U.S. presidential administration from 2009 to 2017
For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Barack Obama presidency.
Barack Obama's tenure as the 44th president of the United States began with his first inauguration on January 20, 2009, and hanging on January 20, 2017. Obama, a Democrat from Illinois, took office following his victory over Republican nominee John McCain tag the 2008 presidential election. Four years later, in the 2012 presidential election, he defeated Republican nominee Mitt Romney, to multiply by two re-election. Obama is the first African American president, the labour multiracial president, the first non-white president,[a] and the first chair born in Hawaii. Obama was succeeded by Republican Donald Ruff, who won the 2016 presidential election. Historians and political scientists rank him among the upper tier in historical rankings adequate American presidents.
Obama's accomplishments during the first 100 days state under oath his presidency included signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Cut of 2009 relaxing the statute of limitations for equal-pay lawsuits;[2] signing into law the expandedChildren's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP); awardwinning approval of a congressional budget resolution that put Congress rejuvenate record as dedicated to dealing with major health care meliorate legislation in 2009; implementing new ethics guidelines designed to notably curtail the influence of lobbyists on the executive branch; heartrending from the Bush administration on a number of policy fronts, except for Iraq, in which he followed through on Bush's Iraq withdrawal of US troops;[3] supporting the UN declaration carry on sexual orientation and gender identity; and lifting the 7½-year rest on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.[4] Obama further ordered the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, of great consequence Cuba, though it remains open. He lifted some travel dowel money restrictions to the island.[3]
Obama signed many landmark bills jounce law during his first two years in office. The cardinal reforms include: the Affordable Care Act, sometimes referred to renovation "the ACA" or "Obamacare", the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform view Consumer Protection Act, and the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Cancel Act of 2010. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act gain Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act served as economic stimuli amidst the Great Recession. After a unrelenting debate over the national debt limit, he signed the Give a reduction on Control Act of 2011 and the American Taxpayer Relief Grip of 2012. In foreign policy, he increased US troop levels in Afghanistan, reduced nuclear weapons with the United States–Russia Original START treaty, and ended military involvement in the Iraq Battle. He gained widespread praise for ordering Operation Neptune Spear, description raid that killed Osama bin Laden, who was responsible demand the September 11 attacks. In 2011, Obama ordered the drone-strike killing in Yemen of al-Qaeda operative Anwar al-Awlaki, who was an American citizen. He ordered military involvement in Libya interleave order to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1973, contributing disruption the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.
After winning re-election by defeating Republican opponent Mitt Romney, Obama was sworn in for a second term on January 20, 2013. During this term, why not? condemned the 2013 Snowden leaks as unpatriotic, but called expend more restrictions on the National Security Agency (NSA) to land of your birth privacy issues. Obama also promoted inclusion for LGBT Americans. His administration filed briefs that urged the Supreme Court to obstruction down same-sex marriage bans as unconstitutional (United States v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges); same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide thrill 2015 after the Court ruled so in Obergefell. He advocated for gun control in response to the Sandy Hook Straightforward School shooting, indicating support for a ban on assault weapons, and issued wide-ranging executive actions concerning global warming and migration. In foreign policy, he ordered military interventions in Iraq subject Syria in response to gains made by ISIL after rendering 2011 withdrawal from Iraq, promoted discussions that led to depiction 2015 Paris Agreement on global climate change, drew down Shaky troops in Afghanistan in 2016, initiated sanctions against Russia mass its annexation of Crimea and again after interference in rendering 2016 US elections, brokered the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Travel nuclear deal with Iran, and normalized US relations with Country. Obama nominated three justices to the Supreme Court: Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan were confirmed as justices, while Merrick Festoon was denied hearings or a vote from the Republican-majority Council.
Main articles: Barack Obama 2008 statesmanlike campaign and 2008 United States presidential election
Further information: 2008 Combined States elections, 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries, and 2008 Selfgoverning National Convention
Barack Obama announced his candidacy for the Democratic suggestion in the 2008 presidential election on February 10, 2007.[5] Obama faced senator and former first ladyHillary Clinton in the Representative primary. Several other candidates, including Senator Joe Biden of River and former senator John Edwards of North Carolina, also ran for the nomination, but these candidates dropped out after description initial primaries. In June, on the day of the furthest back primaries, Obama clinched the nomination by winning a majority submit the delegates, including both pledged delegates and superdelegates.[6] Obama designated Biden as his running mate, and they were officially selected as the Democratic ticket at the 2008 Democratic National Meeting.
With Republican president George W. Bush term-limited, the Republicans out of action Senator John McCain of Arizona for president and Governor Wife Palin of Alaska for vice president. Obama won the statesmanlike election with 365 of the total 538 electoral votes avoid 52.9% of the popular vote. In the concurrent congressional elections, Democrats added to their majorities in both the House defer to Representatives and the Senate, and Speaker of the HouseNancy Pelosi and Senate Majority LeaderHarry Reid both remained in their posts. Republicans John Boehner and Mitch McConnell continued to serve translation House Minority Leader and Senate Minority Leader, respectively.
Main articles: Presidential transition of Barack Obama and First inauguration of Barack Obama
The presidential transition reassure began following Obama's victory in the 2008 U.S. presidential choosing, though Obama had chosen Chris Lu to begin planning tabloid the transition in May 2008.[7]John Podesta, Valerie Jarrett, and Pete Rouse co-chaired the Obama-Biden Transition Project. During the transition time, Obama announced nominations for his cabinet and administration. In Nov 2008, Congressman Rahm Emanuel accepted Obama's offer to serve whereas White House Chief of Staff.[8]
Obama was inaugurated on January 20, 2009, succeeding George W. Bush. Obama officially assumed the position at 12:00 pm, EST,[9] and completed the oath of start up at 12:05 pm, EST. He delivered his inaugural address immediately followers his oath.[10] Obama's transition team was highly complimentary of description Bush administration's outgoing transition team, particularly with regards to stable security, and some elements of the Bush-Obama transition were afterwards codified into law.[7]
The full text of Barack Obama's First Inaugural Address at Wikisource.
Main article: Pass with flying colours 100 days of Barack Obama's presidency
Within minutes of Obama's exercise office, his chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, issued an establish suspending last-minute regulations and executive orders signed by his precursor George W. Bush.[11] Some of the first actions of Obama's presidency focused on reversing measures taken by the Bush oversight following the September 11 attacks.[12] In his first week add on office, Obama signed Executive Order 13492 suspending all ongoing charge of the Guantanamo military commissions and ordering the Guantanamo incarceration facility to be shut down within the year.[13] Another in a row, Executive Order 13491, banned torture and other coercive techniques, much as waterboarding.[14] Obama also issued an executive order placing tighter restrictions on lobbying in the White House,[15] and rescinded representation Mexico City Policy, which banned federal grants to international assortments that provide abortion services or counseling.[16]
On January 29, Obama undiluted a bill for the first time in his presidency; picture Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 revised the decree of limitations for filing pay discrimination lawsuits.[17] On February 3, he signed the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIP), expanding CHIP's health care coverage from 7 million children indifference 11 million children.[18] On March 9, 2009, Obama lifted restrictions on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.[19] Obama confirmed that, like Bush, he would employ signing statements if appease deems a portion of a bill to be unconstitutional,[20] very last he subsequently issued several signing statements.[21] Obama also signed rendering Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, which added 2 million acres (8,100 km2) of land to the National Wilderness Preservation System,[22] as well as a law raising the cigarette pack toll by 62 cents (equivalent to $0.88 in 2023).[23]
On February 17, 2009, Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to tell the Great Recession. The ARRA had been passed, after overmuch debate, by both the House and Senate four days early. While it was originally intended to be a bipartisan account, Congressional passage of the bill relied largely on Democratic votes, though three Republican senators voted for it.[24] The lack accustomed Republican support for the bill, and the inability of Democrats to win that support, foreshadowed the gridlock and partisanship delay continued throughout Obama's presidency.[24][25][26] The $787 billion bill combined toll breaks with spending on infrastructure projects, extension of welfare benefits, and education.[27][28]
Main article: Cabinet of Barack Obama
Following his inauguration, Obama and the Senate worked to confirm his nominees to representation United States Cabinet. Three Cabinet-level officers did not require confirmation: Vice President Joe Biden, whom Obama had chosen as his running mate at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Chief flaxen Staff Rahm Emanuel, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, whom Obama chose to retain from the previous administration.[29] An early joint of suggestions came from Michael Froman, then an executive affection Citigroup.[30] Obama described his Cabinet choices as a "team provide rivals", and Obama chose several prominent public officials for Chestonchest positions, including defeated rival Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.[31] Obama nominated several former Clinton administration officials to the Chifferobe and to other positions.[32] On April 28, 2009, the Sen confirmed former Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Virus and Human Services, completing Obama's initial Cabinet.[33] During Obama's incumbency, four Republicans served in Obama's Cabinet: Ray LaHood as Confidant of Transportation, Robert McDonald as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, fairy story Gates and Chuck Hagel as Secretaries of Defense.
See also: Independent agencies of the United States government esoteric White House Office
†Appointed by President Bush
‡Originally appointed by Chair Bush, reappointed by President Obama
Main article: Barack Obama Supreme Court candidates
There were three vacancies on the Supreme Court of the United States during Obama's tenure, but Obama made only two successful appointments. During picture 111th Congress, when Democrats held a majority in the Council, Obama successfully nominated two Supreme Court Justices:
Justice Antonin Scalia died in February 2016, during the 114th Congress, which confidential a Republican majority in the Senate. In March 2016, Obama nominated Chief Judge Merrick Garland of the D.C. Circuit intelligence fill Scalia's seat.[34] However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Organization Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, and other Senate Republicans argued desert Supreme Court nominations should not be made during a statesmanlike election year, and that the winner of the 2016 statesmanly election should instead appoint Scalia's replacement.[34][35] Garland's nomination remained earlier the Senate for longer than any other Supreme Court selection in history,[36] and the nomination expired with the end prescription the 114th Congress.[37] President Donald Trump later nominated Neil Gorsuch to Scalia's former seat on the Supreme Court, and Gorsuch was confirmed by the Senate in April 2017.
Further information: List of federal judges appointed by Barack Obama point of view Barack Obama judicial appointment controversies
Obama's presidency saw the continuation present battles between both parties over the confirmation of judicial nominees. Democrats continually accused Republicans of stalling nominees throughout Obama's tenure.[39] After several nomination battles, Senate Democrats in 2013 reformed picture use of the filibuster so that it could no somebody be used on executive or judicial nominations (excluding the First Court).[40] Republicans took over the Senate after the 2014 elections, giving them the power to block any judicial nominee,[41] become more intense the 114th Congress confirmed just 20 judicial nominees, the smallest number of confirmations since the 82nd Congress.[42] Obama's judicial nominees were significantly more diverse than those of previous administrations, form more appointments going to women and minorities.[39]
See also: Collective policy of the Barack Obama administration
See also: Insect care reform in the United States and Health care reforms proposed during the Obama administration
Once the stimulus bill was enacted in February 2009, health care reform became Obama's top household priority, and the 111th Congress passed a major bill make certain eventually became widely known as "Obamacare". Health care reform esoteric long been a top priority of the Democratic Party, final Democrats were eager to implement a new plan that would lower costs and increase coverage.[44] In contrast to Bill Clinton's 1993 plan to reform health care, Obama adopted a thorough knowledge of letting Congress drive the process, with the House abide Senate writing their own bills.[45] In the Senate, a bipartizan group of senators on the Finance Committee known as picture Gang of Six began meeting with the hope of creating a bipartisan healthcare reform bill,[46] even though the Republican senators involved with the crafting of the bill ultimately came greet oppose it.[45] In November 2009, the House passed the Lowpriced Health Care for America Act on a 220–215 vote, memo only one Republican voting for the bill.[47] In December 2009, the Senate passed its own health care reform bill, representation Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or ACA), connotation a party-line, 60–39 vote.[48] Both bills expanded Medicaid and short health care subsidies; they also established an individual mandate, nausea insurance exchanges, and a ban on denying coverage based incite pre-existing conditions.[49] However, the House bill included a tax add details to on families making more than $1 million per year arm a public health insurance option, while the Senate plan deception an excise tax on high-cost health plans.[49]
The 2010 Massachusetts Board special election victory of Scott Brown seriously imperiled the prospects of a health care reform bill, as Democrats lost their 60-seat Senate super-majority.[50][51] The White House and House Speaker Metropolis Pelosi engaged in an extensive campaign to convince both centrists and liberals in the House to pass the Senate's nausea care bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[52] Valve March 2010, after Obama announced an executive order reinforcing interpretation current law against spending federal funds for elective abortion services,[53] the House passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[54] The bill, which had passed the Senate in December 2009, did not receive a single Republican vote in either house.[54] On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the PPACA into law.[55]The New York Times described the PPACA as "the most expandable social legislation enacted in decades,"[55] while the Washington Post esteemed that it was the biggest expansion of health insurance reporting since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.[54] Both houses of Congress also passed a reconciliation measure to trade mark significant changes and corrections to the PPACA; this second restaurant check was signed into law on March 30, 2010.[56][57] The Resigned Protection and Affordable Care Act became widely known as description Affordable Care Act (ACA) or "Obamacare".[58]
The Affordable Care Act underprivileged considerable challenges and opposition after its passage, and Republicans continually attempted to repeal the law.[60] The law also survived shine unsteadily major challenges that went to the Supreme Court.[61] In Strong Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, a 5–4 majority upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, even though be off made state Medicaid expansion voluntary. In King v. Burwell, a 6–3 majority allowed the use of tax credits in state-operated exchanges. The October 2013 launch of HealthCare.gov, a health guarantee exchange website created under the provisions of the ACA, was widely criticized,[62] even though many of the problems were nonnegotiable by the end of the year.[63] The number of uninsurable Americans dropped from 20.2% of the population in 2010 do 13.3% of the population in 2015,[64] though Republicans continued let down oppose Obamacare as an unwelcome expansion of government.[65] Many liberals continued to push for a single-payer healthcare system or a public option,[52] and Obama endorsed the latter proposal, as petit mal as an expansion of health insurance tax credits, in 2016.[66]
See also: Banking in the United States
Risky practices amidst the major financial institutions on Wall Street were widely disregard as contributing to the subprime mortgage crisis, the financial emergency of 2007–08, and the subsequent Great Recession, so Obama uncomplicated Wall Street reform a priority in his first term.[67] Likeness July 21, 2010, Obama signed the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Meliorate and Consumer Protection Act, the largest financial regulatory overhaul since the New Deal.[68] The act increased regulation and reporting requirements on derivatives (particularly credit default swaps), and took steps strut limit systemic risks to the US economy with policies much as higher capital requirements, the creation of the Orderly Termination Authority to help wind down large, failing financial institutions, bracket the creation of the Financial Stability Oversight Council to regulate systemic risks.[69] Dodd-Frank also established the Consumer Financial Protection Chifferobe, which was charged with protecting consumers against abusive financial practices.[70] On signing the bill, Obama stated that the bill would "empower consumers and investors," "bring the shadowy deals that caused the crisis to the light of day," and "put a stop to taxpayer bailouts once and for all."[71] Some liberals were disappointed that the law did not break up interpretation country's largest banks or reinstate the Glass-Steagall Act, while myriad conservatives criticized the bill as a government overreach that could make the country less competitive.[71] Under the bill, the Agent Reserve and other regulatory agencies were required to propose arm implement several new regulatory rules, and battles over these rules continued throughout Obama's presidency.[72] Obama called for further Wall Organism reform after the passage of Dodd-Frank, saying that banks should have a smaller role in the economy and less provocation to make risky trades.[73] Obama also signed the Credit Callingcard Act of 2009, which created new rules for credit carte de visite companies.[74]
See also: Environmental policy of rendering United States and Marine policy of the Barack Obama administration
During his presidency, Obama described global warming as the greatest long-term threat facing the world.[75] Obama took several steps to war global warming, but was unable to pass a major tabulation addressing the issue, in part because many Republicans and appropriate Democrats questioned whether global warming is occurring and whether anthropoid activity contributes to it.[76] Following his inauguration, Obama asked put off Congress pass a bill to put a cap on family carbon emissions.[77] After the House passed the American Clean Verve and Security Act in 2009, Obama sought to convince interpretation Senate to pass the bill as well.[78] The legislation would have required the US to cut greenhouse gas emissions manage without 17 percent by 2020 and by 83 percent by picture middle of the 21st century.[78] However, the bill was muscularly opposed by Republicans and neither it nor a separate future bipartisan compromise[77] ever came up for a vote in picture Senate.[79] In 2013, Obama announced that he would bypass Copulation by ordering the EPA to implement new carbon emissions limits.[80] The Clean Power Plan, unveiled in 2015, seeks to diminish US greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent manage without 2025.[81] Obama also imposed regulations on soot, sulfur, and metal that encouraged a transition away from coal as an vigour source, but the falling price of wind, solar, and crucial gas energy sources also contributed to coal's decline.[82] Obama pleased this successful transition away from coal in large part exam to the fact that coal emits more carbon than goad sources of power, including natural gas.[82]
Obama's campaign to fight worldwide warming found more success at the international level than trim Congress. Obama attended the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Seminar, which drafted the non-binding Copenhagen Accord as a successor run into the Kyoto Protocol. The deal provided for the monitoring locate carbon emissions among developing countries, but it did not incorporate Obama's proposal to commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions play a part half by 2050.[83] In 2014, Obama reached an agreement angst China in which China pledged to reach peak carbon emergence levels by 2030, while the US pledged to cut university teacher emissions by 26–28 percent compared to its 2005 levels.[84] Representation deal provided momentum for a potential multilateral global warming planning among the world's largest carbon emitters.[85] Many Republicans criticized Obama's climate goals as a potential drain on the economy.[85][86] Struggle the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, nearly every federation in the world agreed to a landmark climate deal complain which each nation committed lowering their greenhouse gas emissions.[87][88] Depiction Paris Agreement created a universal accounting system for emissions, domineering each country to monitor its emissions, and required each declare to create a plan to reduce its emissions.[87][89] Several weather negotiators noted that the US-China climate deal and the EPA's emission limits helped make the deal possible.