Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joe Biden

1968: Clerked at Wilmington Law Firm

In 1968, Joe Biden clerked at a Wilmington law firm headed by William Prickett.

1968: Nixon Elected President

In 1968, Richard Nixon was elected president.

1969: Practiced Law in Delaware

In 1969, Joe Biden practiced law, first as a public defender and then at a law firm, also forming his own law firm and supplementing his income by managing properties.

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.

1972: Elected U.S. Senator from Delaware

In 1972, Joe Biden defeated Republican incumbent J. Caleb Boggs to become the junior U.S. senator from Delaware.

1972: Elected to U.S. Senate

In 1972, Joe Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate representing 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.

1974: Interview Describing Political Views

In a 1974 interview, 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.

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, as part of the debate around race-integration busing.

1976: Endorsement of Jimmy Carter

In 1976, Joe Biden was the first U.S. senator to endorse Governor Jimmy Carter for president in the Democratic primary.

1977: Co-sponsored Amendment Closing Busing Loopholes

In 1977, Joe Biden co-sponsored an amendment closing loopholes in the measure forbidding 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: Busing Amendment Signed into Law

In 1978, the amendment closing loopholes in the measure forbidding the use of federal funds for transporting students beyond the school closest to them, co-sponsored by Joe Biden, was signed into law by President Carter.

1979: Arms Control Efforts

After Congress failed to ratify the SALT II Treaty signed in 1979 by Soviet general secretary Leonid Brezhnev and President Carter, Joe Biden met with Soviet foreign minister Andrei Gromyko and secured changes that addressed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's objections.

1980: Jimmy Carter's presidential contest

In 1980, Jimmy Carter became the last incumbent president before Joe Biden in 2024 to lose a contest while appearing on the ballot.

1981: Became ranking minority member of Senate Committee on the Judiciary

In 1981, Joe Biden became a ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary until 1987.

1981: Ranking Minority Member of Senate Judiciary Committee

In 1981, Joe Biden became ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

1984: Criticism of Reagan Administration's South Africa Policy

In 1984, Joe Biden excoriated Secretary of State George Shultz at a Senate hearing for the Reagan administration's support of South Africa despite its policy of apartheid.

1984: Passage of Comprehensive Crime Control Act

In 1984, Joe Biden was a Democratic floor manager for the successful passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act.

1984: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

In 1984, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

June 9, 1987: Declared candidacy for 1988 Democratic presidential nomination

On June 9, 1987, Joe Biden declared his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination. He was considered a strong candidate due to his moderate image and speaking ability.

September 23, 1987: Withdrew from the 1988 presidential race

On September 23, 1987, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination. This decision came after accusations of plagiarism and false or exaggerated claims about his academic record.

1987: Chaired Senate Committee on the Judiciary

From 1987 to 1995, Joe Biden chaired the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. This role gave him significant influence over judicial nominations and legislation related to legal matters.

1988: Unsuccessful run for Democratic presidential nomination

In 1988, Joe Biden ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination.

1988: Sought Democratic presidential nomination

In 1988, Joe Biden was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, but later withdrew from the race due to plagiarism accusations and other controversies.

1988: Presided over Robert Bork Supreme Court confirmation hearing

In 1988, as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Joe Biden presided over the highly contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearing for Robert Bork. Biden reversed his previous approval of a hypothetical Bork nomination. Despite anger from conservatives, Biden was praised for his fairness, humor, and courage during the hearings, framing his objections to Bork in terms of constitutional interpretation. Bork's nomination was rejected.

1990: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

In 1990, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

1991: Began Co-teaching at Widener University

From 1991 to 2008, Joe Biden co-taught a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor, beginning in 1991.

1991: Opposed Gulf War

In 1991, Joe Biden opposed the Gulf War.

1991: Oversaw Clarence Thomas's nomination hearings

In 1991, Joe Biden oversaw Clarence Thomas's nomination hearings. His questions were often convoluted, and after the committee hearing closed, Anita Hill accused Thomas of making unwelcome sexual comments. Biden's handling of the situation drew criticism.

1991: Voted against authorization for the Gulf War

In 1991, Joe Biden voted against the authorization for the Gulf War, a significant decision that reflected his views on the use of military force.

April 1993: Met with Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević

In April 1993, Joe Biden had a tense three-hour meeting with Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević. Biden had become interested in the Yugoslav Wars after hearing about Serbian abuses during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991. Biden worked on versions of legislative language urging the U.S. toward greater involvement.

1994: Passage of Crime Bill and Violence Against Women 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.

1995: Became ranking minority member of Senate Committee on the Judiciary

In 1995, Joe Biden became a ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, having chaired the committee from 1987 until 1995.

1996: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

In 1996, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

1997: Became ranking minority member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 1997, Joe Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, marking a significant step in his career focused on foreign policy.

1997: Ended term as ranking minority member of Senate Committee on the Judiciary

In 1997, Joe Biden ended his term as ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

1999: Supported the NATO bombing of FR Yugoslavia

In 1999, during the Kosovo War, Joe Biden supported the NATO bombing of FR Yugoslavia. He co-sponsored the McCain-Biden Kosovo Resolution, which called on President Clinton to use all necessary force, including ground troops, to confront Milošević over Yugoslav actions toward Kosovo Albanians.

2000: Bankruptcy legislation vetoed by Clinton

In 2000, Joe Biden sponsored bankruptcy legislation sought by credit card issuers, however, Bill Clinton vetoed the bill. This legislation was a point of contention between Democrats and Republicans.

2000: William Roth Defeated

In 2000, William Roth was defeated, after which Joe Biden became the senior Senator for Delaware.

June 2001: Chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In June 2001, Joe Biden became the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he held until 2003. This role allowed him to shape U.S. foreign policy and engage with international leaders.

October 2002: Voted in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq

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. Biden later called this role a "mistake".

2002: Voted in favor of Iraq War Resolution

In 2002, Joe Biden voted in favor of the Iraq War Resolution.

2002: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

In 2002, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

2003: Ended first term as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 2003, Joe Biden's first term as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee came to an end.

2005: Greenhouse Gas Emission Baseline

An analysis referenced in 2022 by the Rhodium Group projected that the Inflation Reduction Act would lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions between 31 and 44 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

2005: Voted for 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. This legislation had been vetoed by Bill Clinton in 2000 and was opposed by leading Democrats and consumer rights organizations.

2006: Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan

As the ISIL insurgency in Iraq intensified in 2014, renewed attention was paid to the Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan of 2006, with some observers suggesting Biden had been right all along.

2006: Shifted stance on the Iraq War

By late 2006, Joe Biden's stance on the Iraq War had shifted considerably. He became critical of the war and advocated for a political solution.

January 2007: Declared candidacy for the 2008 elections

In January 2007, Joe Biden declared his candidacy for the 2008 presidential election. He focused on the Iraq War, his record as chairman of major Senate committees, and his foreign-policy experience.

September 2007: Resolution endorsing the division of Iraq passed in the Senate

In September 2007, Joe Biden opposed the troop surge of 2007. Biden instead advocated dividing Iraq into a loose federation of three ethnic states. A non-binding resolution endorsing the plan passed the Senate, but the idea failed to gain traction.

2007: Chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee again

In 2007, Joe Biden once again chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, solidifying his role as a leading voice on foreign policy. He remained in this position until 2009.

January 3, 2008: Placed fifth in the Iowa caucuses and withdrew from the race

On January 3, 2008, Joe Biden placed fifth in the Iowa caucuses, garnering slightly less than one percent of the state delegates. He withdrew from the race that evening.

August 2008: Met with Obama to discuss a place in the administration

In August 2008, Joe Biden met with Barack Obama in secret to discuss the possibility of a place for Biden in the Obama administration and developed a strong personal rapport.

August 22, 2008: Announced as Obama's running mate

On August 22, 2008, Barack Obama announced that Joe Biden would be his running mate. This choice reflected a desire for someone with foreign policy and national security experience.

September 2008: Voted for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

In September 2008, as the 2007–2008 financial crisis reached a peak, Joe Biden voted for the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which passed in the Senate.

2008: 2008 campaign raised political stature

Despite its lack of success, Joe Biden's 2008 campaign raised his stature in the political world and changed his relationship with Barack Obama, leading to a stronger bond between the two.

2008: Ended Co-teaching at Widener University

From 1991 to 2008, Joe Biden co-taught a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor, ending in 2008.

2008: Obama Chose Biden as Running Mate

In 2008, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate for the presidential election.

2008: Sought 2008 presidential nomination

In 2008, Joe Biden ran for president, focusing on his foreign policy experience, but he eventually withdrew from the race after failing to gain traction.

2008: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

In 2008, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

January 2009: Resigned from the Senate

Having been reelected to the Senate as well as the vice presidency, Joe Biden made a point of not resigning from the Senate before he was sworn in for his seventh term in January 2009. He resigned from the Senate on January 15.

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 was the first vice president from Delaware and the first Roman Catholic vice president.

April 2009: Swine Flu Outbreak Response

In April 2009, Joe Biden's off-message response to a question during the beginning of the swine flu outbreak led to a swift retraction by the White House and revived his reputation for gaffes.

July 2009: Rising Unemployment Acknowledgment

In July 2009, confronted with rising unemployment, Joe Biden acknowledged that the Obama administration had "misread how bad the economy was" but maintained confidence the stimulus package would create jobs.

2009: Ended second term as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 2009, Joe Biden's second term as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee came to an end.

2009: Afghanistan Strategy Influence

In 2009, Joe Biden's views on Afghanistan gained more influence as President Obama reconsidered his strategy. Though he initially lost an internal debate to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about sending new troops to Afghanistan, his skepticism was valued.

March 23, 2010: "A Big Fucking Deal" Remark

On March 23, 2010, a hot mic picked up Joe Biden telling President Obama that his signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was "a big fucking deal".

October 2010: Obama asked Biden to remain as his running mate

In October 2010, Joe Biden said that Barack Obama had asked him to remain as his running mate for the 2012 presidential election.

December 2010: Compromise Tax Package

In December 2010, Joe Biden's advocacy for a middle ground, followed by his negotiations with Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, were instrumental in producing the administration's compromise tax package that included a temporary extension of the Bush tax cuts. The package passed as the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

February 2011: Completion of Infrastructure Spending Oversight

In February 2011, Joe Biden completed his role overseeing infrastructure spending from the Obama stimulus package. He reported that fraud incidents with stimulus monies had been less than one percent.

March 2011: Federal Spending Negotiations

In March 2011, President Obama delegated Joe Biden to lead negotiations with Congress to resolve federal spending levels and avoid a government shutdown.

May 2011: Alleged Opposition to bin Laden Mission

Some reports suggest that in May 2011, Joe Biden opposed proceeding with the U.S. mission to kill Osama bin Laden, lest failure adversely affect President Obama's reelection prospects.

2011: US Policy in Iraq Recedes

In 2011, with the exit of U.S. troops, Joe Biden's oversight of U.S. policy in Iraq receded.

2011: Polling conducted on replacing Biden as running mate

In late 2011, White House Chief of Staff William M. Daley conducted some secret polling and focus group research on the idea of replacing Joe Biden with Hillary Clinton as Obama's running mate. The notion was dropped when the results showed no appreciable improvement.

May 2012: Expressed 'absolutely comfortable' with same-sex marriage

In May 2012, Joe Biden's statement that he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex marriage gained considerable public attention. This put pressure on Obama to clarify his own stance. Within days, Obama announced that he too supported same-sex marriage, an action in part forced by Biden's remarks.

August 2012: Remarks on Wall Street Regulations

In August 2012, during the reelection campaign, Joe Biden made a controversial remark to a mixed-race audience stating that Republican proposals to relax Wall Street regulations would "put y'all back in chains". This drew attention to his tendency for colorful language.

September 11, 2012: Benghazi Attack Response

During the vice-presidential debate on October 11, Joe Biden responded to an attack by Paul Ryan on the Obama administration's response to the September 11, 2012, attacks on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi by using the phrase "a bunch of malarkey".

December 2012: Gun Violence Task Force

In December 2012, President 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 in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

2012: Biden Supports Same-Sex Marriage

Biden has supported same-sex marriage since 2012, a shift from his earlier stance in the Senate.

2012: Iraq Policy Oversight

By 2012, Joe Biden had made eight trips to Iraq, overseeing U.S. policy there as the administration's point man, delivering messages to Iraqi leadership about expected progress.

2012: Part of 2012 presidential election

In 2012, Joe Biden was Barack Obama's running mate for the 2012 presidential election, marking his continued service as Vice President.

January 20, 2013: Inauguration 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, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor presiding.

October 2013: Cut Out of Appropriations Act Discussions

Joe Biden played little part in discussions that led to the October 2013 passage of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014, which resolved the federal government shutdown of 2013 and the debt-ceiling crisis of 2013. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other Democratic leaders cut him out of direct talks with Congress.

2013: Negotiating the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012

During the final days before the United States fell off the "fiscal cliff" in December 2012, Joe Biden's relationship with Mitch McConnell again proved important as the two negotiated a deal that led to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 being passed at the start of 2013.

2013: Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization

In 2013, the Violence Against Women Act, championed by Joe Biden, was reauthorized again, leading to related developments like the White House Council on Women and Girls.

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 established, with Joe Biden and Valerie Jarrett as co-chairs.

2014: ISIL Insurgency Attention

As the ISIL insurgency in Iraq intensified in 2014, renewed attention was paid to the Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan of 2006, with some observers suggesting Biden had been right all along.

2014: Continuing Appropriations Act Passage

Joe Biden played little part in discussions that led to the October 2013 passage of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014, which resolved the federal government shutdown of 2013 and the debt-ceiling crisis of 2013.

2015: Uncertainty About Running

By late 2015, Joe Biden was still uncertain about running for president. He felt his son Beau's recent death had largely drained his emotional energy.

2015: Encouragement for 2016 Presidential Bid

In mid-2015, Joe Biden's family, friends, and donors encouraged him to enter the race for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. A "Draft Biden 2016" PAC was established.

August 2016: Visit to Serbia

In August 2016, Joe Biden visited Serbia, where he met with the Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and expressed condolences for civilian victims of the bombing campaign during the Kosovo War.

2016: Likely Candidate for President

Between 2016 and 2019, media outlets often mentioned Joe Biden as a likely candidate for president in 2020. When asked if he would run, he gave varied and ambivalent answers, saying "never say never".

2016: Consideration for 2016 Presidential Nomination

During his second term, Joe Biden was often said to be preparing for a bid for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.

2016: Remarks at 88th Academy Awards

In 2016, Joe Biden spoke about sexual violence while introducing Lady Gaga at the 88th Academy Awards, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

2016: Decision Not to Run for President

On October 21, Joe Biden announced his decision not to run for president in 2016.

2017: Biden on Corporate Tax Cuts

Biden proposed partially reversing the corporate tax cuts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, saying that doing so would not hurt businesses' ability to hire.

2017: Memoir "Promise Me, Dad"

In 2017, Joe Biden wrote a memoir, Promise Me, Dad, and went on a book tour.

[Joe Biden] Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose - Hardcover

Check it on Amazon

January 2018: Time for Biden PAC Formed

In January 2018, a political action committee known as Time for Biden was formed.

2018: Eulogy for Senator John McCain

In 2018, Joe Biden gave a eulogy for Senator John McCain.

April 25, 2019: 2020 Campaign Launch

On April 25, 2019, Joe Biden launched his campaign for president, saying he was worried by the Trump administration and felt a "sense of duty".

September 2019: Trump Pressures Zelenskyy

In September 2019, it was reported that President Trump had pressured Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate alleged wrongdoing by Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, resulting in a political scandal and Trump's impeachment.

2019: Honorary Professorship at University of Pennsylvania

After leaving the vice presidency, Joe Biden became an honorary professor at the University of Pennsylvania, developing the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement. Biden remained in that position into 2019.

2019: Earnings from Speaking Engagements and Book Sales

By 2019, Joe Biden and his wife reported that they had earned over $15 million since the end of his vice presidency from speaking engagements and book sales.

2019: Biden Supports Roe v. Wade

In 2019, Biden said he supported Roe v. Wade and repealing the Hyde Amendment.

2019: Called Role in Passing Crime Bill a "Big Mistake"

In 2019, Joe Biden called his role in passing the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act a "big mistake", saying it "trapped an entire generation".

2019: South Carolina Primary Win

Throughout 2019, Joe Biden stayed generally ahead of other Democrats in national polls. However, Joe Biden won the South Carolina primary by more than 28 points.

April 8, 2020: Sanders Suspends Campaign

On April 8, 2020, Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign, making Joe Biden the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee.

August 18, 2020: Official Democratic Party Nominee

On August 18, 2020, at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Joe Biden officially became the Democratic Party nominee for president in the 2020 election.

November 2020: Biden Elected President

In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected the 46th president of the United States, defeating incumbent Donald Trump. Trump made false claims of widespread electoral fraud, delaying Biden's transition until November 23, when Emily W. Murphy formally recognized Biden as the winner and authorized the transition process.

2020: Polling Against Trump

As the 2020 campaign season heated up, public polling showed Joe Biden as one of the best-performing Democratic candidates head-to-head against President Trump.

2020: Likely Candidate for President

Between 2016 and 2019, media outlets often mentioned Joe Biden as a likely candidate for president in 2020. When asked if he would run, he gave varied and ambivalent answers, saying "never say never".

2020: Biden Vows to Nominate Black Woman to Supreme Court

During his 2020 campaign, Biden vowed to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court if a vacancy occurred.

2020: "Malarkey" Reused

During his 2020 presidential campaign, Joe Biden reused the phrase "a bunch of malarkey".

2020: Biden's victory over Trump

Historians and scholars regarded Biden's signature accomplishment as his victory over Trump in the 2020 election.

2020: Biden's stance on cannabis decriminalization

In 2020, Biden ran on decriminalizing cannabis, after advocating harsher penalties for drug use as a U.S. senator.

2020: Biden Selected Kamala Harris as Running Mate

In 2020, Joe Biden selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, and they defeated Donald Trump and Mike Pence in the presidential election.

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 became the oldest person to assume the office, the second Catholic president, and the first president whose home state is Delaware.

February 2021: Biden's Approval Rating Among Democrats

In February 2021, Gallup reported that Joe Biden had a 98% approval rating among Democrats during his initial months in office.

February 2021: End of Support for Saudi-Led Bombing Campaign in Yemen

In February 2021, the Biden administration announced that 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, President Biden proposed the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion package designed to address issues related to transport, utilities, broadband infrastructure, housing, schools, manufacturing, research, and workforce development.

June 2021: Biden's First Trip Abroad as President

In June 2021, President Biden made his first trip abroad as president, visiting Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, attending G7, NATO, and EU summits, and holding talks with Vladimir Putin.

August 2021: Decline in Biden's Approval Rating

In August 2021, Biden's approval rating began to decline, reaching the low forties by December. This was 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 Investment and Jobs Act

In August 2021, after months of negotiations, the Senate passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill covering transport, utilities, and broadband.

September 2021: AUKUS Security Pact Announced

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".

November 2021: House Approves and Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill

In early November 2021, the House approved the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In mid-November 2021, President Biden signed the bill into law, focusing on infrastructure related to transport, utilities, and broadband.

2021: Judicial Appointments Confirmed

By the end of 2021, 40 of Biden's nominees to the federal judiciary had been confirmed.

2021: Biden Officially Recognizes the Armenian Genocide

In 2021, Biden officially recognized the Armenian genocide, becoming the first U.S. president to do so.

2021: Biden Revokes Trump's Security Clearance

In 2021, Biden revoked Trump's security clearance after the January 6 Capitol attack.

2021: American Rescue Plan Act Signed

In 2021, Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus and relief package to support the United States' recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It included direct payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and funds for vaccine distribution and school reopenings.

2021: U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 Proposed

In 2021, President Biden proposed the U.S. Citizenship Act on his first day in office.

2021: Climate Change Conference (COP26) and Methane Agreement

In 2021, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), President Biden promoted an agreement for the U.S. and the European Union to cut methane emissions by a third by 2030. He also pledged to double climate funding to developing countries by 2024.

2021: Start of Inflation Surge

The inflation surge started in 2021 and lasted till 2023. Joe Biden's presidency was overshadowed by the 2021-2023 inflation surge.

January 2022: Breyer Announces Retirement

In January 2022, Supreme Court justice Stephen Breyer announced his intention to retire, leading Biden to reiterate his vow to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.

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: Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. In response, Biden imposed severe sanctions on Russia and authorized over $8 billion in weapons shipments to Ukraine. Biden blamed Putin for the emerging energy and food crises during February 2022.

February 2022: Counterterrorism Raid in Syria

In early February 2022, President Biden ordered the counterterrorism raid in northern Syria that resulted in the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, the second leader of the Islamic State.

April 2022: Postal Service Reform Act Signed

In April 2022, Biden signed into law the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 to revamp the finances and operations of the United States Postal Service agency.

June 25, 2022: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Signed

On June 25, 2022, Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law, aiming to address gun reform issues following the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

August 7, 2022: Senate Passes Inflation Reduction Act

On August 7, 2022, the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act with a 51–50 vote, with all Democrats in favor, all Republicans opposed, and Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie. The bill aimed to address energy, climate change, healthcare, and tax reform.

August 9, 2022: CHIPS and Science Act Signed

On August 9, 2022, Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law, providing billions of dollars for domestic research and manufacture of semiconductors to compete with China.

August 10, 2022: Honoring our PACT Act Signed

On August 10, 2022, Biden signed into law the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, which aims to significantly improve healthcare access and funding for veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service.

September 2, 2022: Biden's Speech on the Soul of the Nation

On September 2, 2022, President Biden delivered a nationally broadcast speech in Philadelphia calling for a "battle for the soul of the nation". He also referred to Trump supporters as "semi-fascists", sparking criticism. The midterm election results were closer than expected, with Republicans securing a slim House majority and Democrats retaining Senate control.

September 2022: Biden's Statement on Defending Taiwan

In a September 2022 interview with 60 Minutes, Biden stated that U.S. forces would defend Taiwan in the event of "an unprecedented attack" by China, contrasting with the U.S. policy of "strategic ambiguity."

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October 6, 2022: Pardon for Federal Cannabis Possession

On October 6, 2022, President Biden pardoned all Americans convicted of "small" amounts of cannabis possession under federal law.

December 2022: No TikTok on Government Devices Act

In December 2022, Biden signed the No TikTok on Government Devices Act, prohibiting the use of TikTok on devices owned by the federal government.

2022: Biden Blocks Railroad Strike

In 2022, Biden blocked a national railroad strike planned by multiple labor unions.

2022: Respect for Marriage Act Signed

In 2022, Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act and requires the federal government to recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial marriages.

2022: Congress Approves Aid to Ukraine

In 2022, Congress approved about $113 billion in aid to Ukraine.

2022: House Passes bill codifying Roe

In 2022, a bill codifying the protections of Roe passed the House, but was unable to clear the Senate filibuster.

2022: Build Back Better Act Reworked

In 2022, the Build Back Better Act, initially a $3.5 trillion social spending bill, faced challenges due to Senator Joe Manchin's opposition. After Manchin rejected the bill, it was reworked into the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, focusing on deficit reduction, climate change, healthcare, and tax reform.

February 4, 2023: Shooting Down of Chinese Surveillance Balloon

On February 4, 2023, Biden ordered the United States Air Force to shoot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of South Carolina, leading to further damage in U.S.-China relations.

April 4, 2023: Finnish ascension into NATO

Finnish ascension into NATO occurred on April 4, 2023.

April 25, 2023: Biden Confirms Reelection Run

On April 25, 2023, Biden confirmed he would run for reelection as president in the 2024 election, with Harris as his running mate. His approval rating was 37 percent, and he promoted higher economic growth and recovery during his campaign.

July 2023: Biden Announces Measures to Combat Heat Waves

In July 2023, amidst heat waves in the United States, President Biden announced measures to protect the population, linking the heat waves to climate change.

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%, according to Gallup.

October 2023: Increased Deportations

From October 2023 to September 2024, deportations from the U.S. reached the highest level since 2014.

October 2023: Hamas Attack on Israel and U.S. Response

In October 2023, following the Hamas attack on Israel, Biden affirmed U.S. support for Israel, deployed aircraft carriers, and requested $14 billion in military aid. He pressured Israel to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and supported "humanitarian pauses".

October 2023: Biden Requests Additional Aid for Ukraine

In October 2023, the Biden administration requested an additional $61.4 billion in aid for Ukraine for the year ahead, but passage was delayed by the House of Representatives.

December 22, 2023: Pardon for Cannabis Use on Federal Lands

On December 22, 2023, President Biden pardoned Americans for cannabis use or possession on federal lands, regardless of whether they had been charged or prosecuted.

2023: Biden's Approval Rating in 2023

In 2023, Biden's approval rating was the lowest of any modern U.S. president after three years in office.

2023: End of Inflation Surge

The inflation surge started in 2021 and lasted till 2023. Joe Biden's presidency was overshadowed by the 2021-2023 inflation surge.

January 2024: Over a Million Migrants Admitted Under Humanitarian Parole

As of January 2024, over a million migrants had been admitted to the U.S. under humanitarian parole, a strategy used by President Biden to mitigate illegal border crossings.

January 2024: Biden Expresses Support for Bipartisan Immigration Deal

In January 2024, President Biden expressed support for a proposed bipartisan immigration deal led by Senators Kyrsten Sinema and James Lankford. The bill proposed measures to manage border encounters and mandate detention for asylum seekers.

February 8, 2024: Hur Announces No Charges Against Biden

On February 8, 2024, special counsel Robert K. Hur announced that no charges would be brought against Biden regarding the handling of classified documents.

February 29, 2024: Biden on Aid to Gaza

Following the killing of Palestinian civilians receiving food aid on February 29, 2024, Biden stated that the current level of aid flowing into Gaza was insufficient.

March 7, 2024: Formal Swedish Ascension into NATO

Biden led diplomatic talks resulting in formal Swedish ascension into NATO on March 7, 2024.

March 2024: American Disapproval of Israeli Conduct

A March 2024 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: Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act

In April 2024, Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which could ban social networking services like ByteDance Ltd. if deemed controlled by foreign adversaries.

April 2024: Plan to Protect Water Sources Unveiled

In April 2024, President Biden unveiled a plan aimed at protecting and restoring natural water sources, covering 3.2 million hectares of wetlands and 161,000 km of waterways.

April 2024: Additional Aid to Ukraine

In April 2024, the additional $61 billion in aid to Ukraine was added.

May 2024: Biden's Continued Support for Israel

As of May 2024, Biden continued to support Israel during the war, despite domestic opposition and protests.

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 Supports Israeli Ceasefire Proposal

On May 31, 2024, Biden announced his support for an Israeli ceasefire proposal, which would establish a permanent ceasefire, release all hostages, and reconstruct the Gaza Strip, stating that Hamas was "no longer capable" of another large-scale attack.

June 2024: Executive Order Restricting Mexico-U.S. Border

In June 2024, President Biden issued an executive order allowing the president to restrict the Mexico–U.S. border.

June 27, 2024: Biden's Performance in the First Presidential Debate

On June 27, 2024, the first presidential debate was held between Biden and Trump. Biden's performance was widely criticized due to him frequently losing his train of thought and giving meandering answers. Several newspaper columnists declared Trump the winner, and polling indicated the majority of viewers believed Trump won. After the debate raised questions about his health and age, Biden faced calls to withdraw from the race.

July 2024: All-Time Low Approval Rating

In July 2024, just before Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election, Gallup found his approval rating had fallen to an all-time low of 36%.

August 6, 2024: Harris Confirmed as Democratic Presidential Nominee

On August 6, 2024, Harris was confirmed as the Democratic presidential nominee after Biden withdrew from the candidacy, making it the first time since 1968 that an eligible incumbent declined to run for reelection.

August 2024: U.S. Aid to Afghanistan

As of August 2024, the U.S. remained the biggest aid donor to Afghanistan, having spent at least $20.7 billion post-withdrawal. U.S. funding helped support the Taliban government and stabilize Afghanistan's economy during this period.

August 2024: Ankara Prisoner Exchange Negotiated

In August 2024, President Biden negotiated and oversaw the 2024 Ankara prisoner exchange, the largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Cold War, involving the release of 26 people, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.

September 2024: High Deportation Levels Reported

From October 2023 to September 2024, deportations from the U.S. reached the highest level since 2014.

October 2024: Refusal to Block Port Strike

In October 2024, Biden refused to block a port strike from the International Longshoremen's Association.

November 2024: Ceasefire Agreement Brokered 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 12, 2024: Clemency Granted to Nonviolent Felons

On December 12, 2024, President Biden granted clemency to about 1,500 nonviolent felons in home confinement who had previously been released from prison, marking the largest single-day clemency act in history.

December 2024: Gallup Poll on 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. The poll also found largely negative assessments of Biden's presidency on economic, national, and international issues.

December 23, 2024: Sentences Commuted for Death Row Inmates

On December 23, 2024, President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates.

2024: Biden's Senate Tenure

As of 2024, Joe Biden was the 19th-longest-serving senator in U.S. history.

2024: Biden Reelection Campaign

During his campaign in 2024, Biden promoted higher economic growth and recovery.

2024: Biden in the 2024 Democratic Presidential Primaries

In 2024, Dean Phillips ran against Biden in the Democratic presidential primaries. Despite not being on the ballot in the New Hampshire primary on January 23, Biden won it as a write-in candidate. He secured victories in South Carolina, Nevada, and Michigan. He won 15 of 16 primaries on Super Tuesday, but lost the American Samoa contest. Phillips suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden on March 6. On March 12, Biden secured the delegates needed to become the presumptive nominee.

2024: Trump Defeats Harris in the General Election

In 2024, Trump defeated Harris in the general election. A YouGov poll conducted on November 6–7, 2024, found that if Biden had been the Democratic nominee, Trump would have won the popular vote by 49% to 42%. Trump won the popular vote over Harris by 49.8% to 48.3%.

2024: Withdrawal from 2024 Presidential Election

In 2024, after renewed scrutiny about his cognitive ability, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy from the presidential election.

2024: Joe Biden–Donald Trump 2024 presidential debate

In 2024, journalist Jake Tapper, who co-moderated the Joe Biden–Donald Trump 2024 presidential debate with Dana Bash, called Joe Biden's presidency a "Greek tragedy".

2024: Criticism and Calls for Withdrawal

In 2024, many members of Joe Biden's party called on him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election and criticized him for initially running for a second term given his age and unpopularity after Kamala Harris lost.

2024: Public Frustration and the 2024 Presidential Election

In 2024, public perception of the economy, particularly frustration over inflation, was worse only in 2008 and 1992, helping Trump win the 2024 presidential election.

2024: Comparison to Lyndon B. Johnson's Withdrawal

Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election was compared to Lyndon B. Johnson's withdrawal from the 1968 presidential election.

January 2025: Final Approval Rating

In January 2025, Gallup reported that Joe Biden's final approval rating was 40%, which was low, but still higher than several other presidents' final approval ratings.

January 2025: Biden Claims He Could Have Defeated Trump

In January 2025, after Trump defeated Harris in the general election, Biden claimed he could have defeated Trump had he not been persuaded to withdraw from the election, despite lagging behind Trump in polling.

January 20, 2025: End of Biden's Term and Move to Wilmington

On January 20, 2025, Biden's term ended with Trump's second inauguration, and Biden moved back to Wilmington, Delaware. He later signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to represent him in public engagements.

2030: Projected Emission Reduction Target

According to an analysis released in 2022 by the Rhodium Group, the Inflation Reduction Act is projected to lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions between 31 and 44 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.