Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joe Biden

Discover the career path of Joe Biden, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. served as the 46th U.S. President (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.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1968: Clerked at a Law Firm

In 1968, Joe Biden clerked at a law firm headed by William Prickett and self-identified as a Republican.

1969: Practiced law in Wilmington, Delaware

In 1969, Joe Biden resumed practicing law, first as a public defender in Wilmington, Delaware, and then joined a firm headed by Sid Balick.

1969: Admitted to the 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 as 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.

January 1, 1973: End of term on New Castle County Council

On January 1, 1973, Joe Biden's service on the New Castle County Council ended.

1973: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1973, Joe Biden began representing Delaware in the United States Senate.

1974: Described self as liberal on civil rights

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.

1976: Supported measure forbidding federal funds for busing

In 1976, Biden supported a measure that forbade the use of federal funds for transporting students beyond the school closest to them, reflecting his stance against busing to remedy de facto segregation.

1976: Endorsed Jimmy Carter for president

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, Biden co-sponsored an amendment aimed at closing loopholes in the 1976 measure that restricted the use of federal funds for student transportation, further solidifying his opposition to race-integration busing.

1978: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

In 1978, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

1978: Amendment signed into law

In 1978, the amendment co-sponsored by Biden in 1977, closing loopholes in the measure forbidding the use of federal funds for transporting students beyond the school closest to them, was signed into law by President Carter.

1979: SALT II Treaty Signed

After Congress failed to ratify the SALT II Treaty, Joe Biden met with Soviet foreign minister Andrei Gromyko in 1979 and secured changes.

1981: Ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary

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

1981: Became ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee

In 1981, Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, marking a significant advancement in his Senate career.

1984: Democratic floor manager for Comprehensive Crime Control Act

In 1984, Biden served as a Democratic floor manager for the successful passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act, a significant legislative achievement during his time in the Senate.

1984: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

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

1984: Objected to the Strategic Defense Initiative Plan

In a congressional hearing in 1984, Joe Biden objected to the Strategic Defense Initiative plan to construct autonomous systems of ICBM defense.

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

On June 9, 1987, Biden declared his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, positioning himself as a strong contender due to his moderate image and speaking abilities.

September 23, 1987: Withdrew from 1988 presidential race

On September 23, 1987, Biden withdrew his candidacy for the 1988 presidential nomination following accusations of plagiarism and false claims about his academic record.

1987: Chaired Senate Committee on the Judiciary

In 1987, Biden began his tenure as the chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, a position he held until 1995.

1988: Unsuccessful run for Democratic presidential nomination

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

1988: Presided over Robert Bork's Supreme Court confirmation hearing

In 1988, as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Biden presided over the contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearing of Robert Bork. Biden reversed his earlier approval of a hypothetical Bork nomination and ultimately opposed Bork, whose nomination was rejected by the committee and the full Senate.

1990: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

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

1991: Oversaw Clarence Thomas's nomination hearings

In 1991, Biden oversaw Clarence Thomas's nomination hearings, where his questioning was criticized as convoluted. The hearings were reopened after Anita Hill's accusations of sexual harassment against Thomas became public, leading to controversy over Biden's handling of the situation.

1991: Voted against authorization for the Gulf War

In 1991, Biden voted against authorization for the Gulf War.

1991: Began Co-Teaching at Widener University

In 1991, Joe Biden began co-teaching a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law.

April 1993: Met with Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević

In April 1993, Biden had a tense three-hour meeting with Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević, focusing on the conflict in the Balkans.

1993: Voted for provision deeming homosexuality incompatible with military life

In 1993, Biden voted for a provision that deemed homosexuality incompatible with military life, effectively banning gay people from serving in the armed forces.

1994: Helped pass the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act

In 1994, Biden played a key role in passing the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which included a ban on assault weapons and the Violence Against Women Act. This act has been both praised and criticized for its impact on crime and incarceration rates.

1995: Ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary

In 1995, after chairing the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Biden became the ranking minority member again.

1996: Voted for the Defense of Marriage Act

In 1996, Biden voted for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. DOMA was later ruled unconstitutional in 2015.

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, Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, further establishing his role in foreign policy.

1997: Ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary

In 1997, Biden concluded his time as the ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

1999: Supported NATO bombing of Yugoslavia

In 1999, during the Kosovo War, Biden supported the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia and co-sponsored the McCain-Biden Kosovo Resolution, which urged President Clinton to use all necessary force against Milošević.

2000: William Roth Defeated

In 2000, William Roth, the senator to whom Joe Biden was junior, was defeated.

2000: Bankruptcy legislation vetoed by Bill Clinton

In 2000, bankruptcy legislation sought by credit card issuers, which Biden sponsored, was vetoed by President Bill Clinton.

June 2001: Chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In June 2001, Biden began his first term as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he held until 2003.

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

In October 2002, Biden, as chair 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. He later called this vote 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, Biden's first term as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee came to an end.

2005: Called vote for Iraq War a mistake

By 2005, Biden described his 2002 vote in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq as a "mistake", but he did not push for withdrawal.

2005: Voted for Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act

In 2005, Biden was one of 18 Democrats who voted for the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, despite opposition from leading Democrats and consumer rights organizations.

2006: Stance on Iraq War shifted

By late 2006, Biden's stance on the Iraq War had shifted considerably, as he began to oppose the war.

January 2007: Declared candidacy in the 2008 elections

In January 2007, Biden announced his candidacy for the 2008 presidential elections, emphasizing his experience and focusing on the Iraq War.

September 2007: Non-binding resolution endorsing Iraq division plan passed Senate

In September 2007, a non-binding resolution endorsing Biden's plan, developed with Leslie H. Gelb, to divide Iraq into a loose federation of three ethnic states passed the Senate, but the idea failed to gain traction.

2007: Chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 2007, Biden began his second term as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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

On January 3, 2008, Biden placed fifth in the Iowa caucuses with less than one percent of the state delegates and subsequently withdrew from the 2008 presidential race.

August 2008: Obama announced Biden would be his running mate

In August 2008, Obama announced that Biden would be his running mate, citing Biden's foreign policy and national security experience, as well as his appeal to middle-class and blue-collar voters.

2008: 2008 campaign raised Biden's stature in political world

Biden's 2008 presidential campaign, despite its lack of success, raised his stature in the political world and improved his relationship with Barack Obama.

2008: Chosen as Obama's Running Mate

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

2008: Ended Co-Teaching at Widener University

In 2008, Joe Biden concluded 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.

January 2009: Resignation from the Senate

In January 2009, after being reelected to both the Senate and the vice presidency, Biden made sure not to resign from the Senate before being sworn in for his seventh term. He resigned from the Senate on January 15, 2009.

May 2009: Visit to Kosovo

In May 2009, Biden visited Kosovo and affirmed the U.S. position that its "independence is irreversible".

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

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

2009: Became Vice President

In 2009, Joe Biden became the 47th Vice President of the United States under President Barack Obama.

December 2010: Compromise Tax Package

In December 2010, Biden's advocacy for a middle ground and 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.

May 2012: Statement on Same-Sex Marriage

In May 2012, Biden's statement that he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex marriage gained considerable public attention and forced Obama to shift his position on the issue.

December 2012: Gun Violence Task Force

In December 2012, Obama named 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

In 2012, Joe Biden began supporting same-sex marriage.

January 20, 2013: Inauguration to second term

On January 20, 2013, Biden was inaugurated to a second term at a small ceremony at Number One Observatory Circle, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor presiding.

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 Biden and Valerie Jarrett as co-chairs.

August 2016: Visit to Serbia

In August 2016, 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.

January 20, 2017: Biden left office

On January 20, 2017, Biden left office and was succeeded by Vice President Mike Pence.

2017: Publication of 'Promise Me, Dad'

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

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2017: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In 2017, Joe Biden proposed partially reversing the corporate tax cuts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

2017: End of Vice Presidency

In 2017, Joe Biden's term as Vice President of the United States concluded.

January 2018: Formation of Time for Biden PAC

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

March 2019: Biden sees himself as a bridge to the next generation

In March 2019, Joe Biden stated he views himself as a bridge to the next generation of leaders, indicating his role as a transitional figure in American politics.

April 25, 2019: Launch of 2020 Presidential Campaign

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

2019: Biden supports Roe v. Wade

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

February 2020: US-Taliban Agreement Sets Withdrawal Deadline

In February 2020, an agreement was made between the US and the Taliban that set a deadline of May 1, 2021, for American forces to begin withdrawing from Afghanistan.

April 8, 2020: Sanders suspends his campaign

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

November 2020: Biden elected as the 46th President

In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected as the 46th President of the United States, defeating incumbent Donald Trump. The transition process was delayed due to false claims of electoral fraud by Trump.

2020: Biden Vows to Nominate Black Woman to Supreme Court

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

2020: Biden ran on decriminalizing cannabis

In 2020, Joe Biden ran on a platform of decriminalizing cannabis.

2020: Won the presidential election

In 2020, Joe Biden, with Kamala Harris as his running mate, won the presidential election, defeating Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

January 20, 2021: Biden Inaugurated as 46th 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 office at that time. The inauguration was a muted affair due to COVID-19 precautions and increased security.

February 2021: US Ends Support for Saudi-led Bombing Campaign in Yemen

In February 2021, the Biden administration declared that the United States was ceasing its support for the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen and also 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.

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. He attended G7, NATO, and EU summits and held talks with Vladimir Putin.

August 2021: Senate Passes Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

In August 2021, 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, 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 Infrastructure Bill

In early November 2021, the House approved the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in a bipartisan manner, and Biden signed the bill into law in mid-November 2021.

2021: Judicial Nominees Confirmed

By the end of 2021, 40 of Biden's nominees to the federal judiciary had been confirmed, surpassing any president in their first year since Ronald Reagan. Biden prioritized diversity in his judicial appointments, with most appointees being women and people of color.

2021: Became 46th President of the United States

In 2021, Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States.

2021: Biden recognizes Armenian genocide

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

2021: Biden signs American Rescue Plan Act

In 2021, Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus and relief package to support the U.S.'s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Biden Promotes Climate Agreement at COP26

In 2021, 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 and pledged to double climate funding to developing countries by 2024.

2021: U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

Joe Biden supported the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, which he proposed on his first day in office.

January 2022: Minimum wage increase for federal contractors takes effect

In January 2022, Joe Biden's executive order to increase the minimum wage for federal contractors to $15 per hour went into effect for 390,000 workers.

January 2022: Justice Breyer Announces Retirement

In January 2022, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his intention to retire, prompting Biden to reiterate his campaign promise to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.

February 2022: Russian Invasion of Ukraine; Biden Responds with Sanctions and Aid

In February 2022, the Russian Armed Forces, under President Vladimir Putin, launched an invasion of Ukraine. After weeks of warnings, Biden responded by imposing severe sanctions on Russia and authorizing over $8 billion in weapons shipments to Ukraine.

April 2022: Biden signs Postal Service Reform Act of 2022

In April 2022, Joe Biden signed into law the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, aimed at revamping the finances and operations of the United States Postal Service agency.

June 25, 2022: Biden signs Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

On June 25, 2022, Joe Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law, addressing 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 by a 51-50 vote, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie.

August 9, 2022: Biden signs CHIPS and Science Act into law

On August 9, 2022, Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law to boost domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors.

August 10, 2022: Biden signs Honoring our PACT Act into law

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

September 2, 2022: Biden's "Battle for the Soul of the Nation" Speech

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" off camera, drawing criticism from Republican commentators.

September 2022: Biden States US Forces Would Defend 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 the Chinese, a stance that contrasted with the U.S. policy of "strategic ambiguity."

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October 2022: Cannabis Possession Pardons

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

December 2022: Biden Signs 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 due to security concerns.

2022: Congress Approves Aid to Ukraine

In 2022, Congress approved approximately $113 billion in aid to Ukraine, demonstrating significant financial support during the conflict.

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 the federal government to recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial marriages.

2022: Inflation Reduction Act Signed Into Law

In 2022, aspects of Biden's Build Back Better Act were incorporated into the Inflation Reduction Act, which he signed into law.

2022: Inflation Reduction Act

In 2022, the Build Back Better Act was reworked into the Inflation Reduction Act, covering deficit reduction, climate change, healthcare, and tax reform, after struggling to win the support of Senator Joe Manchin.

February 4, 2023: Biden Orders Downing of Suspected 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 diplomatic tensions with China.

April 4, 2023: Finland Ascends into NATO

On April 4, 2023, Finland officially ascended into NATO, marking a significant expansion of the alliance following Biden's support for its inclusion.

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.

July 2023: Biden Addresses Heat Waves

In July 2023, as heat waves impacted the United States, Biden announced measures to protect the population, linking the events to climate change.

September 2023: COVID-19 Student Loan Pause Extended

In September 2023, Biden extended the COVID-19 student loan pause, which included an "on ramp" period to provide additional protections.

October 2023: Record high domestic oil production

Despite Joe Biden's clean energy policies, domestic oil production reached a record high in October 2023.

October 2023: Hamas Attack on Israel and Biden's Response

In October 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to an intensified conflict. Biden stated his support for Israel, condemned Hamas, deployed aircraft carriers, and called for additional military aid while also addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

October 2023: Biden Administration 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 delays in the passage of further aid by the House of Representatives inhibited progress.

December 2023: Pardons for Cannabis Use on Federal Lands

In December 2023, Biden pardoned Americans for cannabis use or possession on federal lands, regardless of charges or prosecution.

2023: Debt Limit Deal

In 2023, Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached a deal to raise the debt limit, resulting in the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This act suspended the debt limit until January 2025, averting a potential U.S. default and was generally seen as favorable to Biden.

2023: Biden comments on potential Democratic candidates

In 2023, Joe Biden stated that "Probably 50 of them" Democrats could beat Donald Trump.

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.

January 2024: Biden Supports Bipartisan Immigration Deal

In January 2024, Biden expressed support for a proposed bipartisan immigration deal led by Senators Kyrsten Sinema and James Lankford.

February 29, 2024: Biden Comments on Insufficient Aid to Gaza After Civilian Killings

Following the killing of Palestinian civilians receiving food aid on February 29, 2024, Biden commented that the current level of aid flowing into Gaza was insufficient, leading to increased efforts to provide assistance.

March 7, 2024: Sweden Ascends into NATO

On March 7, 2024, Sweden formally ascended into NATO after diplomatic talks led by Biden, resolving opposition from Turkey and Hungary.

April 2024: Biden Signs Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act

In April 2024, Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, potentially banning social networking services controlled by foreign adversaries.

April 2024: Water Source Protection Plan Unveiled

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: Additional Aid to Ukraine Added

In April 2024, the additional $61 billion in aid to Ukraine was added after delays in the passage of further aid by the House of Representatives.

May 2024: Exception Granted for Use of Weapons Against Russian Military Targets

In May 2024, Biden granted an exception to allow the use of weapons against Russian military targets in the vicinity of Kharkiv for "counter-fire" purposes, marking a shift in the administration's stance.

May 2024: Biden Administration Doubles Tariffs on Solar Cells and More

In May 2024, the Biden administration doubled tariffs on solar cells imported from China and more than tripled tariffs on lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries imported from China, also raising tariffs on imports of Chinese steel, aluminum, and medical materials.

May 31, 2024: Biden Announces Support for Israeli Ceasefire Proposal

On May 31, 2024, Biden announced his support for an Israeli ceasefire proposal, stating that Hamas was "no longer capable" of another large-scale attack and highlighting the proposal's aim for a permanent ceasefire, hostage release, and Gaza reconstruction.

June 2024: Biden Issues Executive Order on Border Restrictions

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

June 2024: Public concern 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, although it received limited coverage beforehand.

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 was widely criticized, raising questions about his health and age, and leading to calls for him to withdraw from the race.

August 6, 2024: Harris becomes Democratic presidential nominee

On August 6, 2024, Kamala Harris officially became the Democratic presidential nominee after Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed her.

August 2024: US Remains Biggest Aid Donor to Afghanistan

As of August 2024, the U.S. continued to send aid to Afghanistan, remaining its biggest aid donor and spending at least $20.7 billion post-withdrawal, which has supported the Taliban government and stabilized Afghanistan's economy.

August 2024: Biden Negotiates 2024 Ankara Prisoner Exchange

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

September 30, 2024: End of 'On Ramp' Period for Student Loan Pause Protections

On September 30, 2024, the "on ramp" period, which extended certain protections against credit reporting, collection efforts, and late payment fees from the COVID-19 student loan pause, came to an end.

November 2024: Biden Administration Brokers Ceasefire in Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

In November 2024, the Biden administration announced that it had helped broker a ceasefire agreement in the Israel–Hezbollah conflict, aiming to de-escalate tensions in the region.

December 2024: Clemency Act for Nonviolent Felons

In December 2024, Biden granted clemency to about 1,500 nonviolent felons in home confinement, generating controversy due to the inclusion of individuals like Michael Conahan and Rita Crundwell.

December 2024: Biden Pardoned Hunter Biden

In December 2024, President Biden pardoned Hunter Biden, following his conviction on gun and tax charges, despite prior promises not to.

2024: Trump defeats Harris in the general election

In 2024, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the general election, and the Senate went Republican for the first time since 2018.

2024: Biden secures Democratic nomination

In 2024, Joe Biden won the New Hampshire primary as a write-in candidate, secured victories in South Carolina, Nevada, and Michigan, and won 15 of 16 primaries on Super Tuesday. He lost the American Samoa contest but ultimately reached the delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination, becoming the presumptive nominee.

2024: Biden campaigns for reelection

In 2024, during his campaign, Joe Biden promoted higher economic growth and recovery, using "finish the job" as a rallying cry.

January 2025: Biden claims he could have defeated Trump

In January 2025, Joe Biden claimed that he could have defeated Donald Trump had he not been persuaded to withdraw from the election.

January 2025: Debt Limit Suspended

The debt limit, which was part of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, was suspended until January 2025.

January 20, 2025: Biden's term ends

On January 20, 2025, Joe Biden's presidential term ended. He designated advisors to raise funds for his presidential library and signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

2025: End of Presidency

In 2025, Joe Biden's term as the 46th President of the United States came to an end.

2030: U.S. emissions reduction target year

On April 22–23, Joe Biden held an international climate summit at which he announced that the U.S. would cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50%–52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.