Barack Obama

Official declarations of the principles, goals, and policies of a political party, often released during national conventions to guide the party's agenda and legislative priorities.

Speeches delivered by political figures at national party conventions, outlining party platforms, endorsing candidates, and rallying support for the party's agenda.

Written messages sent by the President of the United States to Congress, providing updates on the state of the nation and the administration's legislative priorities.

Public statements made by officials within the administration, representing the views or positions of the President of the United States on various issues.

Structured discussions or arguments between candidates or political figures, typically during electoral campaigns, to present and defend their positions on various issues.

Actions taken by the President of the United States to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law.

Weekly addresses delivered by the President of the United States through radio and webcast on Saturdays.

Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His mixed-race heritage and multicultural upbringing greatly influenced his later life and political career.

Barack Obama is an American politician who served as the 44th President of the United States, making history as the first African American to hold the office.

Barack Obama's parents, Barack Obama, Sr. and S. Ann Dunham, divorced in 1964.

In 1967, Barack Obama moved with his family to Indonesia, where he attended local Indonesian schools and received additional lessons via U.S. correspondence courses under his mother’s direction. This experience played a role in shaping his multicultural background and global perspective.

In 1971, Barack Obama returned to Hawaii to live with his grandparents and attended Punahou School, from which he graduated in 1979.

In 1979, Barack Obama graduated from Punahou School in Hawaii.

In 1983, Barack Obama earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Columbia University.

In 1985, Barack Obama relocated to Chicago, Illinois, and accepted a job with the Developing Communities Project, where he worked with low-income communities on Chicago’s South Side.

Barack Obama enrolled at Harvard Law School in 1988 to pursue his legal education.

In 1989, Barack Obama enrolled in Harvard Law School after three years of community organizing in Chicago.

In 1990, Barack Obama made history by being elected as the first African-American president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, showcasing his exceptional leadership and legal acumen.

In 1991, Barack Obama graduated with high honors from Harvard Law School, a significant achievement reflecting his academic excellence and dedication.

In 1992, Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson were married at Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ, marking the beginning of a strong and influential partnership.

In the summer of 1995, Barack Obama's first book, Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, was published, providing a profound insight into his personal history and quest for identity.

In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate from the thirteenth district. He served in various roles and committees during his time as a State Senator.

In 1997, Barack Obama entered public office as a state senator, marking the beginning of his political career.

Obama was re-elected to a second term in the Illinois State Senate in November 1998.

In 2000, Obama made his first run for the U.S. Congress seeking the Democratic U.S. House seat in Illinois First District, but lost to incumbent Representative Bobby Rush.

In the summer of 2004, Barack Obama delivered a keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, gaining national attention with his message of unity and inclusivity.

Obama was elected as the junior Senator from Illinois in November 2004.

In September 25, 2006, Oprah Winfrey made her first endorsement of Barack Obama for president on Larry King Live, marking the first time she publicly endorsed a political candidate. Two economists estimated that her endorsement was worth over a million votes in the Democratic primary race, significantly impacting the outcome.

While serving as U.S. Senator from Illinois, Obama completed his second book, The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream, published in October 2006.

On February 10, 2007, Barack Obama formally announced his candidacy for President of the United States.

On September 8, 2007, Oprah Winfrey held a fundraiser for Barack Obama at her Santa Barbara estate, showing her support for his presidential campaign.

In December 2007, Oprah Winfrey joined Barack Obama for a series of rallies in the early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, drawing a crowd of nearly 30,000 in Columbia, South Carolina, which was the largest for any political event of 2007.

After the final primaries on June 3, 2008, Obama gained enough delegates to become the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party.

On August 28, 2008, Barack Obama accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination at Invesco Stadium in Denver, Colorado.

Barack Obama accepts the nomination of the Democratic party for the 2008 election.

On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama became the first African-American to be elected President of the United States.

On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama made history by becoming the first African American to be elected President of the United States, defeating John McCain.

Barack Obama wins the presidential election on November 5, 2008.

Barack Obama resigned his seat in the U.S. Senate on November 16, 2008.

In December 2008, President-Elect Obama requests incumbent Defense Secretary Gates to continue in his position. Gates, who had previously opposed a withdrawal timetable, agrees to stay on citing the security agreement approved by the Iraqi parliament for U.S. forces to withdraw by 2011.

Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009. He made history as the first African American President in U.S. history.

Barack Obama became the first African American to be inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009.

This executive order ensures that detainees in armed conflict are treated humanely and are not subjected to violence to life and person or outrages to personal dignity.

This executive order directs the review of cases to close the controversial military prison for terrorism suspects, Guantanamo Bay Detention Center.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 is signed to protect workers against pay discrimination.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a $787 billion stimulus package, was signed into law. It aimed to provide economic relief and promote long-term prosperity.

President Obama signs the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law in Denver, Colorado. The act aimed to save and create jobs and provide relief to those most affected by the economic crisis of 2008-2009.

President Obama overturns a rule that restricted the amount of federal money that could be used on embryonic stem cell research.

President Obama hosts the first-ever online discussion at the White House, livestreaming himself answering questions asked by people online via the administration’s website.

President Obama gives a speech at Cairo University in Egypt, discussing the U.S. relations with countries in the Middle East.

President Obama, Professor Henry Louis Gates, and Cambridge Police Sergeant Jim Crowley held a 'beer summit' at the White House to address the controversy caused by Obama's comments on the arrest of Gates.

Barack Obama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his exceptional efforts in promoting international diplomacy and cooperation among nations.

Barack Obama lifts the 22-year-old ban that restricted individuals with HIV/AIDS from entering the United States.

Received the prestigious 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

President announced the commitment of an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan to fight Al Qaida and the Taliban. He also emphasized a responsible transition of forces out of the country beginning in 2011, rejecting an open-ended commitment to nation-building.

On January 14, 2010, President Obama pledged $100,000,000 to assist Haiti in recovery from the devastating earthquake that hit the country on January 12.

On January 21, 2010, President Obama announced the Volcker Rule, which seeks to restrict U.S. banks from engaging in certain speculative investments that would not be in the best interest of the customer.

The United States pledges to send $100 million to Haiti for earthquake relief efforts.

President Obama declares more than $8.3 billion in loan guarantees to Southern Company for the construction of two new nuclear reactors in Burke County, Georgia.

President Obama announces $900 million in grants for under-performing schools, provided they accept new reforms.

Obama's flagship healthcare reform bill, also known as Obamacare, is passed by Congress. The landmark policy aims to bring near-universal health coverage to Americans, despite bitter opposition from Republicans.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is enacted, marking a significant regulatory overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system. The aim is to enhance healthcare quality, affordability, and accessibility.

President Barack Obama signs the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which expands Medicaid and Medicare, guarantees insurance to people with preexisting conditions, and mandates subscription to health insurance.

The treaty is an agreement between the United States and Russia to reduce their stockpile of nuclear weapons. It aims to enhance global security by limiting the number of strategic nuclear weapons.

President Barack Obama signs the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty at a summit with Russian President Medvedev.

Obama delivers a eulogy for the 29 West Virginia coal miners who died in an explosion earlier in the month.

President Obama discusses the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico caused by BP and states that BP will have to pay heavy reparations for their malpractice.

The President signed the Dodd-Frank Act into law, aiming to reform the financial sector and provide consumer protection, particularly in response to the 2008 financial crash.

The President signed the Fair Sentencing Act, which aimed to reduce the disparity in punishment for possession of crack versus powder cocaine, addressing long-standing issues of racial and sentencing inequality.

The President signed Rosa's Law, which changed the terminology used in federal law from 'mental retardation' to 'intellectual disabilities', promoting more respectful and inclusive language.

Obama signs Rosa’s Law, replacing the term 'mental retardation' with 'intellectual disability' in federal statutes.

President Obama pardons nine individuals with various criminal charges, including drug offenses and conspiracy, marking his first exercise of the presidential pardon authority.

In an effort to address the deficit, the president implements a two-year freeze on pay raises for federal employees starting from January 1, 2011.

President Obama repeals the 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' policy, enabling individuals to openly identify as gay, lesbian, and bisexual while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The annual State of the Union Address took place on this date.

The announcement was made to resume military trials for detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, which had been a controversial issue for many years.

President's statement on the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which led to a nuclear plant meltdown at Fukushima Daiichi plant, causing a major humanitarian and environmental crisis.

The UK, US, and France attack Muammar Gaddafi’s forces in Libya to enforce a UN-mandated no-fly zone. Obama later describes his lack of support to Libya after Gaddafi was deposed as the 'worst mistake' of his presidency.

President's address to the nation regarding the US intervention in the internal conflict in Libya, outlining the actions taken and justifying the intervention without seeking Congressional approval under the War Powers Act.

The White House releases President Obama’s long-form birth certificate from Hawaii to dispel the long-standing claim that he was not born in the United States.

President Obama announced the death of Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Bin Laden was killed on May 2, 2011, in Pakistan, but it was still May 1 in the United States when the announcement was made.

Osama bin Laden, the founder and leader of the terrorist group al-Qaeda, was killed by United States Navy SEALs in a covert operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Barack Obama made the first official visit by a sitting president to Puerto Rico, emphasizing the significance of the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico.

Barack Obama signed the Budget Control Act of 2011, which aimed to resolve the 2011 debt-ceiling crisis and implement spending cuts to address the national debt.

President Obama delivers a speech to the joint session of Congress to introduce the American Jobs Act, aimed at enhancing the U.S. economy.

President Obama addresses Joint Session of Congress and introduces 'The American Jobs Act' aimed at reducing unemployment.

President Obama delivers remarks on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

President Obama announces the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by December, marking the end of the U.S. role in the war.

Barack Obama delivered a speech at Osawatomie High School in Kansas, calling for reforms to address inequality in the United States and emphasizing that it is about the nation's welfare, not class warfare.

Obama formally declares that the Iraq war is over and that the US is to pull out, being careful not to say the US won the nine-year conflict.

Barack Obama issued a memorandum denying the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, a controversial project that sparked debates about environmental impact and energy policy.

Barack Obama delivered his annual State of the Union Address, outlining his administration's priorities and addressing the nation on key issues and policies.

Obama signs an executive order freezing the assets of the Iranian government in the U.S. due to Iran's involvement in what Obama termed as 'deceptive practices.'

Barack Obama discusses the killing of 17 year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida and expresses empathy towards his parents. He makes a personal connection by stating that if he had a son, he would look like Trayvon.

Barack Obama attends the Nuclear Security Summit in Korea, which aims to secure nuclear materials from terrorists. The summit involves representatives from 52 countries and includes individual meetings with leaders from various nations.

The North American Leaders Summit took place in Washington, DC, where leaders from Canada, Mexico, and the United States discussed various regional issues and cooperation.

The Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK) is signed by President Obama seeking to eliminate insider trading and prohibiting the use of non-public information for profit in the private sector.

President Obama delivered remarks at the White House Forum on Women and the Economy, addressing the importance of women's role in the economy and advocating for gender equality in the workforce.

President Obama delivered remarks at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Annual Gala, emphasizing the contributions of the Asian Pacific American community to the nation's progress and development.

President Obama publicly declared his support for same-sex marriage, marking a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about LGBTQ rights and marriage equality.

The Supreme Court decides National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, upholding the central features of the Affordable Care Act, a significant decision with far-reaching implications for healthcare in the United States.

Obama accepts re-nomination for Presidency by the Democratic Party, marking a crucial step in his campaign for the second term.

Obama delivers an address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he likely discussed important global issues and the stance of the United States on international matters.

Obama is reelected as the President.

On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama was re-elected for a second term as President of the United States, defeating Mitt Romney in a hard-fought campaign.

Obama wipes away his tears when addressing the nation about the 20 children and six adults who died in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, promising 'meaningful action'.

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act was extended for five years through the signing of the Signs act.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act was signed by President Obama, extending tax breaks for the majority of Americans while raising the tax rates for top earners.

President Obama signed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 and discussed this action in his Weekly Address on 01/05/2013.

President Obama made remarks on gun violence and described actions he would take, following the Sandy Hook shooting.

Barack Obama is inaugurated into his second term as president, with the official ceremony taking place on January 21, 2013.

President Obama gives a speech outlining his proposal for comprehensive immigration reform.

President delivers a speech at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas outlining his thoughts on comprehensive immigration reform.

President delivers the annual State of the Union Address.

U.S. President Barack Obama is briefed on the Boston marathon bombings by his staff members, including Sullivan, who was the national security advisor to Vice President Biden at the time, in Washington.

President signs the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 into law.

President delivers a speech at the National Defense University, laying out a policy and legal rationale for US counterterrorism strategy.

President issues a statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder.

President Obama commented on the Supreme Court's decision regarding same-sex marriage rights in a press conference.

President Obama delivers remarks on the murder of Trayvon Martin, expressing the African American community's anger at the acquittal of George Zimmerman, the killer. Obama empathetically states, 'Trayvon Martin could have been me 35 years ago.'

The Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013, signed into law by President Obama, outlines the government's approach to distributing loans to students and strategies for assisting students burdened by significant debt.

Obama gives a rousing speech at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia, willing Hillary Clinton to triumph over the 'home-grown demagogue' Donald Trump.

President Obama addresses the nation about the war in Syria and condemns President Bashar al-Assad's use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people.

Obama suffers the humiliation of having Congress override his veto for the first time, regarding a law that allowed 9/11 families to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged role in the September 11 attacks.

President Barack Obama is seen working at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office on October 18, 2013.

President Obama signs an executive order to prepare the United States for climate change, addressing its impacts and detailing actions to increase readiness.

President Obama delivers the State of the Union address, focusing on the country’s low unemployment and increasing inequality.

President Obama signs an executive order to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 for employees working on federal contracts.

The executive order 13658 was signed, raising the minimum wage for federal contractors from $7.25 to $10.10.

President Obama urges for economic sanctions to be imposed on those responsible for the Russian intervention in Crimea and the theft of assets belonging to the Ukrainian people.

Addressed Russia's annexation of Crimea and called on Congress for support for Ukraine, along with imposing sanctions against Russians.

General Eric Shinseki, the Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs, steps down from his position following revelations of prolonged wait times for veterans seeking care at VA hospitals.

President delivered a national address outlining the US strategy to combat the Islamic State. This address provided insights into the government's approach to addressing the threat posed by the Islamic State.

Republicans retake control of Congress during the midterm elections.

The Democrats lose 13 seats in the House and 9 in the Senate.

Loretta Lynch is nominated as the first African American woman to serve as Attorney General.

President Obama signs a bill authorizing funds for education programs and work support for low-income families.

Obama makes speech to the nation on comprehensive immigration reform. He announces he will use his executive power to allow illegal immigrants currently living within the United States to legally stay and obtain work.

Cuba and the United States restore diplomatic relations, ending over 50 years of hostility, marking a significant shift in US foreign policy.

President Obama proposes a plan to make community college tuition-free for eligible students, contingent on meeting specific academic requirements. The proposal also includes guidelines for community colleges and the federal government to implement this initiative.

The President delivers the annual State of the Union Address, outlining the administration's priorities and initiatives for the upcoming year.

The White House hosts a summit focused on strategies to counter the rise of violent extremism, addressing the global challenge of combating radical ideologies.

The President and his family participate in the historic 50th Anniversary Selma to Montgomery Marches, commemorating the struggle for voting rights and honoring the civil rights movement.

Following the Charleston Church shooting, President Obama eulogized Reverend Clementa Pinckney and sang the first verse of Amazing Grace, joined by the congregation.

Barack Obama delivers a eulogy for Reverend Clementa Pinckney in Charleston, South Carolina, following a racially charged shooting that killed nine people worshipping inside a church.

President Obama made remarks on the progress of restoring U.S.-Cuba relations.

The Obama administration succeeds in getting Iran to make drastic cuts to its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions. In the same month, Cuba and the United States restore diplomatic relations, ending over 50 years of hostility. Obama also travels to his paternal homeland of Kenya for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi.

Pope Francis visited the White House during his visit to the United States, where he was welcomed by President Obama.

President made remarks regarding the Keystone XL Pipeline Project.

President announced the conclusion of negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership with leaders of other nations.

President Obama participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, where global leaders gathered to discuss and address climate change issues.

President made remarks regarding the San Bernardino shootings and counterterrorism measures.

On December 19, 2015, President Barack Obama signs the HIFPA of 2015 into law. The act imposes tough sanctions on banks that knowingly do business with Hezbollah.

President announced the rollout of new gun control initiatives while addressing gun violence.

President delivered the final State of the Union Address.

President Obama announced a historic agreement with Iran to prevent the acquisition of nuclear weapons, leading to the lifting of some economic sanctions by the United States.

President Obama made history by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to visit Cuba since 1928.

The president announced an increase in troop presence in Syria.

President Obama visited Flint, Michigan to address the water crisis and show support for the affected residents.

The president visited Flint, Michigan and delivered remarks regarding the water crisis in the city.

The president delivered remarks in Orlando, Florida following the tragic Pulse Nightclub shooting, where 49 people were killed and 53 injured by a single shooter with an assault weapon.

Barack Obama delivers a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in support of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The President delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Donald Trump defeats Hillary Clinton in one of the biggest upsets in US political history, leading to a significant shift in the country's political landscape.

President Obama hosts President-elect Donald Trump at the White House, meeting with the press in the Oval Office.

Obama places sanctions on Russia and expels 35 Russian diplomats from the US in retaliation for a cyber-attack against the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 election, marking a significant escalation in US-Russia relations.

President Obama concludes his presidency as his last day in office. This marks the end of his two terms as the 44th President of the United States.

The Obama Presidential Library is part of the presidential libraries system administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, a federal agency.