Joe Biden — 46th U.S. President (2021

President Details

President Number: 46
Years in Office: 2021 - 2025
Term Dates: January 20, 2021 – January 20, 2025
Political Party: Democratic
Vice President(s): Kamala Harris

Legacy Summary

Biden's presidency focused on managing the COVID-19 pandemic's aftermath and stabilizing the economy through the American Rescue Plan, while passing major legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to invest in infrastructure, clean energy, and health care.

On foreign policy he oversaw the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan and led sustained U.S. support for Ukraine after Russia's 2022 invasion; his tenure emphasized restoring alliances, addressing global challenges, and shaping the federal judiciary with key appointments.

Notable Actions

Passed the American Rescue Plan for COVID-19 relief (2021); Enacted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021); Signed the Inflation Reduction Act advancing climate and health policy (2022); Oversaw the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan (2021); Led sustained U.S. support for Ukraine after Russia's 2022 invasion; Appointed Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court

Timeline Entries

Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.

Showing 12 of 255 entries.

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Announces sanctions blocking Russia's central bank and coordinates removal of select Russian banks from SWIFT

February 28, 2022 • Joe Biden

Foreign Policy

Announces sanctions blocking Russia's central bank and coordinates removal of select Russian banks from SWIFT

On February 28, 2022, the Biden administration announced sanctions to limit the Russian central bank’s access to its foreign reserves and coordinated with G7 allies to remove selected Russian banks from the SWIFT international payments system.

Authorizes $350 million drawdown of U.S. defense equipment for Ukraine

February 26, 2022 • Joe Biden

Military Action

Authorizes $350 million drawdown of U.S. defense equipment for Ukraine

The Biden administration announced a $350 million drawdown of U.S. defense equipment and supplies from U.S. stocks to support Ukraine's defense following Russia's invasion.

Nominates Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court

February 25, 2022 • Joe Biden

Judicial

Nominates Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court

President Biden nominated D.C. Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court to fill the seat of retiring Justice Stephen Breyer.

Delivers televised address condemning Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

February 24, 2022 • Joe Biden

Speech

Delivers televised address condemning Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

President Biden delivered a televised address from the White House condemning Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and outlining U.S. support for Ukraine and coordinated punitive measures against Russia.

U.S. announces sanctions and export controls after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

February 24, 2022 • Joe Biden

Foreign Policy

U.S. announces sanctions and export controls after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Biden announced a package of U.S. sanctions and export controls targeting Russian banks, senior Russian officials and oligarchs, and key technology exports, and pledged continued support for Ukraine.

Announces targeted U.S. sanctions after Russia recognizes Donetsk and Luhansk separatist regions

February 22, 2022 • Joe Biden

Foreign Policy

Announces targeted U.S. sanctions after Russia recognizes Donetsk and Luhansk separatist regions

President Biden announced coordinated U.S. sanctions, visa restrictions, and other measures in response to Russia’s formal recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk 'people’s republics' in eastern Ukraine.

Orders departure of non‑emergency U.S. Embassy personnel and families from Kyiv

February 12, 2022 • Joe Biden

Crisis Response

Orders departure of non‑emergency U.S. Embassy personnel and families from Kyiv

The State Department ordered non‑emergency personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv and advised U.S. citizens to depart Ukraine amid accelerating Russian military movements.

Authorizes deployment of additional U.S. forces to Eastern Europe amid Russian military buildup

February 11, 2022 • Joe Biden

Military Action

Authorizes deployment of additional U.S. forces to Eastern Europe amid Russian military buildup

The Biden administration ordered additional U.S. forces and equipment to NATO allies in Eastern Europe as part of measures to reassure partners and deter potential Russian aggression near Ukraine.

Nominates Shalanda Young to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget

February 3, 2022 • Joe Biden

Appointment

Nominates Shalanda Young to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget

President Biden formally nominated Shalanda Young to serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget and sent her nomination to the Senate.

Proclaims National African American History Month, 2022

February 1, 2022 • Joe Biden

Executive Action

Proclaims National African American History Month, 2022

President Biden issued a presidential proclamation designating February 2022 as National African American History Month and recognizing the contributions of Black Americans.

U.S. delivers written diplomatic response to Russia's security demands

January 26, 2022 • Joe Biden

Foreign Policy

U.S. delivers written diplomatic response to Russia's security demands

The Biden administration submitted a formal written response to Russia addressing Moscow's December demands on NATO restraints and limits on force deployments in Eastern Europe.

CDC shortens required pre-departure COVID-19 test window for international air travelers to one day

January 26, 2022 • Joe Biden

Crisis Response

CDC shortens required pre-departure COVID-19 test window for international air travelers to one day

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated U.S. entry requirements to require all international air passengers to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day before departure, effective Jan. 26, 2022.

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