History of Joe Biden in Timeline
Joe Biden is an American politician who served as the 46th President of the United States (2021-2025). A Democrat, he 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.
1934: Midterm Election Since 1934
It was the first midterm election since 1934 in which the president's party lost no state legislative chambers.
November 20, 1942: Birth of Joe Biden
On November 20, 1942, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born. He would later become the 46th President of the United States.
1946: Family moved to Garden City, New York
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: Graduation from Archmere Academy
In 1961, Joe Biden graduated from Archmere Academy in Claymont.
1965: Graduation from 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 with a double major in history and political science 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: Conditional medical deferment
Based on a physical examination, Joe Biden was given a conditional medical deferment in 1968.
1968: Clerked at a law firm and supported Russell W. Peterson
In 1968, Joe Biden clerked at a law firm headed by William Prickett and supported Republican Russell W. Peterson for Delaware governor.
1968: Earned Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law
In 1968, Joe Biden earned a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.
1968: Graduation from Syracuse University College of Law
In 1968, Joe Biden graduated from Syracuse University College of Law.
1968: Historical reference of presidential nominee
In 2024, Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic presidential nominee marked the first time an eligible incumbent had declined to run for reelection since 1968.
1968: Biden's withdrawal from 2024 Presidential Election Compared to Johnson's in 1968
Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election was compared to Lyndon B. Johnson's withdrawal from the 1968 presidential election.
1969: Resumed practicing law and joined the Democratic Forum
In 1969, Joe Biden resumed practicing law as a public defender in Wilmington, Delaware and joined the Democratic Forum.
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.
December 18, 1972: Death of wife and daughter in car accident
On December 18, 1972, Joe Biden's wife Neilia and one-year-old daughter Naomi were killed in an automobile accident in Hockessin, Delaware. His sons Beau and Hunter were injured.
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 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: 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: 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 without proper attribution.
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.
1976: Supported measure forbidding federal funds for transporting students
Joe Biden supported a 1976 measure forbidding the use of federal funds for transporting students beyond the school closest to them.
June 17, 1977: Marriage to 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
Joe Biden co-sponsored a 1977 amendment closing loopholes in the measure forbidding the use of federal funds for transporting students.
1978: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate
In 1978, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
1978: President Carter signed amendment into law
President Carter signed the 1977 amendment co-sponsored by Joe Biden into law in 1978.
1979: Worked on arms control
After Congress failed to ratify the SALT II Treaty signed in 1979 by Soviet general secretary Leonid Brezhnev and President Jimmy Carter, Joe Biden met with Soviet foreign minister Andrei Gromyko and secured changes that addressed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's objections.
1980: Historical Reference to Jimmy Carter
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: Birth of daughter Ashley Biden
In 1981, Joe Biden and Jill Biden had a daughter, Ashley Biden.
1981: Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee
In 1981, Joe Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, marking a significant point in his senatorial career.
1984: Excoriated George Shultz and objected to Strategic Defense Initiative
In 1984, Joe Biden excoriated Secretary of State George Shultz for the Reagan administration's support of South Africa's apartheid and objected to the Strategic Defense Initiative plan to construct autonomous systems of ICBM defense.
1984: Comprehensive Crime Control Act Passage
In 1984, Joe Biden served as a Democratic floor manager for the successful passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act. He was praised for modifying some of the law's worst provisions.
1984: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate
In 1984, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
1986: Midterm Election Since 1986
It 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.
September 23, 1987: Withdrawal from Presidential Race
On September 23, 1987, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination due to plagiarism allegations and false claims about his academic record.
1987: Chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary
In 1987, Joe Biden became the chair 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 and later had a second aneurysm surgically repaired in May. He also suffered a pulmonary embolism while recuperating.
1988: Unsuccessful run for Democratic presidential nomination
In 1988, Biden ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination.
1988: Presidential Candidacy
In 1988, Joe Biden was a candidate 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 for Robert Bork. Biden reversed his previous approval of a hypothetical Bork nomination, objecting to Bork's originalism and its conflict with unenumerated rights in the U.S. Constitution. Bork's nomination was rejected.
1989: Biden Close to Credit Card Company MBNA
Since 1989, while a senator, Joe Biden was viewed as being close to the credit card company MBNA, a major contributor to his campaigns, sometimes being called the "senator from MBNA".
1990: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate
In 1990, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
1991: Co-taught seminar at Widener University School of Law
From 1991 to 2008, Joe Biden co-taught a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor.
1991: Opposition to Authorization for the Gulf War
In 1991, Joe Biden voted against authorization for the Gulf War.
1991: Kevin Nealon portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live
In 1991, Kevin Nealon became 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 were often convoluted. After the committee hearing closed, Anita Hill accused Thomas of making unwelcome sexual comments. Biden's handling of the hearings was criticized.
1992: Economic perception worse only in 1992
According to Gallup, public perception of the economy in 2024 was worse only in 2008 and 1992, helping Trump win the 2024 presidential election.
April 1993: Meeting with Slobodan Milošević
In April 1993, Joe Biden had a tense three-hour meeting with Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević regarding Serbian abuses during the Croatian War of Independence.
1993: Vote on Homosexuality and Military Service
In 1993, Joe Biden voted for a provision that deemed homosexuality incompatible with military life, banning gay people from serving in the armed forces.
1993: Alleged Sexual Assault by Tara Reade
In late March 2020, Tara Reade accused Joe Biden of having sexually assaulted her in 1993.
1994: Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act Passage
In 1994, Joe Biden helped pass the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, including a ban on assault weapons, and the Violence Against Women Act. This act was considered his most significant legislation, though later criticized for resulting in mass incarceration, a sentiment Biden later echoed.
1995: Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee
In 1995, Joe Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee again.
1996: Vote on the 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, barring people in such marriages from equal protection under federal law and allowing states to do the same.
1996: Re-elected to the 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: End of term as ranking minority member
In 1997, Joe Biden ended his term as ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
2000: Became Senior Senator
In 2000, Joe Biden became the senior senator from Delaware after William Roth was defeated.
2000: Bankruptcy Legislation Veto
In 2000, Joe Biden sponsored bankruptcy legislation sought by credit card issuers. However, Bill Clinton vetoed the bill in 2000.
June 2001: Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In June 2001, Joe Biden became chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
October 2002: Vote in Favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq
In October 2002, Joe Biden voted in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq, approving the U.S. invasion of Iraq. As chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he assembled witnesses to testify in favor of the authorization.
2002: Voted in favor of the Iraq War Resolution
2002: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate
In 2002, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
2003: End of term as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In 2003, Joe Biden's term as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ended.
2005: Calling Iraq War Vote a Mistake
By 2005, Joe Biden called his 2002 vote in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq a "mistake".
2005: Base Year for U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emission Target
During the international climate summit held on April 22-23, 2021, Joe Biden announced that the U.S. aimed to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50%-52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
2005: Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act Passage
In 2005, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act passed. Joe Biden was one of only 18 Democrats to vote for it, while leading Democrats and consumer rights organizations opposed it.
2005: Greenhouse Gas Emission Levels
The Inflation Reduction Act will lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions between 31 percent and 44 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
2006: Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan
In 2006, some observers suggested Biden had been right all along with the Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan, as the ISIL insurgency in Iraq intensified in 2014.
September 2007: Endorsement of Plan to Divide Iraq
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: Getting to Know Barack Obama
During 2007, Joe Biden and Barack Obama got to know each other, which led to Obama appreciating Biden's campaign style and appeal to working-class voters, and Biden becoming convinced Obama was "the real deal".
2007: Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In 2007, Joe Biden became chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee again.
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 that evening.
August 2008: Selection as Obama's Running Mate
In August 2008, Barack Obama and Joe Biden met in secret to discuss the possibility of a place for Biden in the Obama administration. On August 22, Obama announced that Biden would be his running mate.
September 2008: Vote for Emergency Economic Stabilization Act
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: Economic perception worse only in 2008
According to Gallup, public perception of the economy in 2024 was worse only in 2008 and 1992, helping Trump win the 2024 presidential election.
2008: Increased Political Stature
Despite its lack of success, Joe Biden's 2008 campaign raised his stature in the political world. It also changed the relationship between Biden and Barack Obama.
2008: Jason Sudeikis portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live
During the 2008 election season, Jason Sudeikis portrayed Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live and reprised the role many times.
2008: Ended teaching at Widener University School of Law
From 1991 to 2008, Joe Biden co-taught a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor.
2008: Chosen as Obama's running mate
In 2008, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate for the presidential election.
2008: Candidacy in 2008 Elections
In 2008, Joe Biden was a candidate in the presidential elections.
2008: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate
In 2008, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
2008: Disclosure of medical deferment reason
In 2008, a spokesperson for Joe Biden said that his having had "asthma as a teenager" was the reason for his conditional medical deferment in 1968.
2008: Worst Year for Stocks Since 2008
In 2022, during Joe Biden's presidency, stocks had their worst year since 2008 before recovering.
January 2009: Resignation from the Senate
In January 2009, after being reelected to the Senate and elected as Vice President, Joe Biden made a point of not resigning from the Senate before he was sworn in for his seventh term. He resigned from the Senate on January 15, 2009.
January 20, 2009: Sworn in as Vice President
On January 20, 2009, Joe Biden was sworn in as Vice President of the United States, becoming the first vice president from Delaware and the first Roman Catholic vice president.
April 2009: Swine Flu Gaffe
In April 2009, Joe Biden made an off-message response during the beginning of the swine flu outbreak, leading to a swift retraction by the White House and reviving his reputation for gaffes.
May 2009: Visited Kosovo
In May 2009, Joe Biden visited Kosovo and affirmed the U.S. position that its "independence is irreversible".
July 2009: Acknowledged Misreading the Economy
In July 2009, amidst rising unemployment, Joe Biden acknowledged that the Obama administration had "misread how bad the economy was" despite confidence in the stimulus package's job creation potential.
November 2009: Biden's net worth in November 2009
As of November 2009, Joe Biden's net worth was $27,012.
2009: End of term as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In 2009, Joe Biden's term as chair 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 President Obama that the signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was "a big fucking deal".
October 2010: Asked to Remain as Running Mate
In October 2010, Barack Obama asked Joe Biden 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: Completed Oversight of Stimulus Spending
In February 2011, Joe Biden completed his role overseeing infrastructure spending from the Obama stimulus package. He reported that fraud incidents with stimulus monies were less than one percent.
May 2011: Opposed Bin Laden Mission
In May 2011, some reports suggest that Joe Biden opposed proceeding with the U.S. mission to kill Osama bin Laden, lest failure adversely affect Obama's reelection prospects.
2011: U.S. Troops Exit from Iraq
In 2011, Joe Biden was the administration's point man in delivering messages to Iraqi leadership before the exit of U.S. troops.
2011: Consideration of Replacing Biden
In late 2011, White House Chief of Staff William M. Daley conducted secret polling and focus group research on the idea of replacing Joe Biden with Hillary Clinton as Obama's running mate for the 2012 election. However, the notion was dropped.
May 2012: Supported Same-Sex Marriage
In May 2012, Joe Biden's statement that he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex marriage gained public attention. This statement prompted Obama to announce his support for same-sex marriage soon after.
August 2012: Colorful Remarks
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", drawing attention to his propensity for colorful remarks.
December 2012: Headed Gun Violence Task Force
In December 2012, Barack Obama named Joe Biden to head the Gun Violence Task Force to address school shootings.
2012: 2012 Presidential Election
In 2012, Barack Obama asked Joe Biden to remain as his running mate for the 2012 presidential election.
2012: Campaigning for Obama's Reelection
In 2012, Joe Biden campaigned for Obama's reelection, stating "Osama bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive."
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.
October 2013: Cut Out of Talks
In October 2013, Joe Biden played little part in discussions that led to the 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, feeling Biden had given too much away during previous negotiations.
2013: Biden's memory lapses as Vice President
During the investigation into Joe Biden's handling of classified documents, special counsel Robert Hur noted that Biden couldn't recall when he stopped being Vice President, referencing 2013. Hur also mentioned that Biden did not remember when his son Beau died, suggesting significant limitations to his memory.
2013: Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization
In 2013, Joe Biden's Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized again.
2013: Negotiated Deal to Avoid Fiscal Cliff
In the final days before the United States fell off the "fiscal cliff" in 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.
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: Deportations reach Highest Level Since 2014
From October 2023 to September 2024, deportations from the U.S. reached the highest level since 2014.
2014: Hunter Biden Joins Burisma
Hunter Biden joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma in 2014.
2014: The New Yorker notes Biden's embellishments
In 2014, The New Yorker, along with The New York Times, noted that Joe Biden often embellishes elements of his life or exaggerates facts. This included claims of being more active in the civil rights movement than he was and falsely stating he was an excellent student with three college degrees.
2014: ISIL Insurgency in Iraq
In 2014, as the ISIL insurgency in Iraq intensified, renewed attention was paid to the Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan of 2006.
2014: Continuing Appropriations Act Passed
In October 2013, Joe Biden played little part in discussions that led to the 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, feeling Biden had given too much away during previous negotiations.
2014: Pardon for Hunter Biden
On December 1, 2024, President Biden issued a "full and unconditional" pardon to Hunter Biden that covered all federal offenses between 2014 and December 1, 2024.
2014: Pardons for Family Members and High-Profile Figures
On his last day in office, President Biden issued pardons for more of his family members and other high-profile figures, covering federal offenses committed or potentially committed since 2014.
2015: Decision Not to Run for President
During 2015, Joe Biden was uncertain about running for president, particularly due to the recent death of his son Beau, before announcing his decision not to run that October.
2015: Death of Beau Biden
In 2015, Beau Biden, Joe Biden's son, died of brain cancer.
2015: Obergefell v. Hodges Ruling
In 2015, the Defense of Marriage Act, for which Joe Biden voted in 1996, was ruled unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges.
2016: Media Mentions as Presidential Candidate
Between 2016 and 2019, media outlets often mentioned Joe Biden as a likely candidate for president in 2020.
2016: Considered Presidential Bid
During his second term, Joe Biden was often said to be preparing for a bid for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.
2016: Greg Kinnear portrays Biden in Confirmation
In 2016, Greg Kinnear portrayed Joe Biden in the HBO television film "Confirmation", which covered the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination hearings.
2016: Biden appears in Law & Order: SVU
In 2016, Joe Biden appeared as himself in an episode of Law & Order: SVU.
2016: Spoke About Sexual Violence at 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.
January 20, 2017: Left Office
On January 20, 2017, Joe Biden left office as Vice President of the United States.
2017: Published Memoir
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](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qecnch4uL._SL500_.jpg "[Joe Biden] Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose - Hardcover")
2017: Biden proposed reversing corporate tax cuts
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, and signed with them again when his term ended on January 20, 2025.
January 2018: Time for Biden PAC Formed
In January 2018, a political action committee known as Time for Biden was formed.
2018: Delivered Eulogy for John McCain
In 2018, Joe Biden gave a eulogy for Senator John McCain.
2018: The Senate went Republican
In the 2024 general election, the Senate went Republican for the first time since 2018.
March 2019: Accusations of Inappropriate Physical Contact
In March 2019 and April 2019, eight women accused Joe Biden of inappropriate physical contact, such as embracing, touching, or kissing.
March 2019: Biden Describes Himself as a Bridge
In March 2019, Joe Biden characterized himself as a bridge to the next generation of leaders, emphasizing their potential to shape the future of the United States.
April 2019: Accusations of Inappropriate Physical Contact
In March 2019 and April 2019, eight women accused Joe Biden of inappropriate physical contact, such as embracing, touching, or kissing. In April 2019, Biden pledged to be more "respectful of people's personal space".
April 25, 2019: Launched Presidential Campaign
On April 25, 2019, Joe Biden launched his campaign for president, citing concerns about the Trump administration and a "sense of duty".
September 2019: Trump Pressured Ukraine to Investigate Biden
In September 2019, it was reported that Donald Trump 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: Left Position 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 until 2019.
2019: Earned Over $15 Million
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 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 Clarence Thomas nomination hearings in 1991, but Hill remained unsatisfied.
2019: Accusations of Inappropriate Physical Contact
In 2019, eight women, including Tara Reade, accused Joe Biden of inappropriate physical contact.
February 2020: Trump Administration Deal with the Taliban
In February 2020, the Trump administration reached a deal with the Taliban to completely withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan by May 1, 2021.
February 2020: US-Taliban agreement on Afghanistan withdrawal
In February 2020, the US government under President Trump reached an agreement with the Taliban, setting a May 1, 2021, deadline for the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan.
March 2020: Tara Reade Accuses Biden of Sexual Assault
In late March 2020, Tara Reade, who previously accused Biden of inappropriate physical contact in 2019, alleged that he sexually assaulted her in 1993. Biden and his campaign denied the sexual assault allegation.
April 8, 2020: Sanders Suspends Campaign, Biden Becomes Presumptive Nominee
On April 8, 2020, Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign, making Joe Biden the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee for president.
November 2020: Biden's Net Worth Reaches $9 Million
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 as 46th President
In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected as the 46th president of the United States, defeating incumbent Donald Trump, although the transition was delayed due to false claims of widespread electoral fraud by Trump.
December 2020: CPI before Biden Term
Between December 2020 and 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: Media Mentions as Presidential Candidate
Between 2016 and 2019, media outlets often mentioned Joe Biden as a likely candidate for president in 2020.
2020: Biden's Campaign Promise on Private Prisons
Despite his 2020 campaign promise to end the practice, the Biden administration worked to extend at least 14 contracts with private prison companies to run immigrant detention centers in the final year of his presidency.
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: Various actors portray Biden on Saturday Night Live
During the 2020 election season, Joe Biden was portrayed by John Mulaney, Alex Moffat, Mikey Day, Woody Harrelson, and Jim Carrey on Saturday Night Live.
2020: Experts regarded Biden's victory over Trump as his signature accomplishment
Experts regarded Joe Biden's victory over Trump in the 2020 election as his signature accomplishment, which was perceived as helping to protect and restore political and institutional norms in U.S. government.
2020: Biden on Decriminalizing Cannabis
In 2020, Joe Biden also ran on decriminalizing cannabis, after advocating harsher penalties for drug use as a senator.
2020: Defeated Trump and Pence in the presidential election
In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris defeated Republican incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence.
2020: Reuse of "bunch of malarkey" Phrase
Joe Biden reused the phrase "a bunch of malarkey" during his 2020 presidential campaign, a phrase popularized during the 2012 vice-presidential debate.
2020: Biden Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Joe Biden signed with talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) from 2017 to 2020, and signed with them again when his term ended on January 20, 2025.
January 6, 2021: Attack on the U.S. Capitol
On January 6, 2021, supporters of Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol Building while Congress was in session to certify the election results, which formalized Joe Biden's victory. Biden addressed the nation, condemning the events. Congress eventually certified Biden and Harris as the winners.
January 20, 2021: Biden Inaugurated as 46th President
On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States, becoming the oldest person to assume the office at the time. The inauguration was subdued due to COVID-19 and increased security after the January 6 Capitol attack.
February 2021: High Approval Rating Among Democrats
In February 2021, Gallup, Inc. found that Joe Biden had a 98% approval rating from Democrats during his first few months in office.
February 2021: Ending support for Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen
In February 2021, the Biden administration announced the end of United States 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 his Build Back Better agenda, President Biden proposed the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion package to address transport infrastructure, utilities infrastructure, broadband infrastructure, housing, schools, manufacturing, research, and workforce development.
March 2021: Inflation Rate Surpasses Federal Reserve Target
Starting in March 2021, the inflation rate remained above the Federal Reserve's 2% target every month.
May 1, 2021: Original Deadline for U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan
May 1, 2021, was the original deadline for the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, as agreed upon in a deal between the Trump administration and the Taliban in February 2020.
June 2021: First trip abroad as president
In June 2021, President Biden made his first international trip, visiting Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom for a G7 summit, a NATO summit, and an EU summit, and also held talks with Vladimir Putin.
July 2021: Biden Urges Vaccination Amid Delta Variant Spread
In July 2021, amid a slowing COVID-19 vaccination rate and the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, Joe Biden emphasized the importance of Americans getting vaccinated.
August 2021: Biden's Approval Rating Begins to Decline
In August 2021, Joe Biden's approval rating began to decline after maintaining a rating above 50% during his presidency's first eight months. This decline 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 Bill
In August 2021, the Senate passed a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, covering infrastructure related to transport, utilities, and broadband.
September 2021: Announcement of AUKUS security pact
In September 2021, President Biden announced AUKUS, a security agreement 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 of Representatives approved the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan bill focused on infrastructure related to transport, utilities, and broadband.
2021: Judicial Appointments in 2021
By the end of 2021, President Biden had confirmed 40 nominees to the federal judiciary, prioritizing diversity in his judicial appointments more than any other president in U.S. history.
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: Biden revokes Trump's security clearance
In 2021, Joe Biden revoked Donald Trump's security clearance due to Trump's role in inciting the January 6 Capitol attack. Former presidents have traditionally been granted access to intelligence briefings, although this is at the discretion of the current president.
2021: Biden Signs American Rescue Plan Act into Law
In 2021, Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus and relief package designed to support the United States' recovery from the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Climate Change Conference
In 2021, before and 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.
2021: Surge in Border Crossings
In 2021, when President Biden assumed office, illegal border crossings at the Mexico–United States border began to surge.
2021: Robust GDP Growth
Joe Biden's first year in office was characterized by robust growth in real GDP of 5.9% in 2021.
2021: 2021-2023 inflation surge
Journalist Ronald Brownstein compared Joe Biden to Jimmy Carter: Biden's presidency was overshadowed by the 2021–2023 inflation surge, much as the 1970s energy crisis and stagflation overshadowed Carter's presidency.
2021: Biden Proposes U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021
On his first day in office in 2021, President Biden proposed the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.
2021: The Honoring our PACT Act Introduced
The Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 was introduced in 2021.
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, affecting 390,000 workers.
January 2022: Justice Breyer Announces Retirement
In January 2022, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his intention to retire.
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 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, aimed at revamping the finances and operations of the United States Postal Service agency.
June 2022: Inflation Peak
In June 2022, during Joe Biden's presidency, inflation peaked at 9.1%.
June 25, 2022: Biden Signs Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
On June 25, 2022, Joe Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, addressing 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 and experienced mild symptoms. He was treated with Paxlovid, according to the White House, and worked in isolation.
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 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, providing billions of dollars to boost domestic research and manufacture of semiconductors.
August 10, 2022: Biden Signs Honoring our PACT Act into Law
On August 10, 2022, Joe Biden signed into law the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, which aimed to improve healthcare access and funding for veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service.
September 2, 2022: Biden's Philadelphia Speech
On September 2, 2022, President Biden gave a nationally broadcast speech in Philadelphia, calling for a "battle for the soul of the nation" and referring to Trump supporters as "semi-fascists".
October 6, 2022: Pardons for Federal Cannabis Possession
On October 6, 2022, President 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.
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: Congressional approval of aid to Ukraine
In 2022, Congress approved approximately $113 billion in aid to Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion.
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 the federal government to recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial marriages.
2022: Bill codifying the protections of Roe into federal law
In 2022, a bill codifying the protections of Roe into federal law, passed the House, but was unable to clear the Senate filibuster.
2022: Incorporation of Build Back Better Act aspects into Inflation Reduction Act
In 2022, aspects of Biden's proposed Build Back Better Act were incorporated into the Inflation Reduction Act, which he signed into law.
2022: GDP Growth Cools, Recession Concerns Arise
In 2022, during Joe Biden's presidency, real GDP growth cooled to 2.1%, after slightly negative growth in the first half spurred recession concerns.
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
In 2022, the Build Back Better Act was reworked into the Inflation Reduction Act, covering deficit reduction, climate change, healthcare, and tax reform.
2022: Siena College Research Institute's survey ranked 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 launches investigation into Hunter and James Biden
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 the "possible unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or other records" related to President Biden.
February 4, 2023: Shooting down of suspected 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, during Joe Biden's presidency.
March 2023: Bank Failures and Biden's Response
In March 2023, several U.S. banks failed, leading to a decline in global bank stock prices. President Biden opposed a taxpayer bailout and attributed the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank to a partial rollback of Dodd-Frank regulations.
April 4, 2023: Finnish ascension into NATO
On April 4, 2023, Finland formally ascended into NATO.
April 25, 2023: Biden confirms reelection campaign
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 was 37 percent, with the economy being the main concern for most surveyed.
July 2023: Biden Announces Measures to Protect Population from Heat Waves
In July 2023, as heat waves impacted the United States, President Biden announced measures to protect the population, linking the heat waves to climate change.
September 2023: COVID-19 Student Loan Pause Extended
In September 2023, President Biden extended the COVID-19 student loan pause. Additionally, an "on ramp" period extended some protections through September 30, 2024.
October 2023: Record Low Approval Rating Among Democrats
By October 2023, Gallup found that Joe Biden's approval rating among Democrats had reached a record low of 75%.
October 2023: Record Domestic Oil Production
Despite his 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: Inflation Eases to 3.2%
During Joe Biden's presidency, inflation eased to 3.2% by October 2023, after peaking at 9.1% in June 2022.
October 2023: Deportations Reach Highest Level Since 2014
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: House votes to formalize 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: No evidence of wrongdoing by Biden found
As of December 2023, Congressional investigations, including by the House Oversight committee, have discovered no evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden.
December 2023: Record High Border Crossings
In December 2023, illegal border crossings at the Mexico–United States border reached an all-time monthly high.
December 22, 2023: Pardons 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 on Potential Democratic Challengers
In 2023, Joe Biden responded to a question about whether any other Democrats could defeat Donald Trump by stating "Probably 50 of them."
2023: Removal of Basal-Cell Carcinoma From Chest
In 2023, Joe Biden underwent the removal of a basal-cell carcinoma from his chest, before undergoing Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead in September 4.
2023: Lowest Approval Rating Among Modern U.S. Presidents
In 2023, Joe Biden's approval rating was recorded as the lowest of any modern U.S. president after three years in office.
2023: Debt Limit Deal
In 2023, President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached an agreement, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, to raise the U.S. debt limit and suspend it until January 2025, averting a potential default.
2023: 2021-2023 inflation surge
Journalist Ronald Brownstein compared Joe Biden to Jimmy Carter: Biden's presidency was overshadowed by the 2021–2023 inflation surge, much as the 1970s energy crisis and stagflation overshadowed Carter's presidency.
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.
January 2024: Biden Supports Bipartisan Immigration Deal
In January 2024, President Biden expressed support for a proposed bipartisan immigration deal led by Senators Kyrsten Sinema and James Lankford.
January 17, 2024: House Passes Resolution Denouncing Biden's Border Handling
On January 17, 2024, the House of Representatives passed a Republican-led non-binding resolution denouncing the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the U.S. southern border by a vote of 225–187.
February 8, 2024: Hur announces no charges against Biden
On February 8, 2024, Special Counsel Robert Hur announced that no charges would be brought against President Biden regarding the classified documents matter.
February 2024: American Political Science Association poll ranks Biden 14th-greatest president
A February 2024 American Political Science Association poll of historians and scholars ranked Joe Biden the 14th-greatest president, diverging from public assessments. The experts polled generally regarded Biden's signature accomplishment as his victory over Trump in the 2020 election.
February 2024: Alexander Smirnov charged with making false statements
In February 2024, Alexander Smirnov, a former intelligence informant, was charged with making false statements about bribery allegations against Joe Biden. Smirnov admitted to publicizing a false story provided by Russian intelligence officials with the intention of damaging Biden's reelection campaign.
February 29, 2024: Response to killing of Palestinian civilians receiving food aid
Following the killing of Palestinian civilians receiving food aid on February 29, 2024, President Biden acknowledged that the level of aid entering Gaza was insufficient.
March 2024: Majority disapproval of Israeli conduct
According to a March 2024 Gallup poll, a strong majority of Americans disapproved of Israeli conduct during the war.
April 2024: 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 controlled by foreign adversaries.
April 2024: Plan to Protect Water Sources Unveiled
In April 2024, President Biden unveiled a plan to protect and restore natural water sources, including 3.2 million hectares of wetlands and 161,000 km of waterways.
April 2024: Additional aid to Ukraine
In April 2024, an additional $61 billion in aid to Ukraine was added.
April 2024: Gaza war protests on university campuses
Starting in April 2024, widespread Gaza war protests emerged on university campuses, denouncing Biden's stance on the conflict.
May 2024: Increased tariffs on Chinese imports
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, and also raised tariffs on steel, aluminum, and medical materials.
May 31, 2024: Support for Israeli ceasefire proposal
On May 31, 2024, President Biden announced his support for an Israeli ceasefire proposal, which aimed to establish a permanent ceasefire, release all hostages, and reconstruct the Gaza Strip.
June 2024: Biden Issues Executive Action Offering Amnesty to Unauthorized Immigrants
In June 2024, Joe Biden issued an executive action offering amnesty to unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens, which included a pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship. The program was later struck down.
June 2024: Biden Issues Executive Order on Border Restrictions
In June 2024, President Biden issued an executive order allowing the president to restrict the Mexico–U.S. border.
June 2024: Concerns about Biden's Mental Acuity
In June 2024, concerns about Joe Biden's mental acuity were widely covered by the media following a weak performance in a presidential debate. Although Biden initially stated he was fit to serve two terms, after the 2024 election he suggested he might be too old for a second term.
June 27, 2024: First presidential debate between Biden and Trump
On June 27, 2024, the first presidential debate was held between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Biden's performance was widely criticized, leading to questions about his health and age. He 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%.
July 17, 2024: Biden tests positive for COVID-19 again
On July 17, 2024, Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again.
August 6, 2024: Harris becomes the Democratic presidential nominee
On August 6, 2024, Kamala Harris officially became the Democratic presidential nominee after Joe Biden withdrew from the race on July 21, 2024, endorsing her as his replacement. This was the first time an eligible incumbent had declined to run for reelection since 1968.
August 2024: Continued U.S. aid to Afghanistan
As of August 2024, the U.S. remained the biggest aid donor to Afghanistan after the withdrawal, spending at least $20.7 billion post-withdrawal, which has helped support the Taliban government and stabilize Afghanistan's economy.
August 2024: Negotiated 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. It involved the release of 26 people, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.
September 2024: Deportations Reach Highest Level Since 2014
From October 2023 to September 2024, deportations from the U.S. reached the highest level since 2014.
September 25, 2024: House of Representatives condemns U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan
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: End of Extended Protections for Student Loans
On September 30, 2024, the extended protections against credit reporting, collection efforts, and late payment fees for student loans, which were part of the COVID-19 student loan pause's "on ramp" period, came to an end.
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: Ceasefire agreement in Israel–Hezbollah conflict
In November 2024, the Biden administration announced that it helped broker a ceasefire agreement in the Israel–Hezbollah conflict.
December 1, 2024: Pardon for Hunter Biden
On December 1, 2024, President Biden issued a "full and unconditional" pardon to Hunter Biden that covered all federal offenses between 2014 and December 1, 2024.
December 12, 2024: Clemency Act for 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.
December 2024: Gallup poll assesses 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. Americans largely offered negative assessments of Biden's presidency on economic, national, and international issues.
December 2024: Pardoned Hunter Biden
In December 2024, Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden following his conviction on gun and tax charges.
December 2024: End of Biden's Term Inflation and CPI Data
In December 2024, the last full month of Joe Biden's term as president, the inflation rate reached 2.9% and the core inflation rate reached 3.2% on an annual basis. Between December 2020 and 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.
December 23, 2024: Commutation of Death Row Sentences
On December 23, 2024, President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates.
2024: Biden's campaign for president
During his 2024 campaign, Joe Biden promoted higher economic growth and recovery, frequently stating his intention to "finish the job" as a political rallying cry.
2024: Dana Carvey portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live
In 2024, Dana Carvey played the role of Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.
2024: Public frustration over inflation
In 2024, Journalist Amy Walter argued that the public deemed Joe Biden's presidency a failure, particularly due to frustration over inflation, which voters considered the most important element of the economy.
2024: Withdrawal from 2024 presidential candidacy
In 2024, after facing scrutiny regarding his age and health following the first presidential debate, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy for reelection.
2024: Trump defeats Harris in the general election
In the 2024 general election, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris. A YouGov poll conducted on November 6–7, 2024, found that if Joe Biden had been the Democratic nominee, Trump would have won the popular vote by 49% to 42%.
2024: Dean Phillips runs against Biden in Democratic presidential primaries
U.S. Representative Dean Phillips ran against Joe Biden in the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries, campaigning as a younger alternative. Biden won the New Hampshire primary as a write-in candidate. On March 6, 2024 Phillips suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden, who became the presumptive nominee on March 12, 2024.
2024: Harris's loss to Trump in 2024 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: Biden's Final Approval Rating
In January 2025, 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 a January 2025 interview, Joe Biden claimed he could have defeated Donald Trump had he not been persuaded to withdraw from the election, despite trailing behind Trump in polling. In 2024, Trump won the popular vote over Kamala Harris by 49.8% to 48.3%.
January 2025: Debt Limit Suspended Until January 2025
The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which was agreed upon by President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, suspended the debt limit until January 2025.
January 20, 2025: End of Biden's presidential term
Joe Biden's term ended on January 20, 2025. At the end of his presidency, Biden designated former senior advisors to raise funds for the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Presidential Library.
May 18, 2025: Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer
On May 18, 2025, Joe Biden's office announced that he had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer with bone metastasis during a routine physical examination. He confirmed that he had begun treatment on May 30.
November 20, 2025: Biden attends Dick Cheney's funeral
On November 20, 2025, which was his 83rd birthday, Joe Biden and his wife attended former Vice President Dick Cheney's funeral.
2025: Biden's cognitive health and age
As of 2025, Joe Biden was the oldest sitting president in U.S. history. There were perceptions, particularly among Republicans and some media figures, that his cognitive health was declining. Concerns were raised about Biden's aging and decline in acuity.
2025: Oldest living former U.S. Vice President
Since the death of Dick Cheney in 2025, Joe Biden became the oldest living former U.S. Vice 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.
2030: Projected Greenhouse Gas Emission Levels by 2030
According to an analysis by the Rhodium Group, the Inflation Reduction Act will lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions between 31 percent and 44 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
2030: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Target
During the international climate summit held on April 22-23, 2021, Joe Biden announced that the U.S. aimed to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50%-52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
2030: Methane Emission Reduction Target
In 2021, before and 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.
2035: Biden aims for a carbon-free power sector
Joe Biden wants to achieve a carbon-free power sector in the U.S. by 2035 and stop emissions completely by 2050.
2050: Biden aims to stop emissions completely
Joe Biden wants to achieve a carbon-free power sector in the U.S. by 2035 and stop emissions completely by 2050.
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