomes Democratic Presidential Nominee
On August 6, 2024, Kamala Harris officially became the Democratic presidential nominee. This event occurred after Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Harris as his replacement.
August 2024: US Aid to Afghanistan Post-Withdrawal
As of August 2024, after the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan, the U.S. remained its biggest aid donor, spending at least $20.7 billion post-withdrawal. U.S. funding has helped support the Taliban government and stabilize Afghanistan's economy.
August 2024: Negotiation of 2024 Ankara prisoner exchange
In August 2024, President Biden negotiated and oversaw the 2024 Ankara prisoner exchange, which was the largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Cold War, involving the release of 26 people.
September 2024: High Deportation Levels
From October 2023 to September 2024, deportations from the U.S. reached the highest level since 2014.
September 25, 2024: House Resolution Condemning Biden Administration on Afghanistan Withdrawal
On September 25, 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the Biden administration for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, with ten Democrats and all Republicans voting in favor.
September 30, 2024: Student Loan Pause Protections End
On September 30, 2024, the "on ramp" period, which extended some protections against credit reporting, collection efforts, and late payment fees related to the COVID-19 student loan pause, ended.
October 2024: Biden Refuses to Block Port Strike
In October 2024, Joe Biden refused to block a port strike from the International Longshoremen's Association.
November 2024: Brokering Ceasefire Agreement in Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
In November 2024, the Biden administration announced that it had helped broker a ceasefire agreement in the Israel–Hezbollah conflict.
December 1, 2024: Pardon for Hunter Biden
On December 1, 2024, Biden issued a "full and unconditional" pardon to his son Hunter that covered all federal offenses between that day and 2014, breaking his June 2024 pledge not to do so.
December 2024: Gallup Poll: Negative Assessments of Biden's Presidency
A December 2024 Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans thought Joe Biden's presidency was below average or poor, 26% average, and 19% above average or outstanding, with negative assessments on economic, national, and international issues.
December 2024: Clemency Act
In December 2024, Biden granted clemency to about 1,500 nonviolent felons in home confinement.
December 2024: Biden Pardoned Hunter
In December 2024, Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, following his conviction on gun and tax charges.
December 2024: End of Term Inflation Rates
In December 2024, the last full month of Biden's term, the inflation rate reached 2.9% and the core inflation rate reached 3.2% on an annual basis.
2024: Dana Carvey Portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live
In 2024, Dana Carvey played the role of Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.
2024: Biden in the 2024 Democratic Presidential Primaries
In 2024, U.S. Representative Dean Phillips ran against Joe Biden in the Democratic presidential primaries, campaigning as a younger alternative. Biden won the New Hampshire primary as a write-in candidate, and secured victories in South Carolina, Nevada, and Michigan. He won 15 of 16 primaries on Super Tuesday. On March 6, Phillips suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden. On March 12, Biden reached more than the 1,968 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination, becoming the presumptive nominee.
2024: Withdrawal from Presidential Candidacy
In 2024, after intensifying scrutiny about his age and health following the first presidential debate, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy for reelection.
2024: Biden Promotes Economic Growth and Recovery
In 2024, during his campaign for reelection, Joe Biden promoted higher economic growth and recovery, frequently stating his intention to "finish the job" as a political rallying cry.
2024: Public Frustration Over Inflation Deems Presidency a Failure
In 2024, the public deemed Joe Biden's presidency a failure, particularly due to frustration over inflation, which helped Trump win the 2024 presidential election.
2024: Trump Defeats Harris
In the 2024 general election, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris. Trump won the popular vote over Harris by 49.8% to 48.3%.
2024: Harris's Loss to Trump in the Presidential Election
When Joe Biden left office in 2025, journalists and many Democrats viewed his presidency as a failure due to age and health concerns, public frustration over inflation, and Harris's loss to Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
January 2025: Biden Declares Equal Rights Amendment Ratified
In January 2025, Joe Biden declared the lapsed Equal Rights Amendment ratified as the "28th Amendment" to the constitution. The declaration has no formal effect.
January 2025: Debt Limit Suspended
In January 2025, the debt limit suspension agreed to as part of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which averted a potential default, is set to expire.
January 2025: Biden Claims He Could Have Defeated Trump
In a January 2025 interview, Joe Biden claimed he could have defeated Donald Trump had he not been persuaded to withdraw from the election, despite lagging behind Trump in polling.
January 2025: Final Approval Rating
Joe Biden's final approval rating in January 2025 was 40%, which was low but still higher than several other presidents' final approval ratings.
January 20, 2025: End of Biden's Presidential Term
On January 20, 2025, Joe Biden's term as President of the United States ended. At the end of his presidency, Biden designated former senior advisors to raise funds for his presidential library.
May 18, 2025: Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer with Bone Metastasis
On May 18, 2025, it was announced that Joe Biden had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer with bone metastasis during a routine physical examination.
2025: Oldest Sitting President and Cognitive Decline Perceptions
In 2025, Joe Biden was the oldest sitting president in U.S. history. Perceptions of his cognitive health had declined, particularly among Republicans and some media figures, and privately by some Democrats. Biden's family and White House staff were noted to have been insulating him from scrutiny regarding his age and perceived decline in acuity.
2025: End of Presidency
In 2025, Joe Biden's term as President of the United States ended.
2025: Oldest Living Former U.S. President
Since Donald Trump's second inauguration in 2025, Joe Biden is the oldest living former U.S. president.
2025: Biden's Presidency Viewed as a Failure
When Joe Biden left office in 2025, journalists and many Democrats viewed his presidency as a failure due to age and health concerns, public frustration over inflation, and Harris's loss to Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
March 6, 2026: Speech at Jesse Jackson's Memorial Service
On March 6, 2026, Joe Biden gave a speech at civil rights activist Jesse Jackson's memorial service.
2030: Projected Reduction in Emissions
According to an analysis, the Inflation Reduction Act will lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions between 31 percent and 44 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
2030: Methane Emissions Reduction Target
By 2030, the U.S. and the European Union agreed to cut methane emissions by a third, an agreement promoted by Biden in 2021.
2030: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target
During an international climate summit held on April 22-23, Joe Biden announced the U.S. would aim to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50%-52% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
2035: Biden's Goal for Carbon-Free Power Sector
Joe Biden wants to achieve a carbon-free power sector in the U.S. by 2035.
2050: Biden's Goal to Stop Emissions Completely
Joe Biden wants to stop emissions completely by 2050.
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