John Forbes Kerry is a prominent American figure who has significantly impacted politics and diplomacy. Serving as the 68th U.S. Secretary of State under President Obama, he dedicated years to representing Massachusetts in the Senate. Although Kerry unsuccessfully ran for president in 2004, he remains a notable figure in the Democratic Party. His commitment to public service is evident through his role as the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, tackling critical global issues.
1901: Conversion of John Kerry's Paternal Grandparents to Catholicism
In 1901, John Kerry's paternal grandparents, Frederick and Ida Kerry (originally Kohn), along with Frederick's brother, converted from Judaism to Catholicism and changed their surname to Kerry.
1905: John Kerry's Paternal Grandparents Immigrate to the United States
John Kerry's paternal grandparents, Fred and Ida Kerry, emigrated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the United States in 1905, initially residing in Chicago before settling in Brookline, Massachusetts, by 1915.
December 11, 1943: Birth of John Forbes Kerry
John Forbes Kerry was born on December 11, 1943.
1944: Kerry Family's Move to Washington, D.C.
After John Kerry's father was discharged from the Army Air Corps in 1944, the family moved to Washington, D.C., where his father began working for the Department of the Navy and later the State Department.
1957: Kerry Attends Boarding School
When his father was stationed in Oslo, Norway, in 1957, John Kerry returned to the United States to attend boarding schools, first Fessenden School and later St. Paul's School.
1960: Founding of the John Winant Society
John Kerry founded the John Winant Society, a debate club, at St. Paul's School in 1960.
1961: Kerry's Rock Band Releases Album
John Kerry's rock band, The Electras, released an album in 1961 while they were students at St. Paul's School.
1962: Kerry Attends Yale and Briefly Dates Janet Auchincloss
John Kerry began attending Yale University in 1962, where he briefly dated Janet Auchincloss, the half-sister of Jacqueline Kennedy.
March 1965: Kerry Wins Ten Eyck Prize for Oratory
In March 1965, John Kerry won the Ten Eyck prize for his oratory skills at Yale University, delivering a speech critical of U.S. foreign policy.
February 18, 1966: Kerry Enlists in the Naval Reserve
John Kerry enlisted in the Naval Reserve on February 18, 1966.
August 1966: Beginning of Active Duty in US Navy
John Kerry began his active duty service in the United States Navy in August 1966.
August 19, 1966: Kerry Begins Active Duty
John Kerry began his active duty military service on August 19, 1966.
December 16, 1966: Commissioning as a Naval Officer
After completing Officer Candidate School, John Kerry received his commission as a naval officer on December 16, 1966.
1966: Kerry Graduates from Yale
John Kerry graduated from Yale University in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in political science.
1966: Kerry Graduates Yale and Enlists in the Navy
After graduating from Yale University in 1966, John Kerry enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve.
December 3, 1968: First Purple Heart Medal
During a mission near Cam Ranh Bay on December 3, 1968, John Kerry's swift boat surprised a group of Vietnamese men. In the ensuing encounter, Kerry's boat destroyed the sampans, and Kerry sustained a shrapnel wound in his left arm, earning him his first Purple Heart Medal.
February 20, 1969: Second Purple Heart Medal
On February 20, 1969, while on a mission on the Bồ Đề River, John Kerry's boat was hit by a B-40 rocket. Kerry was wounded in the leg by shrapnel, earning him his second Purple Heart Medal.
February 28, 1969: Silver Star Medal
John Kerry was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions on February 28, 1969, on the Duong Keo River. During a combat operation, Kerry led his swift boat and two others, directing fire and coordinating troop insertions. When his boat was targeted by a rocket, Kerry pursued and killed the enemy combatant, capturing a loaded rocket launcher.
March 1, 1969: Press Release on Duong Keo River incident
A press release was written on March 1, 1969, documenting the events on the Duong Keo River that led to Kerry's Silver Star Medal.
March 13, 1969: Third Qualifying Wound
On March 13, 1969, while on the Bái Háp River, Kerry's boat was involved in an incident where a mine detonated beneath a nearby boat. Although Kerry sustained a minor shrapnel wound earlier that day, this incident marked his third qualifying wound, making him eligible for reassignment away from combat duties.
March 17, 1969: Historical Summary of Duong Keo River Incident
On March 17, 1969, a historical summary was created documenting the events on the Duong Keo River that led to Kerry's Silver Star Medal.
April 11, 1969: Reassignment to Non-Combat Duty
After sustaining his third qualifying wound, John Kerry was reassigned to non-combat duty. On April 11, 1969, he reported to the Atlantic Military Sea Transportation Service in Brooklyn, where he served as a personal aide to Rear Admiral Walter Schlech.
December 1969: Extension of Active Duty Obligation
John Kerry extended his active duty obligation from December 1969 to August 1970 to continue his service on Swift Boats.
January 1, 1970: Temporary Promotion to Lieutenant
On January 1, 1970, John Kerry was temporarily promoted to the rank of full lieutenant.
January 1970: End of Active Duty in US Navy
John Kerry concluded his active duty service in the US Navy in January 1970.
August 1970: End of Swift Boat Duty Extension
John Kerry's extension of active duty for Swift Boat service ended in August 1970.
1970: Kerry Considers Congressional Run, Supports Drinan
In 1970, John Kerry considered running for Congress in Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district. He ultimately decided to support Robert Drinan, an anti-war activist, who went on to win the election.
1970: John Kerry Marries Julia Thorne
John Kerry married Julia Thorne in 1970.
April 22, 1971: Kerry Testifies Before Senate Committee and Participates in Anti-War Protest
On April 22, 1971, John Kerry testified before a U.S. Senate committee regarding proposals to end the Vietnam War. Later that day, he participated in a demonstration where veterans threw their medals and ribbons over a fence at the U.S. Capitol in protest of the war. Kerry threw some of his own awards, stating, "I'm not doing this for any violent reasons, but for peace and justice, and to try and make this country wake up once and for all."
May 30, 1971: Arrest at VVAW Protest
On May 30, 1971, John Kerry was arrested during a Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) protest in Lexington, Massachusetts. The protest was a march to honor American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam. Kerry and over 400 demonstrators were arrested for trespassing while attempting to camp on the Lexington village green.
1971: Kerry's First Testimony Before Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In 1971, John Kerry appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the first time. This early appearance before the committee highlights Kerry's longstanding involvement in foreign policy matters.
February 1972: Kerry Prepares for Congressional Run
In February 1972, John Kerry and his wife rented an apartment in Lowell, Massachusetts, in preparation for his run for Congress in the 5th district.
1972: Kerry's "Years in Exile"
Following his defeat in the 1972 congressional election, John Kerry and his wife moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, marking a period his brother later referred to as "the years in exile." Kerry worked as a fundraiser for CARE, an international humanitarian organization, before entering law school.
1972: Kerry's Entry into Politics
John Kerry began his political career in 1972 as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Massachusetts.
September 5, 1973: Birth of Alexandra Kerry
Alexandra Kerry, John Kerry's first daughter, was born on September 5, 1973, just days before he began law school.
September 1973: Kerry Enters Law School
In September 1973, John Kerry entered Boston College Law School. During this time, he also worked as a talk radio host.
July 1974: Kerry Leads Mass Action
In July 1974, while studying at Boston College Law School, John Kerry became the executive director of Mass Action, a Massachusetts advocacy group.
December 31, 1976: Birth of Vanessa Kerry
Vanessa Kerry, John Kerry's second daughter, was born on December 31, 1976.
1976: Kerry Graduates Law School, Begins Legal Career
John Kerry graduated from Boston College Law School with a Juris Doctor degree in 1976. He passed the bar exam, was admitted to the Massachusetts bar, and began working as a prosecutor in the Middlesex County District Attorney's office.
January 1977: Kerry Becomes First Assistant District Attorney
In January 1977, John Kerry was promoted to First Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. In this role, he tried cases, managed the office, and initiated new programs.
February 1978: End of Service in Naval Reserve
John Kerry continued to serve in the Naval Reserve until February 1978.
1978: Kerry's Political Aspirations and Career Shift
In 1978, John Kerry planned to run for District Attorney but ultimately decided against it when the incumbent's health improved.
1978: Kerry Investigates Senator Edward Brooke
In 1978, as First Assistant District Attorney, John Kerry launched an investigation into potential criminal charges against Senator Edward Brooke related to misstatements made during his divorce trial. The investigation concluded without any charges filed.
1979: Kerry Meets with Iranian Foreign Minister
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, John Kerry met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on September 27, 2013, during the P5+1 and Iran summit. This marked the highest-level direct engagement between the United States and Iran since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
1979: Kerry Starts Law Firm, Explores New Ventures
John Kerry left the District Attorney's office in 1979 to establish a law firm with colleague Roanne Sragow. He also worked as a TV commentator and co-founded a bakery.
1982: John Kerry and Julia Thorne Separate
Julia Thorne, suffering from severe depression, asked John Kerry for a separation in 1982.
1982: Kerry Runs for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts
John Kerry entered the Democratic primary race for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1982.
1982: Election as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts
In 1982, John Kerry was elected the 66th lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.
1984: Kerry Runs for US Senate
In 1984, John Kerry ran for the US Senate seat vacated by Paul Tsongas. Despite not initially having the support of the Democratic party establishment, he won the primary.
1984: Election to the United States Senate
John Kerry was elected to the United States Senate in 1984.
January 2, 1985: Kerry Appointed to US Senate
John Kerry was appointed to the US Senate on January 2, 1985, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Paul Tsongas. This appointment gave him seniority over other newly elected senators.
April 18, 1985: Kerry's Controversial Trip to Nicaragua
On April 18, 1985, Senator John Kerry and Senator Tom Harkin traveled to Nicaragua to meet with President Daniel Ortega, a controversial figure due to his leftist Sandinista government's ties to Cuba and the USSR. Kerry and Harkin's meeting, during which Ortega offered a cease-fire in exchange for the US ending support for the Contras, sparked criticism and was denounced by the Reagan administration.
1987: Chairmanship of DSCC
Kerry served as the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee from 1987 to 1989.
July 25, 1988: John Kerry and Julia Thorne Divorce
John Kerry and Julia Thorne divorced on July 25, 1988.
November 15, 1988: Kerry Apologizes for Quayle Joke
John Kerry made a controversial joke about then-President-elect George H. W. Bush and his running mate, Dan Quayle, on November 15, 1988. He apologized for the remark the following day.
May 4, 1989: North Convicted in Iran-Contra Affair
On May 4, 1989, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North was convicted on charges related to the Iran-Contra affair, a significant event that followed John Kerry's earlier investigation and report on the matter.
1989: End of DSCC Chairmanship
In 1989, Kerry's term as the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee concluded.
1990: John Kerry Meets Teresa Heinz
John Kerry met Teresa Heinz, the widow of his late Senate colleague John Heinz, at an Earth Day rally in 1990.
1990: Re-election to the Senate
Kerry was re-elected to the Senate in 1990.
September 16, 1991: North's Conviction Overturned
On September 16, 1991, Oliver North's convictions in the Iran-Contra affair were overturned on appeal.
1991: Chairmanship of POW/MIA Committee
From 1991 to 1993, Kerry served as the chairman of the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs.
1991: BCCI Shutdown
In 1991, banking regulators shut down the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) after Kerry's staff uncovered evidence of the bank's involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering during an investigation into Manuel Noriega.
December 1992: The BCCI Affair
In December 1992, Kerry and Senator Hank Brown released "The BCCI Affair," a report exposing the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) scandal. The report revealed the bank's illegal activities, including involvement with terrorists and money laundering.
1993: POW/MIA Committee Report
In 1993, the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs, under Kerry's chairmanship, released a report concluding there was no compelling evidence of American prisoners of war still alive in Southeast Asia.
1994: Opposition to Integral Fast Reactor Funding
In 1994, John Kerry led opposition to continued funding for the Integral Fast Reactor project.
1994: Resolution to End Vietnam Trade Embargo
Kerry and Senator John McCain jointly sponsored a resolution, passed by the Senate in 1994, to lift the trade embargo on Vietnam, aiming to normalize relations.
May 26, 1995: John Kerry Marries Teresa Heinz
John Kerry married Teresa Heinz on May 26, 1995, in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
1995: Normalization of US-Vietnam Relations
President Bill Clinton formally normalized diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1995.
1996: Re-election to the Senate
In 1996, Kerry won re-election to the Senate, defeating the popular Republican incumbent, Governor William Weld, in a closely watched race.
July 1997: Vote Against Kyoto Treaty Ratification
In July 1997, Kerry joined other senators in voting against the ratification of the Kyoto Treaty on global warming, citing the lack of greenhouse gas emissions limits on developing nations.
1997: John Kerry and Julia Thorne's Marriage Annulled
John Kerry and Julia Thorne's marriage was formally annulled in 1997.
2000: Controversy Surrounding George W. Bush's Military Service
During the 2000 presidential election, George W. Bush's military service in the Texas Air National Guard was called into question, with accusations that he used his father's influence to avoid service in Vietnam.
October 9, 2002: Support for Use of Force Authorization
On October 9, 2002, Kerry voted to authorize President Bush to use force against Saddam Hussein, citing the threat of weapons of mass destruction.
2002: Re-election to the Senate
Kerry was re-elected to the Senate in 2002.
2002: Death of Rosemary Forbes Kerry
Rosemary Forbes Kerry, John Kerry's mother, passed away in 2002.
January 23, 2003: Georgetown University Speech
On January 23, 2003, Kerry delivered a speech at Georgetown University, advocating for the disarmament of Saddam Hussein while also urging the Bush administration to prioritize diplomatic solutions before resorting to war.
2003: Account of Kerry's Actions From Commanding Officer
In 2003, Kerry's commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander George Elliott, recounted Kerry's actions on the Duong Keo River, highlighting the difficult decision of whether to court-martial or award him for his actions.
2003: John Kerry Discovers His Jewish Ancestry
John Kerry learned about his Jewish ancestry from a reporter in 2003. His paternal grandparents had converted from Judaism to Catholicism in 1901.
2003: John Kerry Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
John Kerry was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003 and successfully underwent treatment.
2003: National Journal Ranking
In 2003, Kerry was ranked as the top Senate liberal by the National Journal based on his voting record from the previous year.
February 3, 2004: Kerry's Success in Democratic Primaries
On February 3, 2004, John Kerry achieved significant victories in key states like Arizona, South Carolina, and New Mexico during the Democratic presidential primaries. This followed his win in the Iowa caucuses, marking a turning point in his campaign.
March 16, 2004: "I Did Vote for the $87 Billion Before I Voted Against It"
On March 16, 2004, John Kerry made a statement about a bill funding the Iraq War, saying, "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it." This statement was used by the Bush campaign to portray him as inconsistent in his stance.
July 6, 2004: John Edwards Announced as Kerry's Running Mate
On July 6, 2004, John Kerry, the Democratic nominee for president, selected John Edwards as his vice-presidential running mate. This decision was later criticized by some, including Kerry's campaign advisor Bob Shrum.
October 2004: John Kerry's Interview with Christianity Today
John Kerry gave an interview to Christianity Today in October 2004.
November 3, 2004: Kerry Concedes Presidential Election
On November 3, 2004, John Kerry conceded the presidential election to George W. Bush. Despite receiving a significant number of popular votes, Kerry fell short in the electoral college, securing 251 votes to Bush's 286.
2004: Estimation of Teresa Heinz Kerry's Net Worth
In 2004, Forbes estimated Teresa Heinz Kerry's net worth to be $750 million, making John Kerry potentially the third-richest U.S. president in history if elected. However, their assets were kept separate due to a prenuptial agreement.
2004: John Kerry's Jewish Ancestry Revealed During Presidential Campaign
John Kerry's Jewish ancestry became public knowledge during his 2004 presidential campaign.
2004: Post-Election Speculation and Kerry's Future Plans
Immediately following the 2004 election, discussions emerged about John Kerry potentially running for president again in 2008. His brother hinted at this possibility, and Kerry himself suggested that there's "always another four years."
2004: Political Stances and Voting Record
During the 2004 presidential election, Kerry's voting record was scrutinized. While labeled a "staunch liberal" by some, his career voting record placed him as the 11th most liberal senator by the National Journal.
2004: Swift Boat Veterans for Truth Challenge Kerry's War Record
During the 2004 presidential campaign, a group called Swift Boat Veterans for Truth challenged John Kerry's Vietnam War record and military awards. This challenge, though disputed by Kerry and many of his former crewmates, led to the term "swiftboating" as a pejorative term for unfair political attacks.
2005: Kerry's Political Engagement Continues
In 2005, John Kerry continued to be politically active by establishing a political action committee called Keeping America's Promise. Through this initiative, he raised over $5.5 million to support Democratic candidates in various state and federal races.
April 27, 2006: Death of Julia Thorne
Julia Thorne, John Kerry's first wife, died of cancer on April 27, 2006.
October 30, 2006: Campaign Rally Speech
On October 30, 2006, Kerry made a controversial statement at a campaign rally for Phil Angelides, saying those who don't succeed in education would "get stuck in Iraq."
2006: Kerry's Support for Democrats in the 2006 Midterm Elections
During the 2006 election cycle, John Kerry, through his campaign account and political action committee, raised over $10 million for Democratic candidates. This funding was directed towards 179 candidates across 42 states, demonstrating his commitment to supporting Democrats in the U.S. House, Senate, and state and local offices.
January 10, 2008: Kerry Endorses Obama, Fuels VP Speculation
On January 10, 2008, John Kerry publicly endorsed Barack Obama for president. This endorsement fueled speculation that Kerry himself might be considered as a potential vice-presidential candidate on the Obama ticket.
October 1, 2008: Support for TARP Bailout
On October 1, 2008, Kerry voted in favor of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, commonly known as the TARP bailout.
2008: Post-Election Speculation and Kerry's Future Plans
Immediately following the 2004 election, discussions emerged about John Kerry potentially running for president again in 2008. His brother hinted at this possibility, and Kerry himself suggested that there's "always another four years."
2008: Re-election to the Senate
Kerry was re-elected to the Senate in 2008.
January 2009: Chairmanship of Senate Foreign Relations Committee
In January 2009, Kerry became the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, succeeding Joe Biden.
August 25, 2009: Senior Senator from Massachusetts
Following the death of Ted Kennedy, Kerry became the senior senator from Massachusetts on August 25, 2009.
July 23, 2010: John Kerry's Yacht Purchase and Tax Controversy
The Boston Herald reported on July 23, 2010, that John Kerry had a new $7 million yacht built in New Zealand and moored in Rhode Island, allegedly to avoid Massachusetts taxes. Kerry later agreed to pay $500,000 in Massachusetts taxes on the yacht.
May 2011: Diplomatic Efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan
In May 2011, following the killing of Osama bin Laden, Kerry played a key role in navigating the crucial juncture in US-Afghan and US-Pakistan relations. He visited both countries, retrieved the helicopter tail-section from the bin Laden raid, and discussed recalibrating bilateral relationships.
2011: Support for Military Action in Libya
In 2011, Kerry expressed his support for US military intervention in Libya.
2011: Disclosure of John Kerry's Personal Assets
John Kerry's financial disclosure form in 2011 revealed his personal assets to be between $230 million and $320 million, including assets of his spouse and dependent children. This included over $3 million in H.J. Heinz Company assets.
2011: Global Generation Award
Kerry received the Global Generation Award from the Millennium Campus Network in 2011 for his advocacy for global development and his role as a role model for campus leaders.
December 15, 2012: Kerry Nominated for Secretary of State
On December 15, 2012, reports surfaced indicating that President Barack Obama intended to nominate John Kerry for the position of Secretary of State. This followed the withdrawal of Susan Rice from consideration due to criticism surrounding her handling of the Benghazi attack.
2012: Kerry Aids Obama's Reelection Campaign
In 2012, John Kerry played a role in President Barack Obama's reelection campaign. He participated in debate preparation sessions with Obama, taking on the role of Republican candidate Mitt Romney to help the president prepare for their debates.
January 2013: Nomination and Confirmation as Secretary of State
President Obama nominated John Kerry for the position of Secretary of State in January 2013, and he was subsequently confirmed by the Senate.
January 24, 2013: Kerry's Confirmation Hearing for Secretary of State
On January 24, 2013, John Kerry's confirmation hearing for the position of Secretary of State took place before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This was the same committee where Kerry had first testified back in 1971.
January 29, 2013: Senate Confirms Kerry as Secretary of State
On January 29, 2013, the full U.S. Senate voted to confirm John Kerry as Secretary of State. The vote was 94-3 in favor of Kerry's confirmation, marking his transition from Senator to a key role in the Obama administration.
February 1, 2013: Kerry Sworn in as Secretary of State
John Kerry was officially sworn in as Secretary of State on February 1, 2013, succeeding Hillary Clinton and taking on a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during Obama's second term.
July 30, 2013: Kerry Brokers Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks
After months of intense diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, John Kerry successfully facilitated the start of the 2013–2014 Israeli–Palestinian peace talks. A dinner hosted by Kerry on July 30, 2013, paved the way for direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian representatives at the State Department.
August 21, 2013: Advocacy for Military Action in Syria
Following the August 21, 2013, chemical weapons attack in Syria, John Kerry became a leading advocate for the use of military force against the Syrian government.
September 27, 2013: Kerry Meets with Iranian Foreign Minister
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, John Kerry met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on September 27, 2013, during the P5+1 and Iran summit. This marked the highest-level direct engagement between the United States and Iran since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
November 2013: Remarks on the Monroe Doctrine
In November 2013, John Kerry remarked that the era of the Monroe Doctrine was over, emphasizing equal partnerships between countries.
2013: Increase in Value of John Kerry's H.J. Heinz Company Assets
The value of John Kerry's H.J. Heinz Company assets rose by over $600,000 in 2013 following Berkshire Hathaway's announcement to purchase the company.
January 2014: Kerry Discusses Syria with Vatican Officials
In January 2014, John Kerry held discussions with Vatican officials, including Archbishop Pietro Parolin, focusing on the crisis in Syria. Kerry expressed appreciation for the Pope's support for the Geneva II peace process and the Vatican's concern for those affected by the conflict.
July 20, 2014: Syria Chemical Weapons Deal
On July 20, 2014, John Kerry declared that a deal had been struck to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons arsenal.
2014: Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks
John Kerry initiated the 2013–2014 Israeli–Palestinian peace talks during his time as Secretary of State.
2014: Kerry's Tenure as Secretary of State: A Mixed Bag
John Kerry's performance as Secretary of State in 2014 was met with a mixture of opinions. While he received praise for his diplomatic efforts and enjoyed high approval ratings, internal criticism emerged regarding his management style and focus.
2014: Support for Israel
In 2014, John Kerry expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself during the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict.
2014: Kerry Brokers Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks
After months of intense diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, John Kerry successfully facilitated the start of the 2013–2014 Israeli–Palestinian peace talks. A dinner hosted by Kerry on July 30, 2013, paved the way for direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian representatives at the State Department.
September 2015: Global Connect Initiative
In September 2015, the U.S. Department of State, under John Kerry's leadership, unveiled the "Global Connect" initiative to expand internet access globally.
2015: Iran Nuclear Deal and Paris Agreement
In 2015, John Kerry played a key role in negotiating agreements to restrict Iran's nuclear program and signed the Paris Agreement on climate change on behalf of the United States.
April 2016: Signing of the Paris Climate Accords
John Kerry signed the Paris Climate Accords at the United Nations in New York in April 2016.
November 11, 2016: Visit to Antarctica
On November 11, 2016, John Kerry became the first Secretary of State to visit Antarctica, spending two days meeting with researchers.
December 28, 2016: Criticism of Israeli Settlement Policies
On December 28, 2016, soon after the UN Security Council Resolution 2334 passed, John Kerry joined the rest of the U.N. Security Council in strongly criticizing Israel's settlement policies in a speech.
2016: Investment in Indian Broadband Network
In 2016, John Kerry announced a $171 million investment to support a wireless broadband network in India.
January 20, 2017: Retirement from Diplomatic Work
John Kerry retired from diplomatic work on January 20, 2017, following the end of the Obama administration.
April 2017: John Kerry Purchases Property in Martha's Vineyard
John Kerry bought an 18-acre property with a seven-bedroom home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, for $11.75 million in April 2017.
2017: Reversal on Nuclear Power
In 2017, John Kerry reversed his position on nuclear power, supporting it as a solution for climate change.
2017: End of Tenure as Secretary of State
John Kerry served as U.S. Secretary of State until 2017, marking the end of his term under the Obama administration.
September 2018: Publication of Memoirs
John Kerry published his memoirs, "Every Day Is Extra", in September 2018.
November 2018: Discussion on Global Issues
In November 2018, John Kerry discussed global issues such as migration and climate change in a public conversation.
December 5, 2019: Endorsement of Joe Biden
On December 5, 2019, John Kerry endorsed Joe Biden's bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.
November 23, 2020: Appointment as Climate Envoy
On November 23, 2020, Joe Biden's transition team announced John Kerry's appointment as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.
January 2021: Appointment as U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate
John Kerry returned to government service in January 2021 as the U.S. special presidential envoy for climate under President Biden.
January 20, 2021: Assumption of Office as Climate Envoy
John Kerry assumed office as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate on January 20, 2021.
April 25, 2021: Leaked Audiotape Controversy
On April 25, 2021, The New York Times published content from a leaked audiotape of a conversation between Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and an economist, which mentioned John Kerry.
April 27, 2021: Calls for Resignation and Denial
On April 27, 2021, Republicans called for John Kerry's resignation from the National Security Council following allegations from a leaked audiotape. Kerry denied the allegations.
June 2023: John Kerry's Middle East Tour for Climate Action
John Kerry visited Israel, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates in June 2023 to promote climate action. He urged Israel to pass climate legislation and renewed a memorandum of understanding between the US Environmental Protection Agency and Israel. This visit highlighted Israel's lack of a climate law despite being a developed country.
July 2023: John Kerry's Visit to India for Climate Discussions
During a visit to India in July 2023, John Kerry reaffirmed the USA's commitment to providing climate action funding to low-income countries. He emphasized that this commitment would remain regardless of future presidential changes, also criticizing former President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
July 2023: John Kerry's Visit to China for Climate Cooperation
In July 2023, amidst a record-breaking heatwave in Asia, John Kerry visited China to advance climate cooperation. The visit yielded progress in areas like methane reduction, reducing China's coal reliance, addressing trade concerns related to solar panels, and climate finance, despite existing challenges.
January 13, 2024: Announcement of John Kerry's Resignation as U.S. Climate Envoy
On January 13, 2024, sources close to John Kerry revealed his intention to step down as U.S. climate envoy in the upcoming spring. Kerry shared his plans to continue working in climate finance.
March 6, 2024: John Kerry Officially Resigns as U.S. Climate Envoy
John Kerry formally resigned from his position as U.S. climate envoy on March 6, 2024.
May 2024: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
In May 2024, John Kerry was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden.