2020s in United States history

{{hatnote|Section for political history, on a chronological basis. this section will be delineated by subsections for each year. Within each subsection, information will be structured by topic, as well as to some extent by chronological sequence. }}

{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in the United States}}

File:Anthony Fauci on April 16, 2020 face detail, from- White House Coronavirus Update Briefing (49784743606) (cropped).jpg became prominent figures during the COVID-19 pandemic.|231x231px]]

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached the United States in January 2020. The first confirmed case of local transmission was recorded in January,{{cite journal |last1=Ghinai |first1=Isaac |last2=McPherson |first2=Tristan D |last3=Hunter |first3=Jennifer C |last4=Kirking |first4=Hannah L |last5=Christiansen |first5=Demian |last6=Joshi |first6=Kiran |last7=Rubin |first7=Rachel |last8=Morales-Estrada |first8=Shirley |last9=Black |first9=Stephanie R |last10=Pacilli |first10=Massimo |last11=Fricchione |first11=Marielle J |last12=Chugh |first12=Rashmi K |last13=Walblay |first13=Kelly A |last14=Ahmed |first14=N Seema |last15=Stoecker |first15=William C |last16=Hasan |first16=Nausheen F |last17=Burdsall |first17=Deborah P |last18=Reese |first18=Heather E |last19=Wallace |first19=Megan |last20=Wang |first20=Chen |last21=Moeller |first21=Darcie |last22=Korpics |first22=Jacqueline |last23=Novosad |first23=Shannon A |last24=Benowitz |first24=Isaac |last25=Jacobs |first25=Max W |last26=Dasari |first26=Vishal S |last27=Patel |first27=Megan T |last28=Kauerauf |first28=Judy |last29=Charles |first29=E Matt |last30=Ezike |first30=Ngozi O |last31=Chu |first31=Victoria |last32=Midgley |first32=Claire M |last33=Rolfes |first33=Melissa A |last34=Gerber |first34=Susan I |last35=Lu |first35=Xiaoyan |last36=Lindstrom |first36=Stephen |last37=Verani |first37=Jennifer R |last38=Layden |first38=Jennifer E |title=First known person-to-person transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the USA |journal=Lancet |date=2020 |volume=395 |issue=10230 |pages=1137–1144 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30607-3 |pmid=32178768 |pmc=7158585 }} while the first known deaths happened in February.{{cite news |last1=Moon |first1=Sarah |title=A seemingly healthy woman's sudden death is now the first known US coronavirus-related fatality |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/23/us/california-woman-first-coronavirus-death/index.html |access-date=May 25, 2020 |work=CNN |date=April 24, 2020 |archive-date=May 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527073316/https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/23/us/california-woman-first-coronavirus-death/index.html |url-status=live }} By the end of March, cases had occurred in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and all inhabited U.S. territories except American Samoa.{{cite web |title=CDC Weekly Key Messages: March 29, 2020 as of 10:30 p.m. |url=https://banningca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7139/CDC_COVID19-Weekly-Key_Messages_03292020_FINAL |publisher=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |access-date=April 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200428073138/https://banningca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7139/CDC_COVID19-Weekly-Key_Messages_03292020_FINAL |archive-date=April 28, 2020 |date=March 29, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Oliver |title=The only places on Earth still (apparently) without coronavirus |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/countries-with-no-covid-coronavirus/ |access-date=April 28, 2020 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200424013035/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/countries-with-no-covid-coronavirus/ |archive-date=April 24, 2020}} {{As of|2020|05|27|df=US}}, the U.S. had the most confirmed active cases and deaths in the world.{{cite web|title=Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins|url=https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6|last=|first=|date=May 22, 2020|website=|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200129000238/https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html%23/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=COVID-19 Statistics By Country|url=https://covid-019.com/countries|last=|first=|date=|website=Coronavirus Dashboard|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=May 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525145905/https://covid-019.com/countries|url-status=live}} As of June 5, 2020, its death rate was 330 per million people, the ninth-highest rate globally.[https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104709/coronavirus-deaths-worldwide-per-million-inhabitants/ "COVID-19 deaths worldwide per one million population as of May 21, 2020, by country"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417052652/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104709/coronavirus-deaths-worldwide-per-million-inhabitants/ |date=April 17, 2020 }}, Statista, May 21, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.{{cite news |title=Top Stories: An incalculable loss |url=https://messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/template/oakv2?campaign_id=61&emc=edit_ts_20200524&instance_id=18746&nl=top-stories&productCode=TS®i_id=72995439&segment_id=29039&te=1&uri=nyt%3A%2F%2Fnewsletter%2F90d8243e-ca34-44e1-96e1-cd1e40ed8d1f&user_id=579ae23cfcbd75c9aac87cb571cc201c |access-date=May 24, 2020 |work=messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com |archive-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608165103/https://messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/template/oakv2?campaign_id=61&emc=edit_ts_20200524&instance_id=18746&nl=top-stories&productCode=TS®i_id=72995439&segment_id=29039&te=1&uri=nyt://newsletter/90d8243e-ca34-44e1-96e1-cd1e40ed8d1f&user_id=579ae23cfcbd75c9aac87cb571cc201c |url-status=live }}

The Trump administration declared a public health emergency on January 31, then on February{{nbsp}}2 began to prevent the entry of most foreign nationals who had recently traveled to China, but did not ban entry of U.S. residents who had been there, and no virus testing was implemented to screen those seeking to enter the country.{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/31/801686524/trump-declares-coronavirus-a-public-health-emergency-and-restricts-travel-from-c |publisher=NPR |date=January 31, 2020 |access-date=March 18, 2020 |title=Trump Declares Coronavirus A Public Health Emergency And Restricts Travel From China |author=Aubrey, Allison |quote='Foreign nationals other than immediate family of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have traveled in China in the last 14 days will be denied entry into United States,' Azar said. |archive-date=March 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304221212/https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/31/801686524/trump-declares-coronavirus-a-public-health-emergency-and-restricts-travel-from-c |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2020/04/trumps-snowballing-china-travel-claim |title=Trump's Snowballing China Travel Claim |first=Lori |last=Robertson |date=April 15, 2020 |website=FactCheck.org |access-date=April 29, 2020 |quote=...{{nbsp}}effective Feb. 2. |archive-date=April 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422155132/https://www.factcheck.org/2020/04/trumps-snowballing-china-travel-claim/ |url-status=live }} The initial U.S. response to the pandemic was otherwise slow, in terms of preparing the healthcare system, stopping other travel, or testing for the virus.{{cite news |last1=Lemire |first1=Jonathan |last2=Miller |first2=Zeke |last3=Colvin |first3=Jill |last4=Alonso-Zaldivar |first4=Ricardo |title=Signs missed and steps slowed in Trump's pandemic response |url=https://apnews.com/6a8f85aad99607f313cca6ab1398e04d |access-date=April 28, 2020 |work=Associated Press |date=April 12, 2020 |archive-date=April 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426124454/https://apnews.com/6a8f85aad99607f313cca6ab1398e04d |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|last1=Pilkington|first1=Ed|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/28/trump-coronavirus-politics-us-health-disaster|title=The missing six weeks: how Trump failed the biggest test of his life|date=March 28, 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=March 28, 2020|last2=McCarthy|first2=Tom|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328091425/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/28/trump-coronavirus-politics-us-health-disaster|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Ollstein |first1=Alice Miranda |title=Trump halts funding to World Health Organization |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/14/trump-world-health-organization-funding-186786 |access-date=April 28, 2020 |work=Politico |date=April 14, 2020 |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415065449/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/14/trump-world-health-organization-funding-186786 |url-status=live }} A lack of mass testing obscured the true extent of the outbreak.{{cite news|last1=Whoriskey|first1=Peter|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/03/16/cdc-who-coronavirus-tests/|title=How U.S. coronavirus testing stalled: Flawed tests, red tape and resistance to using the millions of tests produced by the WHO|date=March 16, 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 18, 2020|last2=Satija|first2=Neena|archive-date=May 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510170050/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/03/16/cdc-who-coronavirus-tests/|url-status=live}} For much of February, manufacturing defects rendered many government-developed test kits unusable, commercial tests were disallowed by regulations, and strict testing requirements were in place.{{cite news |last1=Wang |first1=Jessica |last2=Huth |first2=Lindsay |last3=Umlauf |first3=Taylor |last4=Wang |first4=Elbert |last5=McKay |first5=Betsy |title=How the CDC's Restrictive Testing Guidelines Hid the Coronavirus Epidemic |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-cdcs-restrictive-testing-guidelines-hid-the-coronavirus-epidemic-11584882001 |access-date=March 23, 2020 |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=March 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200322161141/https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-cdcs-restrictive-testing-guidelines-hid-the-coronavirus-epidemic-11584882001}} The U.S. tested fewer than 10,000 people by March 10.{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Should Americans be worried? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51649897 |access-date=April 18, 2020 |work=BBC News |date=March 12, 2020 |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501044120/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51649897 |url-status=live }} Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was optimistic and "cheer-leading the country",{{cite news |last1=Avlon |first1=John |title=Trump says he's a cheerleader for USA. We need a quarterback |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/01/opinions/trump-coronavirus-hyper-partisan-opinion-avlon/index.html |access-date=May 4, 2020 |work=CNN |agency=CNN |publisher=CNN |date=April 1, 2020 |archive-date=April 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418002407/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/01/opinions/trump-coronavirus-hyper-partisan-opinion-avlon/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/03/12/trump-coronavirus-timeline/|title=Analysis {{!}} Timeline: Trump's efforts to downplay the coronavirus threat|first=Aaron|last=Blake|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=August 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811160119/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/03/12/trump-coronavirus-timeline/|url-status=live}} downplaying the threat posed by the coronavirus and claiming that the outbreak was under control.{{cite news |last1=Blake |first1=Aaron |title=A timeline of Trump playing down the coronavirus threat |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/03/12/trump-coronavirus-timeline/ |access-date=March 19, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 17, 2020 |archive-date= March 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200320065013/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/03/12/trump-coronavirus-timeline/ }}

On February 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned the American public for the first time to prepare for a local outbreak.{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Marisa |title=Exclusive: U.S. axed CDC expert job in China months before virus outbreak |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-cdc-exclusiv/exclusive-u-s-axed-cdc-expert-job-in-china-months-before-virus-outbreak-idUSKBN21910S |access-date=March 24, 2020 |work=Reuters |date=March 23, 2020 |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322214428/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-cdc-exclusiv/exclusive-u-s-axed-cdc-expert-job-in-china-months-before-virus-outbreak-idUSKBN21910S |url-status=live }} A national emergency was declared by President Trump on March 13.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/13/politics/donald-trump-emergency/index.html|title=Trump declares national emergency—and denies responsibility for coronavirus testing failures|last=Liptak|first=Kevin|date=March 13, 2020|work=CNN|access-date=April 18, 2020|archive-date=March 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313170148/https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/13/politics/donald-trump-emergency/index.html|url-status=live}} In early March, the Food and Drug Administration began allowing public health agencies and private companies to develop and administer tests, and loosened restrictions so that anyone with a doctor's order could be tested. By the end of the month, over 1{{nbsp}}million people had been tested (1{{nbsp}}per 320 inhabitants).{{cite news |last1=Cummings |first1=William |last2=Hayes |first2=Christal |last3=Jackson |first3=David |title=Trump says more than 1 million Americans have been tested for coronavirus |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/30/coronavirus-response-mnuchin-trump/5086774002/ |access-date=April 18, 2020 |work=USA Today |date=March 30, 2020 |archive-date=April 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428005855/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/30/coronavirus-response-mnuchin-trump/5086774002/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/02/826368789/fact-check-trump-claims-u-s-testing-for-coronavirus-most-per-capita-its-not|title=FACT CHECK: Trump Claims U.S. Testing For Coronavirus Most Per Capita—It's Not|website=NPR.org|date=April 2, 2020|language=en|access-date=April 18, 2020|quote=Given the population of the U.S. (about 327 million){{nbsp}}...|last1=Sprunt|first1=Barbara|last2=Montanaro|first2=Domenico|archive-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410064024/https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/02/826368789/fact-check-trump-claims-u-s-testing-for-coronavirus-most-per-capita-its-not|url-status=live}} The Trump administration largely waited until mid-March to start purchasing large quantities of medical equipment.{{cite news |last1=Biesecker |first1=Michael |title=US 'wasted' months before preparing for coronavirus pandemic |url=https://apnews.com/090600c299a8cf07f5b44d92534856bc |access-date=April 24, 2020 |work=Associated Press |date=April 7, 2020 |archive-date=May 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531231803/https://apnews.com/090600c299a8cf07f5b44d92534856bc |url-status=live }} In late March, the administration started to use the Defense Production Act to direct industries to produce medical equipment.{{cite news |last1=Watson |first1=Kathryn |title=Trump invokes Defense Production Act to require GM to produce ventilators |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-invokes-defense-production-act-to-require-gm-to-produce-ventilators-2020-03-27/ |access-date=April 24, 2020 |work=CBS News |date=March 27, 2020 |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423184544/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-invokes-defense-production-act-to-require-gm-to-produce-ventilators-2020-03-27/ |url-status=live }} Federal health inspectors who surveyed hospitals in late March found shortages of test supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other resources due to extended patient stays while awaiting test results.{{cite web |last1=Robertson |first1=Lori |title=The HHS Inspector General Report |date=April 7, 2020 |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2020/04/the-hhs-inspector-general-report/ |publisher=Factcheck.org |access-date=April 18, 2020 |archive-date=October 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009092400/https://www.factcheck.org/2020/04/the-hhs-inspector-general-report// |url-status=live }} By early May, the U.S. had processed around 6.5 million tests (about 1 per 50 inhabitants),{{Cite web|title=US Historical Data|url=https://covidtracking.com/data/us-daily/|website=The COVID Tracking Project|language=en|access-date=May 10, 2020|archive-date=May 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510013634/https://covidtracking.com/data/us-daily/|url-status=live}} and was conducting around 250,000 tests per day, but experts said this level of testing was still not enough to contain the outbreak.{{cite news |last1=Gearan |first1=Anne |last2=DeBonis |first2=Mike |last3=Dennis |first3=Brady |title=Trump plays down coronavirus testing as U.S. falls far short of level scientists say is needed |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-plays-down-coronavirus-testing-as-us-falls-far-short-of-level-scientists-say-is-needed/2020/05/08/d9241454-913f-11ea-a9c0-73b93422d691_story.html |access-date=May 10, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 9, 2020 |archive-date=May 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509215127/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-plays-down-coronavirus-testing-as-us-falls-far-short-of-level-scientists-say-is-needed/2020/05/08/d9241454-913f-11ea-a9c0-73b93422d691_story.html |url-status=live }}

The CDC warned that widespread disease transmission may force large numbers of people to seek healthcare, which could overload healthcare systems and lead to otherwise preventable deaths.{{cite web |url=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html |title=Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary |last= |publisher=CDC |access-date=March 7, 2020 |date=March 7, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126210549/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html |url-status=live }} On March 16, the White House advised against any gatherings of more than ten people.{{cite news |last1=Liptak |first1=Kevin |title=White House advises public to avoid groups of more than 10, asks people to stay away from bars and restaurants |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/politics/white-house-guidelines-coronavirus/index.html |access-date=March 18, 2020 |publisher=CNN |date=March 16, 2020 |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317230151/https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/politics/white-house-guidelines-coronavirus/index.html |url-status=live }} Since March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of State has advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel.{{cite web|url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/travel-advisory-alert-global-level-4-health-advisory-issue.html|title=Global Level 4 Health Advisory—Do Not Travel|website=travel.state.gov|access-date=June 8, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803191150/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/travel-advisory-alert-global-level-4-health-advisory-issue.html|url-status=dead}} Travel restrictions on most foreign nationals who had recently traveled to Iran or 28 European countries were implemented in March.{{cite web |title=February 29, 2020: Temporary Restriction on Entering the U.S. after Travel from Iran |url=https://www.colorado.edu/isss/2020/03/03/february-29-2020-temporary-restriction-entering-us-after-travel-iran |date=March 3, 2020 |publisher=University of Colorado Boulder |access-date=April 24, 2020 |archive-date=May 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524072403/https://www.colorado.edu/isss/2020/03/03/february-29-2020-temporary-restriction-entering-us-after-travel-iran |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Woodyard |first1=Chris |title=Q&A: What you need to know about the United Kingdom and Ireland travel ban |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2020/03/16/coronavirus-uk-ireland-travel-ban-what-know-europe-travel-ban/5060715002/ |access-date=April 29, 2020 |work=USA Today |date=March 16, 2020 |archive-date=April 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428194839/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2020/03/16/coronavirus-uk-ireland-travel-ban-what-know-europe-travel-ban/5060715002/ |url-status=live }} By April 11, the federal government approved disaster declarations for all states and inhabited territories except American Samoa.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/live-blog/2020-04-11-coronavirus-news-n1181761/ncrd1182006|title=Every U.S. state is now under disaster declaration|last=Good|first=Dan|date=April 11, 2020|website=NBC News|language=en|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=April 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430071437/https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/live-blog/2020-04-11-coronavirus-news-n1181761/ncrd1182006|url-status=live}} State and local responses to the outbreak have included prohibitions and cancellation of large-scale gatherings (including cultural events, exhibitions, and sporting events), restrictions on commerce and movement, and the closure of schools and other educational institutions.{{Cite news|last1=Deb|first1=Sopan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/sports/basketball/warriors-coronavirus-fans.html|title=Sports Leagues Bar Fans and Cancel Games Amid Coronavirus Outbreak|date=March 11, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 12, 2020|last2=Cacciola|first2=Scott|issn=0362-4331|last3=Stein|first3=Marc|archive-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408153456/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/sports/basketball/warriors-coronavirus-fans.html|url-status=live}} Disproportionate numbers of cases have been observed among Black and Latino populations,{{Cite web|last=Godoy|first=Maria|date=30 May 2020|title=What Do Coronavirus Racial Disparities Look Like State By State?|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/05/30/865413079/what-do-coronavirus-racial-disparities-look-like-state-by-state|access-date=|website=NPR|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214083403/https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/05/30/865413079/what-do-coronavirus-racial-disparities-look-like-state-by-state|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last1=Karson|first1=Kendall|last2=Scanlan|first2=Quinn|date=22 May 2020|title=Black Americans and Latinos nearly 3 times as likely to know someone who died of COVID-19: POLL|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/black-americans-latinos-times-died-covid-19-poll/story?id=70794789|access-date=|website=ABC News|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202132318/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/black-americans-latinos-times-died-covid-19-poll/story?id=70794789|url-status=live}} and there were reported incidents of xenophobia and racism against Asian Americans.{{cite news|last1=Tavernise|first1=Sabrina|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/us/chinese-coronavirus-racist-attacks.html|title=Spit On, Yelled At, Attacked: Chinese-Americans Fear for Their Safety|date=March 23, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 23, 2020|last2=Oppel Jr|first2=Richard A.|archive-date=May 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519092911/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/us/chinese-coronavirus-racist-attacks.html|url-status=live}} Clusters of infections and deaths have occurred in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, prisons and other detention centers, meatpacking plants, houses of worship, and urban areas; large gatherings that occurred before widespread shutdowns and social distancing (Mardi Gras in New Orleans, a conference in Boston sponsored by Biogen, and a funeral in Albany, Georgia) accelerated transmission.{{cite journal |author=Anne Schuchat |date=May 1, 2020 |title=Public Health Response to the Initiation and Spread of Pandemic COVID-19 in the United States, February 24–April 21, 2020 |journal=MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report |volume=69 |issue=18 |pages=551–556 |doi=10.15585/mmwr.mm6918e2 |pmid=32379733 |pmc=7737947 |doi-access=free }}

The George Floyd protests are an ongoing series of protests, riots, and demonstrations against police brutality and racism in policing. The protests began in the United States in Minneapolis on May 26, 2020,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/george-floyd-protests-timeline.html|newspaper=The New York Times|author=Taylor, Derrick Bryson|title=George Floyd Protests: A Timeline|date=June 2, 2020|access-date=June 2, 2020|archive-date=June 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602235547/https://www.nytimes.com/article/george-floyd-protests-timeline.html}}

following the murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, who knelt on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes during an arrest the previous day.{{cite web |last1=Rumpf |first1=Sarah |title=Derek Chauvin Had Knee on George Floyd's Neck for Almost 3 Minutes AFTER Floyd Was Unresponsive: Officials |url=https://www.mediaite.com/uncategorized/officials-say-derek-chauvin-had-knee-on-george-floyds-neck-for-almost-3-minutes-after-floyd-was-unresponsive/ |website=Mediaite |language=en |date=May 29, 2020 |quote=The defendant had his knee on Mr. Floyd's neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in total. Two minutes and 53 seconds of this was after Mr. Floyd was non-responsive, concludes the complaint. |access-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609024225/https://www.mediaite.com/uncategorized/officials-say-derek-chauvin-had-knee-on-george-floyds-neck-for-almost-3-minutes-after-floyd-was-unresponsive/ |url-status=live }}

The unrest began as local protests in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota before quickly spreading across the entire nation as well as George Floyd protests outside the United States in support of Black Lives Matter. While the majority of protests have been peaceful,{{Cite news|last=Lovett|first=Ian|date=2020-06-04|title=1992 Los Angeles Riots: How the George Floyd Protests Are Different|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-george-floyd-protests-in-los-angeles-differ-from-1992-riots-11591263005|url-access=subscription|access-date=2020-06-07|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606193527/https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-george-floyd-protests-in-los-angeles-differ-from-1992-riots-11591263005|url-status=live}} demonstrations in some cities descended into riots and widespread looting,{{cite web|title=George Floyd unrest: Riots, fires, violence escalate in several major cities|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/george-floyd-cities-brace-riots-national-guard-troops-mobilize|last=Betz|first=Bradford|date=May 31, 2020|website=Fox News|language=en-US|access-date=June 1, 2020|archive-date=June 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601010627/https://www.foxnews.com/us/george-floyd-cities-brace-riots-national-guard-troops-mobilize|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=2020-05-31|title=Widespread unrest as curfews defied across US|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52865206|access-date=2020-06-07|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612215613/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52865206|url-status=live}} with more being marked by street skirmishes and significant police brutality, notably against peaceful protesters and reporters.{{cite news |last1=Kindy |first1=Kimberly |last2=Jacobs |first2=Shayna |last3=Farenthold |first3=David |title=In protests against police brutality, videos capture more alleged police brutality |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/protests-police-brutality-video/2020/06/05/a9e66568-a768-11ea-b473-04905b1af82b_story.html |access-date=June 6, 2020 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=June 5, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606022944/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/protests-police-brutality-video/2020/06/05/a9e66568-a768-11ea-b473-04905b1af82b_story.html |url-status=live }} At least 200 cities imposed curfews by 3 June, while at least 27 states and Washington, D.C, activated over 74,000 National Guard personnel due to the mass unrest.{{cite news |last1=Warren |first1=Katy |last2=Hadden |first2=Joey |title=How all 50 states are responding to the George Floyd protests, from imposing curfews to calling in the National Guard |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/us-states-response-george-floyd-protests-curfews-national-guard-2020-6 |date=June 4, 2020 |access-date=June 8, 2020 |work=Business Insider |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609212602/https://www.businessinsider.com/us-states-response-george-floyd-protests-curfews-national-guard-2020-6 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Browne |first1=Ryan |last2=Lee |first2=Alicia |last3=Rigdon |first3=Renee |title=There are as many National Guard members activated in the US as there are active duty troops in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/01/us/national-guard-protests-states-map-trnd/index.html |access-date=June 2, 2020 |work=CNN |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109210509/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/01/us/national-guard-protests-states-map-trnd/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Brantley |first1=Max |title=Governor reveals National Guard activated and participated in shutdown of Sunday demonstration |url=https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2020/06/01/governor-on-demonstrations |access-date=June 3, 2020 |work=Arkansas Times |date=June 1, 2020 |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208032000/https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2020/06/01/governor-on-demonstrations |url-status=live }} From the beginning of the protests to June 3, at least 11,000 people had been arrested,{{Cite web|date=June 3, 2020|title=Associated Press tally shows at least 9,300 people arrested in protests since killing of George Floyd|url=https://apnews.com/c51f66bd298157c52520ef56026e4857|access-date=June 3, 2020|work=Associated Press|archive-date=September 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901085025/https://apnews.com/c51f66bd298157c52520ef56026e4857|url-status=live}} including all four police officers involved in the arrest during which Floyd was murdered.{{Cite web|last1=Condon|first1=Bernard|last2=Richmond|first2=Todd|last3=Sisak|first3=Michael R.|date=June 3, 2020|title=What to know about 4 officers charged in George Floyd's death|url=https://abc7chicago.com/6229951/|access-date=June 6, 2020|website=ABC7 Chicago|language=en|archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606165449/https://abc7chicago.com/6229951/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump}}

Three House committees began their impeachment inquiry on September 24, 2019,[https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-impeachment-inquiry/pelosi-announce-formal-impeachment-inquiry-trump-n1058251 Nancy Pelosi announces formal impeachment inquiry of Trump] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924193028/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-impeachment-inquiry/pelosi-announce-formal-impeachment-inquiry-trump-n1058251 |date=September 24, 2019 }} By Heidi Przybyla and Adam Edelman, NBC News, September 24, 2020 and in December the House Judiciary Committee heard hearings[https://thehill.com/homenews/morning-report/473326-the-hills-morning-report The Hill's Morning Report — Pelosi makes it official: Trump will be impeached] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206163110/https://thehill.com/homenews/morning-report/473326-the-hills-morning-report |date=December 6, 2019 }} The Hill, December 6, 2019 leading to Trump's impeachment on two counts on December 18, 2019.[https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/house-judiciary-committee-set-vote-trump-impeachment-articles/story?id=67706093 House Judiciary Committee passes articles of impeachment against President Trump] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108015901/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/house-judiciary-committee-set-vote-trump-impeachment-articles/story?id=67706093 |date=January 8, 2021 }} By Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, December 13, 2019 The impeachment trial of Donald Trump took up most of the month of January and early February 2020.[https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/31/senate-impeachment-vote-schedule-110145 Next week in impeachment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201131426/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/31/senate-impeachment-vote-schedule-110145 |date=February 1, 2020 }} Politico, January 31, 2020[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/12/18/house-approves-articles-impeachment-trump-historic-vote/2679963001/ House impeaches Donald Trump in historic vote, reshuffling U.S. politics on eve of 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108015905/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/12/18/house-approves-articles-impeachment-trump-historic-vote/2679963001/ |date=January 8, 2021 }} by John Fritz, USA Today, December 18, 2020 On February 5, 2020, the Senate voted to acquit Trump of all charges. All 45 Democrats and the two independents voted for conviction; all 52 Republican Senators voted for acquittal, except for Mitt Romney (R-UT) who voted for conviction on the charge of abuse of power.[https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/05/trump-acquitted-in-impeachment-trial.html Trump acquitted of both charges in Senate impeachment trial] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230033735/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/05/trump-acquitted-in-impeachment-trial.html |date=December 30, 2020 }} CNBC February 5, 2020, retrieved March 2, 2020

{{see also|116th United States Congress|Timeline of the Donald Trump presidency}}

The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).[https://history.house.gov/People/Office/Speakers-List/ List of Speakers of the House] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114194829/https://history.house.gov/People/Office/Speakers-List/ |date=January 14, 2021 }} History, Art, & Archives, House of Representatives, retrieved March 2, 2020 There are 232 Democrats, 197 Republicans, one independent, and five vacancies (March 2020).[https://pressgallery.house.gov/member-data/party-breakdown Party Breakdown] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203165442/https://pressgallery.house.gov/member-data/party-breakdown |date=December 3, 2020 }} U.S. House of Representatives, Press Gallery, retrieved March 2, 2020

The President pro tempore of the United States Senate is Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and the Senate majority leader is Mitch McConnell (R-KY).[http://www.senate.gov/senators/leadership.htm Leadership & Officers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309183232/https://www.senate.gov/senators/leadership.htm |date=March 9, 2021 }} United States Senate, retrieved March 2, 2020 53 Senators are Republicans, 45 are Democrats, and two are independents.[https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/477451-the-5-most-vulnerable-senators-in-2020 The 5 most vulnerable senators in 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307042115/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/477451-the-5-most-vulnerable-senators-in-2020 |date=March 7, 2020 }} The Hill, January 9, 2020 All senators took office in or before 2019, except Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) who took office on January 6, 2020.[https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/georgias-got-a-new-senator-while-other-candidates-are-deciding-whether-to-run/ Georgia's Got A New Senator While Other Candidates Are Deciding Whether To Run] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302211837/https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/georgias-got-a-new-senator-while-other-candidates-are-deciding-whether-to-run/ |date=March 2, 2020 }} By Geoffrey Skelley, FiveThirtyEight, January 7, 2020

File:Speaker Pelosi Rips Speech.webm tears up her copy of Trump's speech.]]

President Trump delivered a highly partisan 2020 State of the Union Address on February 4, 2020, that ended with Speaker Pelosi ripping up his speech.[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-05/trump-touts-his-great-american-comeback-in-state-of-union Trump and Pelosi Trade Snubs at Deeply Partisan State of Union] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302211836/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-05/trump-touts-his-great-american-comeback-in-state-of-union |date=March 2, 2020 }} By Josh Wingrove, Katia Dmitrieva, and Jordan Fabian; Bloomberg, February 4, 2020

The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence reportedly began receiving top-secret briefings on the COVID-19 pandemic in February. Committee chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) and three others (Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Jim Inhofe (R-OK)) allegedly used this insider information to gain millions of dollars in the stock market prior to the February 13, 2020 stock market crash.{{cite web|website=The Hill|title=Burr sold off significant amount of stock a week before market crash started: report|date=Mar 19, 2020|access-date=Mar 23, 2020|author=Marty Johnson|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/488545-burr-sold-off-significant-amount-of-stock-a-week-before-market-crash-started|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320033837/https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/488545-burr-sold-off-significant-amount-of-stock-a-week-before-market-crash-started%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3CLqLDL5B0PnvUBEwMqqy_ZIkzBDtWCxILzrD0Tn-6jadjRXkiT6gKnhE|url-status=live}}{{cite web|website=KUSI News|title=California Senator Dianne Feinstein and three others sold their stocks prior to coronavirus pandemic|date=March 20, 2020|url=https://www.kusi.com/california-senator-dianne-feinstein-and-three-others-sold-their-stocks-prior-to-coronavirus-pandemic/|access-date=March 23, 2020|archive-date=March 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323230619/https://www.kusi.com/california-senator-dianne-feinstein-and-three-others-sold-their-stocks-prior-to-coronavirus-pandemic/|url-status=live}}

On March 6, President Trump signed the $8.3 billion [http://H.R.6074%20-%20Coronavirus%20Preparedness%20and%20Response%20Supplemental%20Appropriations%20Act,%202020 Coronavirus Preparedness and Response bill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220175602/http://acn.com.ve/ |date=February 20, 2017 }} and on March 18 the [https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201 Families First Coronavirus Response Act]. On March 19, Senate Republicans released a draft for the [https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/CARES%20Act%20Final%20-%20Mar%202020.pdf Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act].{{cite journal|doi=10.1377/forefront.20200320.739699|title=COVID-19 Package #3: The Coverage Provisions|year=2020|first=Katie |last=Keith}}

On March 27, the House approved the $2 trillion CARES Act that was previously approved by the Senate. The [https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/748 act] includes one-time payments to individuals, strengthened unemployment insurance, additional health-care funding, and loans and grants to businesses to deter layoffs. Speaker Pelosi said more money will be needed.[https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/27/house-passes-2-trillion-coronavirus-stimulus-bill-sends-it-to-trump.html House passes $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill, sends it to Trump] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121123403/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/27/house-passes-2-trillion-coronavirus-stimulus-bill-sends-it-to-trump.html |date=January 21, 2021 }} by Jacob Pramuk, CNBC, 27 Mar 2020

In early 2020, the outbreak of coronavirus in the United States resulted in mass shutdowns of government in cities across the country in order to try to control the spread of this highly-contagious illness.

In May 2020, the murder of George Floyd by a police officer led to massive protests in widespread cities around the nation.

Conservative judge Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court on October 26 along partisan lines, despite earlier Republican arguments that it is inappropriate to choose justices during a presidential election year.{{cite news |title=Barrett confirmed as Supreme Court justice in partisan vote |url=https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=AP NEWS |agency=AP |date=26 October 2020 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026090752/https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07 |url-status=live }}

In the November 3 elections, the Democratic majority in the House was reduced to 222-213 and Republicans maintained 50 seats in the Senate with two seats (Georgia Senate election and Georgia Senate special election) awaiting a runoff on January 5, 2021.{{cite news |title=House election results live: 2020 House races in each state |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-elections/house-results |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=nbcnews.com |publisher=NBC News |archive-date=December 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221114655/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-elections/house-results |url-status=live }}

On December 21, Congress approved a second $900 billion stimulus bill, including a $600 check for individuals, $300 extra for unemployment benefits for 11 weeks, and $25 million for rental assistance, as well as funding for distribute of COVID-19 vaccines.{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Vanessa |title=Nine months into the pandemic, Congress finally agreed on a second coronavirus relief bill |url=https://www.mic.com/p/congress-finally-agreed-on-a-900-billion-coronavirus-bill-heres-what-it-means-for-you-51950692 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=Mic |date=December 21, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=December 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221190303/https://www.mic.com/p/congress-finally-agreed-on-a-900-billion-coronavirus-bill-heres-what-it-means-for-you-51950692 |url-status=live }}

In early 2021, nearly the entire state of Texas was shut down by major ice storms and snow storms. some areas remained without power for several weeks.[https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/17/how-the-texas-power-grid-failed-and-what-could-stop-it-from-happening-again.html How the Texas power grid failed and what could stop it from happening again] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306153812/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/17/how-the-texas-power-grid-failed-and-what-could-stop-it-from-happening-again.html |date=March 6, 2021 }} February 18, 2021, by Pippa Stevens, cnbc.com.

In early 2021, the federal government made agreements with regional chains of pharmacies to help administer the vaccine for COVID-19.[https://www.ajmc.com/view/a-timeline-of-covid-19-vaccine-developments-in-2021 A Timeline of COVID-19 Vaccine Developments in 2021] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403185532/https://www.ajmc.com/view/a-timeline-of-covid-19-vaccine-developments-in-2021 |date=April 3, 2021 }}, March 19, 2021, AJMC Staff, American Journal of Managed Care website ajmc.com.

File:Tear Gas outside United States Capitol 20210106.jpg during the certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory.|258x258px]]

{{see also|January 6 United States Capitol attack|Second impeachment of Donald Trump}}

On January 6, 2021, a mob of 2,000–2,500 supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump attacked the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.{{efn|The attack is commonly referred to as the Capitol riot, Capitol insurrection, January 6, or 1/6.}}{{Cite news |last=The Editorial Board |date=October 2, 2021 |title=Jan. 6 Was Worse Than It Looked |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/02/opinion/jan-6-trump-eastman-election.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002151112/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/02/opinion/jan-6-trump-eastman-election.html |archive-date=October 2, 2021}}{{Cite news|last=Lucas|first=Ryan|date=2022-01-06|title=Where the Jan. 6 insurrection investigation stands, one year later|language=en|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/01/06/1070736018/jan-6-anniversary-investigation-cases-defendants-justice|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106101200/https://www.npr.org/2022/01/06/1070736018/jan-6-anniversary-investigation-cases-defendants-justice|archive-date=2022-01-06}} They sought to overturn his defeat in the 2020 presidential election{{cite news |last=Lozada |first=Carlos |date=October 8, 2021 |title=Adam Schiff points to a second insurrection — by members of Congress themselves |newspaper=The Washington Post |type=Book review |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/10/08/adam-schiff-midnight/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211008234035/https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/10/08/adam-schiff-midnight/ |archive-date=October 8, 2021}} by disrupting the joint session of Congress assembled to count electoral votes that would formalize President-elect Joe Biden's victory.{{Cite news|last1=Reeves|first1=Jay|last2=Mascaro|first2=Lisa|last3=Woodward|first3=Calvin|date=January 11, 2021|title=Capitol assault a more sinister attack than first appeared|work=Associated Press|url=https://apnews.com/article/14c73ee280c256ab4ec193ac0f49ad54|url-status=live|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112234712/https://apnews.com/article/14c73ee280c256ab4ec193ac0f49ad54|archive-date=January 12, 2021}}{{cite news|last1=Mascaro|first1=Lisa|last2=Tucker|first2=Eric|last3=Jalonick|first3=Mary Clare|last4=Taylor|first4=Andrew|date=January 7, 2021|title=Pro-Trump mob storms US Capitol in bid to overturn election|work=Associated Press|url=https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818|url-status=live|access-date=July 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108082702/https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818|archive-date=2021-01-08}} The Capitol Complex was locked down and lawmakers and staff were evacuated as rioters assaulted law enforcement officers, vandalized property, and occupied the building for several hours."Vandalized":

• {{Cite news|date=January 7, 2021|title=FBI appeals for information from public on Capitol rioters|first=Tom|last=Jackman|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/06/dc-protests-trump-rally-live-updates/|access-date=May 24, 2022|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111191223/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/06/dc-protests-trump-rally-live-updates/|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite news|first=Thomas|last=Pallini|date=January 7, 2021|title=Photos show the aftermath of an unprecedented and destructive siege on the US Capitol that left 4 rioters dead|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-show-the-aftermath-of-a-siege-on-capitol-building-2021-1|work=Business Insider|ref=none|access-date=May 24, 2022|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117160424/https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-show-the-aftermath-of-a-siege-on-capitol-building-2021-1|url-status=live}} "Looted":
• {{cite news|last1=Daly|first1=Matthew|last2=Balsamo|first2=Michael|date=January 8, 2021|title=Deadly siege focuses attention on Capitol Police|work=Associated Press|url=https://apnews.com/article/capitol-police-death-brian-sicknick-46933a828d7b12de7e3d5620a8a04583|access-date=January 9, 2021|ref=none|archive-date=January 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108232040/https://apnews.com/article/capitol-police-death-brian-sicknick-46933a828d7b12de7e3d5620a8a04583|url-status=live}} Five people died either shortly before, during, or following the event: one was shot by Capitol Police, another died of a drug overdose, and three died of natural causes.{{cite news|last1=Massimo|first1=Nick|title=Medical examiner: Capitol Police officer Sicknick died of stroke; death ruled 'natural'|url=https://wtop.com/dc/2021/04/medical-examiner-capitol-police-officer-sicknick-died-of-stroke-death-ruled-natural/|access-date=May 16, 2021|work=WTOP|agency=Associated Press|date=April 19, 2021|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506060028/https://wtop.com/dc/2021/04/medical-examiner-capitol-police-officer-sicknick-died-of-stroke-death-ruled-natural/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Evelyn|first=Kenya|date=January 9, 2021|title=Capitol attack: the five people who died|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/08/capitol-attack-police-officer-five-deaths|website=The Guardian|access-date=May 24, 2022|archive-date=November 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119141300/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/08/capitol-attack-police-officer-five-deaths|url-status=live}} Many people were injured, including 138 police officers. Four officers who responded to the attack died by suicide within seven months.{{Cite news |last=Wolfe |first=Jan |date=August 2, 2021 |title=Four officers who responded to U.S. Capitol attack have died by suicide |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/officer-who-responded-us-capitol-attack-is-third-die-by-suicide-2021-08-02/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404160950/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/officer-who-responded-us-capitol-attack-is-third-die-by-suicide-2021-08-02/ |archive-date=April 4, 2022}}

Trump was impeached for the second time on January 13, 2021 for incitement of insurrection, after the storming of the United States Capitol one week earlier. Trump was acquitted by the Senate after 57 senators voted to acquit, short of the two-thirds majority required for conviction.

{{see also|117th United States Congress|Timeline of the Joe Biden presidency}}In 2021, the 117th United States Congress was in session as the meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, composed of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. It convened in Washington, D.C., on January 3, 2021, during the final weeks of Donald Trump's presidency, and ended on January 3, 2023. It met during the first two years of Joe Biden's presidency.

The 2020 elections decided control of both chambers. In the House of Representatives, the Democratic Party retained their majority (albeit reduced from the 116th Congress).

In the Senate, the Republican Party briefly held the majority at the beginning of the term. On January 20, 2021, three new Democratic senators (Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock of Georgia and Alex Padilla of California) were sworn in, resulting in 50 seats held by Republicans, 48 seats held by Democrats, and two held by independents who caucus with the Democrats. Effectively, this created a 50–50 split, which had not occurred since the 107th Congress in 2001.

With Vice President Kamala Harris serving as the tie breaker in her constitutional role as Senate President, Democrats have control of the Senate, and thereby have full control of Congress for the first time since the 111th Congress ended in 2011.

In April 2021, President Biden submitted a major infrastructure plan to Congress.[https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/bidens-infrastructure-plan-tests-democratic-unity-congress/story?id=76810133 Biden's infrastructure plan tests Democratic unity in Congress] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402155948/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/bidens-infrastructure-plan-tests-democratic-unity-congress/story?id=76810133 |date=April 2, 2021 }}:The path forward on Capitol Hill for such a massive spending bill is precarious. By Allison Pecorin and Mariam Khan, April 2, 2021, ABC News website,

The Build Back Better Bill is a bill introduced in the 117th Congress to fulfill aspects of President Joe Biden's Build Back Better Plan. It was spun off from the American Jobs Plan, alongside the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as a $3.5 trillion Democratic reconciliation package that included provisions related to climate change and social policy. Following negotiations, the price was lowered to approximately $2.2 trillion. The bill was passed 220–213 by the House of Representatives on November 19, 2021.

In the midst of negotiations and parliamentary procedures, Senator Joe Manchin publicly pulled his support from the bill for not matching his envisioned cost of about $1.75 trillion, then subsequently retracted support for his own compromise legislation. This effectively killed the bill as it needs all 50 Democratic senators to pass via reconciliation, and there are no further discussions with him to salvage its contents {{as of|lc=y|2022|May}}. The Congressional Progressive Caucus of the Democratic Party, a major backer of the bill, had urged President Biden to enact the green energy and climate change provisions into law by executive order.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

File:Formula shortage.jpg store in Monroe, Washington, in January 2022|upright=1.8|left]]

{{see also|2022 United States infant formula shortage}}In 2022, the United States experienced a severe shortage of infant formula as a result of the 2021–2022 global supply chain crisis compounded by a large scale product recall.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/05/baby-formula-shortage-abbott-recall/629828/|title=What's Behind America's Shocking Baby-Formula Shortage?|first=Derek|last=Thompson|date=May 12, 2022|website=The Atlantic|access-date=May 14, 2022|archive-date=May 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514171425/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/05/baby-formula-shortage-abbott-recall/629828/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/13/briefing/baby-formula-shortage-us-economy.html|title=The Baby Formula Crisis|first=David|last=Leonhardt|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 13, 2022|access-date=May 13, 2022|archive-date=May 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513194114/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/13/briefing/baby-formula-shortage-us-economy.html|url-status=live}} As of May 14, nationwide out-of-stock rates were reported to be 43%, up from 31% two weeks prior; The Wall Street Journal states that the normal out-of-stock rate is 10%,{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/baby-formula-shortage-stuns-states-including-tennessee-kansas-and-delaware-11652526002|title=Baby Formula Shortage Stuns States Including Tennessee, Kansas and Delaware|first=Stephanie|last=Stamm|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=May 14, 2022|access-date=May 14, 2022|archive-date=May 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514175154/https://www.wsj.com/articles/baby-formula-shortage-stuns-states-including-tennessee-kansas-and-delaware-11652526002|url-status=live}} while other sources say that in the first half of 2021, out-of-stock rates were 2%-8%.{{Cite web |url=https://datasembly.com/news/out-of-stock-rate-in-april-2022-copy/#:~:text=Datasembly's%20real%2Dtime%20hyper%2Dlocal,at%20the%20end%20of%20month. |title=ation-wide Out-Of-Stock is now at 43% for the week ending May 8th |access-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601224854/https://datasembly.com/news/latest-numbers-on-baby-formula/#:~:text=Datasembly's%20real%2Dtime%20hyper%2Dlocal,at%20the%20end%20of%20month. |url-status=live }} In many places, store shelves are bare. Delaware, Kansas, and Tennessee were the most hard-hit states. As of mid-May, manufacturers and retailers expected a months-long delay before formula stocks would be fully restored.{{Cite web|url=https://www.axios.com/2022/05/12/baby-formula-shortage-prices|title=Why there is a baby formula crisis and what can be done about it|first=Herb|last=Scribner|date=May 13, 2022|website=Axios|access-date=May 14, 2022|archive-date=May 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514175154/https://www.axios.com/2022/05/12/baby-formula-shortage-prices|url-status=live}} In addition to infants, the formula recalls have affected non-infant medical patients who require nasogastric feeding.{{cite news |last1=Swenson |first1=Kyle |last2=Portnoy |first2=Jenna |title=U.S. baby formula shortage leaves parents scrambling |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/05/11/formula-shortage-parents-inflation/ |access-date=17 May 2022 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=May 11, 2022 |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512110638/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/05/11/formula-shortage-parents-inflation/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/pediatricians-warn-parents-against-taking-extreme-measures-amid-baby-formula-shortage/2UUVPDK5PZFFFNYESD26AS6SAU/|title=Pediatricians warn parents against taking extreme measures amid baby formula shortage|date=May 14, 2022|website=WSOC TV|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=May 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516160722/https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/pediatricians-warn-parents-against-taking-extreme-measures-amid-baby-formula-shortage/2UUVPDK5PZFFFNYESD26AS6SAU/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.kten.com/story/46472683/the-baby-formula-shortage-is-getting-worse-parents-are-desperate|title=The baby formula shortage is getting worse; parents are desperate|website=www.kten.com|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511212245/https://www.kten.com/story/46472683/the-baby-formula-shortage-is-getting-worse-parents-are-desperate|url-status=live}}File:President Joe Biden and President Volodymyr Zelensky.jpg and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine in 2021.]]

{{Further information|Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

In February 2022, President Joe Biden released a statement condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine as "unprovoked and unjustified" and accused Putin of starting a "premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering".{{cite news |last=Parti |first=Tarini |date=24 February 2022 |title=Biden Calls Putin's Ukraine Actions an 'Unprovoked and Unjustified' Attack |work=The Wall Street Journal |publication-place=New York City |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/biden-calls-putin-s-ukraine-actions-an-unprovoked-and-unjustified-attack-CGTFzK7GobHRwkC103AB |access-date=24 February 2022 |quote=President Biden said in a statement Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions against Ukraine were an 'unprovoked and unjustified attack.' 'President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,' the statement said. |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064548/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/biden-calls-putin-s-ukraine-actions-an-unprovoked-and-unjustified-attack-CGTFzK7GobHRwkC103AB |url-status=live }} Biden stated the US would not dispatch its own forces to protect Ukraine, however, Biden did authorize sanctions directly targeting Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.{{cite web |last=Liptak |first=Kevin |date=8 December 2021 |title=Biden says US troops in Ukraine are off the table but promises withering sanctions if Russia invades |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/08/politics/biden-putin-us-troops/index.html |access-date=26 February 2022 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226125646/https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/08/politics/biden-putin-us-troops/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Lakshman |first=Sriram |date=26 February 2022 |title=U.S. Sanctions Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/latest-news/us-sanctions-vladimir-putin-and-foreign-minister-sergei-lavrov/article65087369.ece |access-date=26 February 2022 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=March 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304033113/https://www.thehindu.com/latest-news/us-sanctions-vladimir-putin-and-foreign-minister-sergei-lavrov/article65087369.ece |url-status=live }}

In the 2022 State of the Union Address, Biden announced that all US airspace would be closed to all Russian aircraft.{{Cite news |title=U.S. to close airspace to Russian planes, further weakening its aviation industry |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/03/01/airspace-russia-ukraine/ |access-date=2 March 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=May 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529145700/https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/03/01/airspace-russia-ukraine/ |url-status=live }} Biden additionally condemned Russian oligarchs who had supported Putin, stating that "We are joining with our European allies to find and seize your yachts, your luxury apartments, your private jets. We are coming for your ill-begotten gains."{{Cite web |author=Kevin Liptak |title=5 takeaways from President Biden's State of the Union speech |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/02/politics/state-of-the-union-biden-takeaways/index.html |access-date=2 March 2022 |publisher=CNN |date=2 March 2022 |archive-date=September 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925111650/https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/02/politics/state-of-the-union-biden-takeaways/index.html |url-status=live }}

Vice President Kamala Harris threatened to increase sanctions against Russia at the Munich Security Conference: "Let me be clear, I can say with absolute certainty: If Russia further invades Ukraine, the United States, together with our allies and partners, will impose significant and unprecedented economic costs."{{Cite web |title=Harris on Ukraine: World at 'a decisive moment in history' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/harris-warns-russia-unprecedented-sanctions-invades-82999066 |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=ABC News |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406232438/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/harris-warns-russia-unprecedented-sanctions-invades-82999066 |url-status=live }}

House speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed for the House to pass as much funding that is needed to support the Ukrainian government.{{Cite web |last=Swanson |first=Ian |date=28 February 2022 |title=Pelosi says Congress will provide any economic help Ukraine needs |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/596106-pelosi-says-congress-will-provide-ukraine-aid-whatever-the-need |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=The Hill |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406232438/https://thehill.com/homenews/house/596106-pelosi-says-congress-will-provide-ukraine-aid-whatever-the-need |url-status=live }}

In the 2022 elections, the Republicans won back control of the house with a slim majority of seats 222-213. Democrats meanwhile increased their majority in the Senate to 51.{{cite news |last=Cowan |first=Richard |date=2022-11-17 |title=Republicans win U.S. House majority, setting stage for divided government |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republicans-one-seat-away-winning-house-us-midterm-vote-2022-11-16/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |archive-date=November 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125100214/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republicans-one-seat-away-winning-house-us-midterm-vote-2022-11-16/ |url-status=live }}

in August 2022, President Biden announced a plan to cancel significant amounts of student loan debt for tens of millions of Americans, saying he would forgive $10,000 in debt for those earning less than $125,000 per year and $20,000 for those who had received Pell grants for low-income families.{{Cite web |title=Biden to forgive $10,000 in student loan debt and extend the federal payment pause. Here's who qualifies |url=https://fortune.com/2022/08/24/biden-to-forgive-10000-in-student-loan-debt-heres-who-qualifies/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=Fortune |language=en |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829062934/https://fortune.com/2022/08/24/biden-to-forgive-10000-in-student-loan-debt-heres-who-qualifies/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Kanno-Youngs |first1=Zolan |last2=Cowley |first2=Stacy |last3=Tankersley |first3=Jim |date=2022-08-24 |title=Biden to Cancel $10,000 in Student Debt; Low-Income Students Are Eligible for More |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/24/us/politics/student-loan-forgiveness-biden.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829062934/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/24/us/politics/student-loan-forgiveness-biden.html |url-status=live }} the one-time maximum debt forgiveness of $10,000 for borrowers earning less than $125,000 would reportedly cost taxpayers approximately $300 billion.{{Cite web |title=Forgiving Student Loans: Budgetary Costs and Distributional Impact |url=https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2022/8/23/forgiving-student-loans |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=Penn Wharton Budget Model |language=en-US |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829062935/https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2022/8/23/forgiving-student-loans |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Betz |first=Bradford |date=2022-08-23 |title=Joe Biden expected to announce $10,000 student loan forgiveness program Wednesday: report |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bidens-anticipated-loan-forgiveness-projected-to-cost-american-taxpayers-300b |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=Fox News |language=en-US |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829062934/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bidens-anticipated-loan-forgiveness-projected-to-cost-american-taxpayers-300b |url-status=live }} This decision was divisive because of concerns of national debt while others praised the decision to "aid lower-class citizens."{{Cite web |last=Minsky |first=Adam S. |title=Over 500 Groups Tell Biden That $10,000 In Student Loan Forgiveness Isn't Enough — What Will He Do? |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2022/06/01/over-500-groups-tell-biden-that-10000-in-student-loan-forgiveness-isnt-enough---what-will-he-do/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829062935/https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2022/06/01/over-500-groups-tell-biden-that-10000-in-student-loan-forgiveness-isnt-enough---what-will-he-do/ |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=Watch Sen. Elizabeth Warren respond to American who already paid off his student loans - CNN Video |url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2022/08/28/warren-full.cnn |access-date=2022-08-29 |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829062934/https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2022/08/28/warren-full.cnn |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author=Analysis by Zachary B. Wolf |title=Analysis: The frustrating truth about who is excluded from college debt relief |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/25/politics/means-testing-student-loan-forgiveness-what-matters/index.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=CNN |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829062934/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/25/politics/means-testing-student-loan-forgiveness-what-matters/index.html |url-status=live }}

File:Pro-abortion rights rally at the SCOTUS (June 24, 2022) 00288 01.jpg

Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization,

a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court in which the court ruled in June 2022 that the United States Constitution does not grant a right to abortion. The decision overturned both Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), giving individual states complete authority over any aspect of abortion not preempted by federal law. On June 24, 2022, the Court issued a decision that reversed the lower court rulings by a vote of 6-3. The opinion overturning Roe and Casey was joined by a smaller majority of five justices. The majority concluded that abortion is not a constitutional right because it is not mentioned in the Constitution and is not "deeply rooted" in the country's history, and that individual states have the authority to regulate abortion access. Chief Justice John Roberts concurred with the decision upholding Mississippi law but did not join the majority in the opinion overturning Roe and Casey.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-28 |title=Abortions can resume at some Texas clinics after court blocks pre-Roe ban - CNNPolitics |website=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/28/politics/texas-abortion/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628220140/https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/28/politics/texas-abortion/index.html |archive-date=2022-06-28 |access-date=2022-08-29 }}{{Cite news |last=Kwai |first=Isabella |date=2022-07-02 |title=Texas Supreme Court Lifts Freeze on Abortion Ban |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/02/us/texas-supreme-court-abortion-ban.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828202706/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/02/us/texas-supreme-court-abortion-ban.html/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Robertson |first=Katie |date=2022-07-14 |title=Facts Were Sparse on an Abortion Case. But That Didn't Stop the Attacks. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/14/business/media/10-year-old-girl-ohio-rape.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822193601/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/14/business/media/10-year-old-girl-ohio-rape.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author=Tierney Sneed |title=Judge blocks enforcement of Idaho's abortion ban in medical emergencies day before it was set to take effect |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/24/politics/idaho-abortion-ban-doj/index.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=CNN |archive-date=August 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828161327/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/24/politics/idaho-abortion-ban-doj/index.html |url-status=live }}

File:McCarthy Holding Gavel After Speaker Election.jpg

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy was only elected speaker of the house after fifteen rounds of voting due to internal Republican opposition. This was the most rounds in a speakership election since 1860.{{cite news |last1=Morgan |first1=David |last2=Warburton |first2=Moira |last3=Sullivan |first3=Andy |date=January 7, 2023 |title=Kevin McCarthy elected U.S. House speaker, but at a cost |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-speaker-fight-enters-fourth-day-amid-antebellum-era-dysfunction-2023-01-06/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107000413/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-speaker-fight-enters-fourth-day-amid-antebellum-era-dysfunction-2023-01-06/ |archive-date=January 7, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Zurcher |first=Anthony |date=January 7, 2023 |title=What has Kevin McCarthy given up, and at what price? |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64194129 |url-status=live |access-date=January 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107015345/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64194129 |archive-date=January 7, 2023}}

{{excerpt|Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse}}

{{excerpt|Attempted assassination of Donald Trump}}

{{excerpt|Presidency of Joe Biden}}

{{excerpt|Second presidency of Donald Trump}}

{{see also|Environmental policy of the Joe Biden administration}}

In the years 2021-2022 Biden promoted 2 bills that can reduce the US greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% from the level of 2005: the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act. The group of experts who made the analysis said that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act alone will make only a small reduction in emissions, but they did not count at all the impact of measures regarding highways and public transport.{{cite book |title=Preliminary Report: The Climate Impact of Congressional Infrastructure and Budget Bills |date=20 October 2021 |publisher=Rapid energy policy evaluation and analyzis tollkit |page=9 |url=https://repeatproject.org/docs/REPEAT_Preliminary_Report_102021.pdf |access-date=26 January 2022 |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020161736/https://repeatproject.org/docs/REPEAT_Preliminary_Report_102021.pdf |url-status=live }} The bill includes the largest federal investment in public transit in history.{{cite web |title=Fact Sheet: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/06/fact-sheet-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal/ |website=The White House |date=November 6, 2021 |access-date=26 January 2022 |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126170901/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/06/fact-sheet-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal/ |url-status=live }} The bill includes spending of 105 billion dollars in public transport. It also give 110 billion on fixing roads and bridges what includes measures for climate change mitigation - access for cyclists and pedestrians.{{cite news |last1=Sprunt |first1=Barbara |title=Here's What's Included In The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/24/1009923468/heres-whats-included-in-the-infrastructure-deal-that-biden-struck-with-senators |access-date=11 August 2021 |agency=NPR |date=10 August 2021 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812045357/https://www.npr.org/2021/06/24/1009923468/heres-whats-included-in-the-infrastructure-deal-that-biden-struck-with-senators |url-status=live }}

File:President Biden after signing the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act into law.jpg

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was enacted in late 2021. {{cite news |last1=Jalonick |first1=Mary Clare |title=Roads, transit, internet: What's in the infrastructure bill |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-broadband-internet-congress-d89d6bb1b39cd9c67ae9fc91f5eb4c0d |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=Associated Press |date=November 7, 2021 |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107214148/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-broadband-internet-congress-d89d6bb1b39cd9c67ae9fc91f5eb4c0d |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Boak |first1=Josh |last2=Long |first2=Colleen |title=Biden signs $1T infrastructure deal with bipartisan crowd |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144 |access-date=November 16, 2021 |work=Associated Press |date=November 16, 2021 |archive-date=November 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116045821/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144 |url-status=live }} The plan includes measures for reaching carbon neutrality in the electricity sector, supporting electric vehicles, and promoting energy efficiency on a very large scale. The plan should cost $2.3{{nbsp}}trillion.{{cite news |last1=Newburger |first1=Emma |title=Here's how Biden's infrastructure package will likely tackle climate change |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/29/biden-infrastructure-bill-what-to-expect-on-climate-change.html |access-date=11 May 2021 |agency=CNBC |date=29 March 2021 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521140729/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/29/biden-infrastructure-bill-what-to-expect-on-climate-change.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Waldman |first1=Scott |title=Biden Says Infrastructure Is the Pillar of His Climate Plan |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/biden-says-infrastructure-is-the-pillar-of-his-climate-plan/ |website=Scientific American |access-date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520142450/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/biden-says-infrastructure-is-the-pillar-of-his-climate-plan/ |url-status=live }} If passed, it can have a large influence on the Greenhouse gas emissions of the United States.{{cite news |last1=Newburger |first1=Emma |title=Here's how Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan addresses climate change |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/31/biden-infrastructure-plan-spending-on-climate-change-clean-energy.html |access-date=11 May 2021 |agency=CNBC |date=31 March 2021 |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630054145/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/31/biden-infrastructure-plan-spending-on-climate-change-clean-energy.html |url-status=live }} The plan, according to Biden's administration, should help rebuild the American economy and create millions of jobs. Biden's administration claims that economic and climate issues are linked.{{cite news |last1=Sheffey |first1=Ayelet |title=Why green initiatives count as infrastructure, from Biden's top climate officials |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/climate-crisis-biden-infrastructure-bill-green-new-deal-roads-bridges-2021-4 |access-date=11 May 2021 |agency=Business Insider |date=2 April 2021 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517223437/https://www.businessinsider.com/climate-crisis-biden-infrastructure-bill-green-new-deal-roads-bridges-2021-4 |url-status=live }} 19 Republican senators, including Mitch McConnell, voted for it, despite criticism from Donald Trump, who called it "the beginning of the Green New Deal".

The bill includes spending of 105 billion dollars for public transit, 21 billion for environmental projects, 50 billion for water storage, 15 billion for electric vehicles.{{cite news |last1=Snell |first1=Kelsey |title=The Senate Approves The $1 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill In A Historic Vote |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/08/10/1026081880/senate-passes-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill |access-date=11 August 2021 |agency=NPR |date=10 August 2021 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812034042/https://www.npr.org/2021/08/10/1026081880/senate-passes-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill |url-status=live }} 73 billion dollars will be spent on power infrastructure what includes its adjustment to renewable energy. 110 billion will be spent on fixing roads and bridges what includes measures for climate change mitigation - access for cyclists and pedestrians. The plan also includes 1 billion for better connection of neighborhoods separated by transport infrastructure. According to Biden's administration the plan should add 2 million jobs per year.{{cite news |last1=Breuninger |first1=Kevin |last2=Newburger |first2=Emma |title=Here's what's in the $550 billion bipartisan infrastructure deal |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/28/heres-whats-in-the-550-billion-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal.html |access-date=11 August 2021 |agency=CNBC |date=28 July 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511032515/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/28/heres-whats-in-the-550-billion-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal.html |url-status=live }}

Tensions between the United States and Iran heated up in January 2020 when Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone attack.[https://www.newsweek.com/iraq-militia-official-killed-us-iran-tensions-1480181 TRUMP ORDERS US DRONE STRIKE, KILLING IRANIAN GENERAL WHO HAD 'PLANS TO ATTACK' AMERICANS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103030530/https://www.newsweek.com/iraq-militia-official-killed-us-iran-tensions-1480181 |date=January 3, 2020 }} Newsweek, January 2, 2020 Iran retaliated with a strike on U.S. military bases in Iraq.[https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/us-iran-news-01-08-2020/index.html Iran attacks bases housing US troops] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208231048/https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/us-iran-news-01-08-2020/index.html |date=February 8, 2020 }} CNN January 8, 2020 Tensions let up somewhat after it is revealed that Iran accidentally shot down a civilian plane that departed Tehran for Kyiv.[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/11/iran-admits-shooting-down-ukrainian-airliner-unintentionally Iran admits unintentionally shooting down Ukrainian airliner] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111042802/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/11/iran-admits-shooting-down-ukrainian-airliner-unintentionally |date=January 11, 2020 }} The Guardian, January 11, 2020 The U.S.-Irani relationship remained tense throughout 2020, with the U.S. sending B52s over the Persian Gulf twice in December.{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Robert |title=US bomber mission over Persian Gulf aimed at cautioning Iran |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-bomber-mission-over-persian-145138167.html |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=news.yahoo.com |agency=AP |publisher=Yahoo News |date=December 30, 2020 |archive-date=December 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230165535/https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-bomber-mission-over-persian-145138167.html |url-status=live }}

In late February 2020, the United States and the Taliban signed an agreement that could lead to the end of the war in Afghanistan.[https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/us-taliban-sign-landmark-agreement-in-bid-to-end-americas-longest-war/ar-BB10yMNg?ocid=sf2 U.S.-Taliban sign landmark agreement in bid to end America's longest war] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221141657/https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/us-taliban-sign-landmark-agreement-in-bid-to-end-americas-longest-war/ar-BB10yMNg?ocid=sf2 |date=December 21, 2020 }} NBC News, February 29, 2020

Ivan Duque, president of Colombia, revealed in March 2020 that his country and the United States had a three-prong policy to bring about change in Venezuela: support for the opposition, diplomatic isolation, and economic pressures including a blockade against petroleum exports and against financial support. He said the effort was paying off as social discontent increases, oil exports reach only 500,000 barrels/day, and Venezuela could not pay for industrial parts, food, or medicine.[https://www.nodal.am/2020/03/la-subtrama-interna-venezolana-por-leopoldo-puchi/ The Venezuelan internal subplot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310155745/https://www.nodal.am/2020/03/la-subtrama-interna-venezolana-por-leopoldo-puchi/ |date=March 10, 2020 }} {{in lang|es}} By Leopoldo Puchi, Nodal, March 9, 2020

On March 26, 2020, the United States accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of narcoterrorism and offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.[https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/03/26/estados-unidos-sancionara-al-regimen-de-nicolas-maduro-por-sus-vinculos-con-el-narcoterrorismo-internacional/ The United States accused Nicolás Maduro of narco-terrorism and offered USD 15 million for data leading to his arrest] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230152121/https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/03/26/estados-unidos-sancionara-al-regimen-de-nicolas-maduro-por-sus-vinculos-con-el-narcoterrorismo-internacional/ |date=December 30, 2020 }} {{in lang|es}} Infobae, 26 Mar 2020

{{Main|Economic policy of Donald Trump}}

{{See also|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States}}

The stock market fell over 3,000 points in the last week of February 2020, the greatest fall since 2008, as investors worry about disruptions to supplies because of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).[https://www.vox.com/2020/2/28/21157689/coronavirus-stock-crash-dow-recession This week's stock market meltdown, explained] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302132259/https://www.vox.com/2020/2/28/21157689/coronavirus-stock-crash-dow-recession |date=March 2, 2020 }} By Matthew Yglesias, Vox, February 28, 2020 Stocks fell to 18,592 points (Dow average) on March 23 after a procedural Senate vote on a coronavirus economic stimulus bill failed for the second time in two days.[https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/23/investing/global-stocks-monday/index.html US stock futures up after ending another day in the red] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324014256/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/23/investing/global-stocks-monday/index.html |date=March 24, 2020 }} By Clare Duffy, CNN Business, March 23, 2020

In the late spring and early summer of 2022, gas prices soared as a result of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Nationwide gas prices reached an all-time high of $5.02 a gallon on June 14th, 2022. [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/history-gas-prices-remember-little-182125213.html]

{{Main|Russian interference in the 2020 United States elections}}

In late February 2020, the Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign sued The New York Times for libel for intentionally publishing a false opinion article related to Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/feb/26/trump-campaign-sues-new-york-times-for-libel-over-russia-story Trump campaign sues New York Times for libel over Russia story] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301205028/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/feb/26/trump-campaign-sues-new-york-times-for-libel-over-russia-story |date=March 1, 2020 }} Reuters/The Guardian, February 26, 2020 a week later they sued The Washington Post for the same thing.[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-campaign-sues-washington-post-libel-russia/ Trump campaign sues Washington Post for libel over Russia allegations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304132824/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-campaign-sues-washington-post-libel-russia/ |date=March 4, 2020 }} BY STEFAN BECKET, CBS News, March 4, 2020 In March, the Justice Department indicated it might not pursue legal action against a Russian company that bankrolled 2016 election interference.[https://news.yahoo.com/u-may-balk-trial-over-015418934.html U.S. may balk at trial over Russian interference in 2016 election] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303151643/https://news.yahoo.com/u-may-balk-trial-over-015418934.html |date=March 3, 2020 }} Politico/Yahoo! News, March 2, 2020

In the 2019 Special Counsel investigation, Robert Mueller concluded that the Russians and other countries were already trying to interfere in the 2020 United States elections.[https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/24/politics/russia-trump-election-interference/index.html Russians are still meddling in US elections, Mueller said. Is anybody listening?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209212128/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/24/politics/russia-trump-election-interference/index.html |date=February 9, 2020 }} by Zachary B. Wolf, CNN, July 25, 2019, retrieved March 13, 2020 Other reports indicated that not only Russia but also China and Iran were meddling in U.S. elections.[https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/412292-us-warns-of-ongoing-election-interference-by-russia-china-iran US warns of 'ongoing' election interference by Russia, China, Iran] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006082404/https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/412292-us-warns-of-ongoing-election-interference-by-russia-china-iran |date=October 6, 2019 }} BY JORDAN FABIAN, The Hill, October 19, 2018, retrieved March 13, 2020 [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-security-idUSKCN1UI1XW FBI Director Wray: Russia intent on interfering with U.S. elections] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723221517/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-security-idUSKCN1UI1XW |date=July 23, 2019 }} by Doina Chiacu, Reuters Politics, July 23, 2019, retrieved March 13, 2020 [https://time.com/5548544/russian-internet-trolls-strategies-2020-elections/ Russian Internet Trolls Are Apparently Switching Strategies for 2020 U.S. Elections] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618030544/https://time.com/5548544/russian-internet-trolls-strategies-2020-elections/ |date=June 18, 2019 }} BY ALYZA SEBENIUS, Bloomberg/Time, March 9, 2019, retrieved March 13, 2020 Dan Coats, director of National Intelligence, [https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/files/documents/os-dcoats-012919.pdf testified] about such interference before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in January 2019.[https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/u-s-intel-agencies-russia-china-plotting-interfere-2020-election-n963896 U.S. intel agencies: Russia and China plotting to interfere in 2020 election] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724194211/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/u-s-intel-agencies-russia-china-plotting-interfere-2020-election-n963896 |date=July 24, 2019 }} By Ken Dilanian, NBC News, January 29, 2019, retrieved March 13, 2020 Similar testimony in February 2020 that Russia was trying to help the campaigns of President Trump and Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders[https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/20/politics/trump-russia-intelligence-2020/index.html Russia is looking to help Trump win in 2020, election security official told lawmakers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303055718/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/20/politics/trump-russia-intelligence-2020/index.html |date=March 3, 2020 }} By Jim Acosta, Zachary Cohen, Dana Bash and Jeremy Herb, CNN, February 21, 2020 led to the firing of acting director of national intelligence, retired Vice Adm. Joseph Maguire,[https://www.vox.com/2020/2/21/21147318/russian-meddling-2020-election-briefing-trump-grenell The reports about Russian meddling in the 2020 election, and Trump's response, explained] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320201623/https://www.vox.com/2020/2/21/21147318/russian-meddling-2020-election-briefing-trump-grenell |date=March 20, 2020 }} By Cameron Peters, Vox, 21 Feb 200 and his replacement by Richard Grenell.[https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-us-ambassador-richard-grenell-acting-head-of-intelligence-2020-2?r=MX&IR=T Trump named US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell as acting director of national intelligence] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913090116/https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-us-ambassador-richard-grenell-acting-head-of-intelligence-2020-2?r=MX&IR=T |date=September 13, 2020 }} by Lauren Frias, Business Insider, February 19, 2020 Sanders vehemently rejected Russian support for his campaign.[https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/sanders-rejects-russia-support-956687/ Sanders Denounces Reported Russian Election Interference by ‘Thug’ Putin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307081708/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/sanders-rejects-russia-support-956687/ |date=March 7, 2020 }} by Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stone, February 21, 2020

Social media companies Facebook and Twitter announced in March 2020 that they had dismantled scores of Russian-backed trolls originating in Ghana and Nigeria, following a CNN [https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/12/world/russia-ghana-troll-farms-2020-ward/index.html report about troll farms] in the two countries.[https://thehill.com/policy/technology/487349-facebook-twitter-dismantle-russian-interference-campaign-targeting-african Facebook, Twitter dismantle Russian interference campaign targeting African Americans] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313064512/https://thehill.com/policy/technology/487349-facebook-twitter-dismantle-russian-interference-campaign-targeting-african |date=March 13, 2020 }} BY EMILY BIRNBAUM, The Hill, March 12, 2020, retrieved March 13, 2020

After the 2020 United States presidential election in which Joe Biden prevailed,{{Cite news|last1=Blood|first1=Michael R.|last2=Riccardi|first2=Nicholas|date=December 5, 2020|title=Biden officially secures enough electors to become president|website=AP News|url=https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-3e0b852c3cfadf853b08aecbfc3569fa|url-status=live|access-date=December 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208201209/https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-3e0b852c3cfadf853b08aecbfc3569fa|archive-date=December 8, 2020}} then-incumbent Donald Trump, as well as his campaign, his proxies, and many of his supporters, pursued an aggressive and unprecedented* {{Cite web|last1=Kumar|first1=Anita|last2=Orr|first2=Gabby|date=December 21, 2020|title=Inside Trump's pressure campaign to overturn the election|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/21/trump-pressure-campaign-overturn-election-449486|quote=Trump's efforts to cling to power are unprecedented in American history. While political parties have fought over the results of presidential elections before, no incumbent president has ever made such expansive and individualized pleas to the officials who oversee certification of the election results.|newspaper=Politico|access-date=July 11, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222010353/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/21/trump-pressure-campaign-overturn-election-449486|url-status=live}}

• {{Cite web|last=Sanger|first=David E.|date=November 19, 2020|title=Trump's Attempts to Overturn the Election Are Unparalleled in U.S. History|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/us/politics/trump-election.html|quote=President Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election are unprecedented in American history and an even more audacious use of brute political force to gain the White House than when Congress gave Rutherford B. Hayes the presidency during Reconstruction.|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=July 11, 2021|archive-date=October 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023163953/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/us/politics/trump-election.html|url-status=live}} effort to deny and overturn the election.Multiple sources:
• {{Cite web|last1=Miller|first1=Zeke|last2=Long|first2=Colleen|last3=Eggert|first3=David|date=November 20, 2020|title=Trump tries to leverage power of office to subvert Biden win|url=https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-local-elections-arizona-7174555c2545f8afb69f0ce2ac0b2156|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128185032/https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-local-elections-arizona-7174555c2545f8afb69f0ce2ac0b2156|archive-date=November 28, 2020|access-date=December 8, 2020|website=Associated Press}}
• {{Cite web|last1=Haberman|first1=Maggie|last2=Rutenberg|first2=Jim|last3=Corasaniti|first3=Nick|last4=Epstein|first4=Reid J.|date=November 20, 2020|title=Trump Targets Michigan in His Ploy to Subvert the Election|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/us/politics/trump-michigan-election.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202011626/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/us/politics/trump-michigan-election.html|archive-date=December 2, 2020|access-date=December 8, 2020|work=The New York Times}}
• {{Cite web|date=December 5, 2020|title=Trump presses Georgia governor to help subvert election|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/trump-presses-georgia-governor-to-help-subvert-election-11607207645|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208201032/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/trump-presses-georgia-governor-to-help-subvert-election-11607207645|archive-date=December 8, 2020|access-date=December 8, 2020|website=MarketWatch|agency=Associated Press}}
• {{Cite web|date=November 20, 2020|title=The Growing Backlash Against Trump's Efforts To Subvert The Election : Consider This from NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/11/16/935465631/the-growing-backlash-against-trumps-efforts-to-subvert-the-election|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202024601/https://www.npr.org/2020/11/16/935465631/the-growing-backlash-against-trumps-efforts-to-subvert-the-election|archive-date=December 2, 2020|access-date=December 8, 2020|publisher=NPR}}
• {{Cite web|last1=Raju|first1=Manu|last2=Herb|first2=Jeremy|date=December 7, 2020|title=House conservatives urge Trump not to concede and press for floor fight over election loss|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/07/politics/house-republicans-trump-biden/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208201025/https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/07/politics/house-republicans-trump-biden/index.html|archive-date=December 8, 2020|access-date=December 8, 2020|work=CNN}}Multiple sources:
• {{Cite web|last=Snyder|first=Timothy|date=January 9, 2021|title=The American Abyss|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/09/magazine/trump-coup.html|access-date=February 9, 2021|newspaper=The New York Times|archive-date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109180723/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/09/magazine/trump-coup.html|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web|last=Ben-Ghiat|first=Ruth|date=January 26, 2021|title=Opinion: Trump's big lie wouldn't have worked without his thousands of little lies|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/25/opinions/big-lie-ben-ghiat/index.html|website=CNN|access-date=July 11, 2021|archive-date=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603024721/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/25/opinions/big-lie-ben-ghiat/index.html|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web|last=Heavey|first=Jan Wolfe, Susan|date=January 25, 2021|title=Trump lawyer Giuliani faces $1.3 billion lawsuit over 'big lie' election fraud claims|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-election-dominion-idUKKBN29U206|work=Reuters|access-date=July 11, 2021|archive-date=June 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620182931/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-election-dominion-idUKKBN29U206|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web|last=Block|first=Melissa|date=2021-01-16|title=Can The Forces Unleashed By Trump's Big Election Lie Be Undone?|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/01/16/957291939/can-the-forces-unleashed-by-trumps-big-election-lie-be-undone|website=NPR.org|access-date=July 11, 2021|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128071931/https://www.npr.org/2021/01/16/957291939/can-the-forces-unleashed-by-trumps-big-election-lie-be-undone|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web|last=Pilkington|first=Ed|date=January 24, 2021|title=Donald Trump is gone but his big lie is a rallying call for rightwing extremists|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/24/donald-trump-big-lie-american-democracy|access-date=February 9, 2021|website=The Guardian|archive-date=June 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611231540/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/24/donald-trump-big-lie-american-democracy|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last1=Gardner|first1=Amy|last2=Dawsey|first2=Josh|last3=Bade|first3=Rachael|date=December 7, 2020|title=Trump asks Pennsylvania House speaker for help overturning election results, personally intervening in a third state|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-pennsylvania-speaker-call/2020/12/07/d65fe8c4-38bf-11eb-98c4-25dc9f4987e8_story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208020244/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-pennsylvania-speaker-call/2020/12/07/d65fe8c4-38bf-11eb-98c4-25dc9f4987e8_story.html|archive-date=December 8, 2020|access-date=December 8, 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post}} The attempts to overturn the election were described as an attempted coup d'étatMultiple sources:
• {{Cite web|last=Graham|first=David A.|date=January 6, 2021|title=This Is a Coup|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/01/attempted-coup/617570/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106224049/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/01/attempted-coup/617570/|archive-date=January 6, 2021|access-date=January 6, 2021|website=The Atlantic}}
• {{Cite web|last=Musgrave|first=Paul|date=January 6, 2021|title=This Is a Coup. Why Were Experts So Reluctant to See It Coming?|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/01/06/coup-america-capitol-electoral-college-2020-election/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106235812/https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/01/06/coup-america-capitol-electoral-college-2020-election/|archive-date=January 6, 2021|access-date=January 6, 2021|website=Foreign Policy}}
• {{Cite web|last=Solnit|first=Rebecca|date=January 6, 2021|title=Call it what it was: a coup attempt|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jan/06/trump-mob-storm-capitol-washington-coup-attempt|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107000436/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jan/06/trump-mob-storm-capitol-washington-coup-attempt|archive-date=January 7, 2021|access-date=January 7, 2021|website=The Guardian}}
• {{Cite web|last=Coleman|first=Justine|date=January 6, 2021|title=GOP lawmaker on violence at Capitol: 'This is a coup attempt'|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/532944-gop-lawmaker-on-violence-at-capitol-this-is-a-coup-attempt|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106212600/https://thehill.com/homenews/house/532944-gop-lawmaker-on-violence-at-capitol-this-is-a-coup-attempt|archive-date=January 6, 2021|access-date=January 6, 2021|website=TheHill}}
• {{Cite web|last=Jacobson|first=Louis|date=January 6, 2021|title=Is this a coup? Here's some history and context to help you decide|url=https://www.politifact.com/article/2021/jan/06/coup-heres-some-history-and-context-help-you-decid/|access-date=January 7, 2021|website=PolitiFact|quote=A good case can be made that the storming of the Capitol qualifies as a coup. It's especially so because the rioters entered at precisely the moment when the incumbent's loss was to be formally sealed, and they succeeded in stopping the count.|archive-date=January 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106234843/https://www.politifact.com/article/2021/jan/06/coup-heres-some-history-and-context-help-you-decid/|url-status=live}} and an implementation of "the big lie."Multiple sources:
• {{Cite web|last=Stelter|first=Brian|date=January 11, 2021|title=Experts warn that Trump's 'big lie' will outlast his presidency|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/11/media/trump-lies-reliable-sources/index.html|website=CNN|accessdate=April 7, 2021|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214172535/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/11/media/trump-lies-reliable-sources/index.html|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web|last=Block|first=Melissa|date=2021-01-16|title=Can The Forces Unleashed By Trump's Big Election Lie Be Undone?|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/01/16/957291939/can-the-forces-unleashed-by-trumps-big-election-lie-be-undone|website=NPR|accessdate=April 7, 2021|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128071931/https://www.npr.org/2021/01/16/957291939/can-the-forces-unleashed-by-trumps-big-election-lie-be-undone|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web|last=Snyder|first=Timothy|date=January 9, 2021|title=The American Abyss|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/09/magazine/trump-coup.html|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=April 7, 2021|archive-date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109180723/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/09/magazine/trump-coup.html|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web|last=Ben-Ghiat|first=Ruth|date=January 26, 2021|title=Opinion: Trump's big lie wouldn't have worked without his thousands of little lies|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/25/opinions/big-lie-ben-ghiat/index.html|website=CNN|access-date=July 11, 2021|archive-date=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603024721/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/25/opinions/big-lie-ben-ghiat/index.html|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web|last=Castronuovo|first=Celine|date=January 8, 2021|title=Biden says Cruz, other Republicans responsible for 'big lie' that fueled Capitol mob|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/533449-biden-says-cruz-other-republicans-responsible-for-big-lie-that-fueled|website=TheHill|access-date=July 11, 2021|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110061643/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/09/magazine/trump-coup.html|url-status=live}} Trump and his allies promoted numerous false claims that the election was stolen from Trump through an international communist conspiracy, rigged voting machines, and electoral fraud.{{cite web|last=Carlson|first=J.|date=December 14, 2020|title=The Legitimacy and Effect of Private Funding in Federal and State Electoral Processes|url=https://got-freedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Legitimacy-and-Effect-of-Private-Funding-in-Federal-and-State-Electorial-Processes-1.pdf|access-date=January 15, 2021|website=Got Freedom|publisher=Thomas More Society|quote=The confusion and negative effect from illegitimate infusion of private funding in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and several other states during the 2020 election can be shown to have had a disparate and inequitable impact on the electorate.|archive-date=January 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110050151/https://got-freedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Legitimacy-and-Effect-of-Private-Funding-in-Federal-and-State-Electorial-Processes-1.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{refn|Multiple sources:

"{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-legal-team-false-claims-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3 |first=Ali |last=Swenson |title=AP FACT CHECK: Trump legal team's batch of false vote claims|date=November 19, 2020|website=AP News |access-date=November 21, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120155946/https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/11/19/fact-checking-craziest-news-conference-trump-presidency/ |date=November 19, 2020 |title=Analysis | Fact-checking the craziest news conference of the Trump presidency|first=Glenn|last=Kessler|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=November 21, 2020|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121133833/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/11/19/fact-checking-craziest-news-conference-trump-presidency/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/media/rudy-giuliani-floated-dangerous-and-incendiary-false-claims-of-election-conspiracy--and-fox-news-broadcast-it-live/2020/11/19/0313eab6-2a9f-11eb-8fa2-06e7cbb145c0_story.html|title=Rudy Giuliani floated 'dangerous' and incendiary false claims of election conspiracy — and Fox News broadcast it live|first1=Paul|last1=Farhi|first2=Elahe|last2=Izadi|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=November 21, 2020|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121134139/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/media/rudy-giuliani-floated-dangerous-and-incendiary-false-claims-of-election-conspiracy--and-fox-news-broadcast-it-live/2020/11/19/0313eab6-2a9f-11eb-8fa2-06e7cbb145c0_story.html|url-status=live |date=November 20, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/19/politics/giuliani-trump-legal-team-press-briefing-fact-check/index.html |date=November 19, 2020 |title=Fact checking Giuliani and the Trump legal team's wild, fact-free press conference|first1=Tara|last1=Subramaniam|first2=Holmes|last2=Lybrand|work=CNN|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120015606/https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/19/politics/giuliani-trump-legal-team-press-briefing-fact-check/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first1=Philip|last1=Rucker|first2=Amy|last2=Gardner|first3=Josh|last3=Dawsey|title=Trump uses power of presidency to try to overturn the election and stay in office|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-uses-power-of-presidency-to-try-to-overturn-the-election-and-stay-in-office/2020/11/19/bc89caa6-2a9f-11eb-8fa2-06e7cbb145c0_story.html|date=November 19, 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121192754/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-uses-power-of-presidency-to-try-to-overturn-the-election-and-stay-in-office/2020/11/19/bc89caa6-2a9f-11eb-8fa2-06e7cbb145c0_story.html|url-status=live}}}} These claims culminated in a rally at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 calling for Congress to deny the certification of Biden's Electoral College victory. The rally led to the 2021 United States Capitol attack, when Trump supporters illegally entered the building, causing its temporary evacuation.

Health care emerged as a leading issue in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries[https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-opinion-democratic-presidential-medicare-debate/ The Democrats Are Fighting for Your Health in 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302174648/https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-opinion-democratic-presidential-medicare-debate/ |date=March 2, 2020 }} By Max Nisen and Elaine He, Bloomberg, October 14, 2019, retrieved March 2, 2020 and the 2020 United States elections as a whole.

{{main|Coronavirus in the United States|Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States}}

The United States' response to the COVID-19 pandemic was slow. China announced its first cases in late December 2019 but travelers were allowed to come in from that country until mid-January after the first case was reported in Everett, Washington, on January 20.{{cite web|website=CNBC|title=Trump's latest travel ban highlights gaps in containment net|date=March 15, 2020|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/15/trumps-latest-travel-ban-highlights-gaps-in-containment-net.html|access-date=March 15, 2020|archive-date=March 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316131653/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/15/trumps-latest-travel-ban-highlights-gaps-in-containment-net.html|url-status=live}} The White House Coronavirus Task Force was established on January 29, 2020.{{cite press release |url= https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/statement-press-secretary-regarding-presidents-coronavirus-task-force/ |date= January 29, 2020 |access-date= March 23, 2020 |via= National Archives |work= whitehouse.gov |title= Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding the President's Coronavirus Task Force |archive-date= January 20, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210120200404/https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/statement-press-secretary-regarding-presidents-coronavirus-task-force/ |url-status= live }} American diplomatic personal were evacuated the same day.[https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/01/29/800761987/coronavirus-americans-cheer-as-evacuation-flight-from-wuhan-reaches-u-s Coronavirus: Americans Evacuated From Wuhan Will Remain At U.S. Air Base For 3 Days] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311203607/https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/01/29/800761987/coronavirus-americans-cheer-as-evacuation-flight-from-wuhan-reaches-u-s |date=March 11, 2020 }} by Bill Chappel, NPR, January 29, 2020 A public health emergency and travel from China was restricted on January 31.{{cite web|website=NPR|title=Trump Declares Coronavirus A Public Health Emergency And Restricts Travel From China|date=Jan 31, 2020|access-date=Mar 23, 2020|author=Allison Aubry|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/31/801686524/trump-declares-coronavirus-a-public-health-emergency-and-restricts-travel-from-c|archive-date=March 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304221212/https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/31/801686524/trump-declares-coronavirus-a-public-health-emergency-and-restricts-travel-from-c|url-status=live}}

The lack of federal preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States[https://www.livescience.com/covid-19-coronovirus-test.html US isn't 'remotely prepared' to test for coronavirus, experts say] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302174648/https://www.livescience.com/covid-19-coronovirus-test.html |date=March 2, 2020 }} By Laura Geggel, Life Science.com, February 27, 2020, retrieved March 2, 2020 and its possible effects on both public health and the economy were a major concern.[https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/27/health/coronavirus-community-spread-us-response-explainer/index.html If coronavirus spreads within the US, here's how daily life might change] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302143028/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/27/health/coronavirus-community-spread-us-response-explainer/index.html |date=March 2, 2020 }} By Jacqueline Howard, CNN, February 28, 2020 Rather than using tests developed in China or Germany, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opted to produce their own. William Schaffner, a CDC adviser and infectious-disease specialist at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine said, "The notion of accepting a test developed by someone else I think was a bit alien. There may have been other considerations of which I'm not aware, but I'm sure that pride was one of them: 'We know how to do this, thank you very much. We'll develop our own.'"{{cite web|website=Business Insider|title=The US decided to make its own coronavirus test, but the process was plagued by errors and delays. Here's a timeline of what went wrong.|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/us-coronavirus-testing-problems-timeline-2020-3?r=MX&IR=T|date=March 11, 2020|access-date=March 15, 2020|author=Aria Bendix|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913090041/https://www.businessinsider.com/us-coronavirus-testing-problems-timeline-2020-3?r=MX&IR=T|url-status=live}} The first tests proved faulty, and then testing was overly-restrictive.

The first concern was to evacuate U.S. citizens from Hubei Province, China, where the virus had originated. On February 5, 345 U.S. citizens were evacuated from Hubei Province and taken to two air bases in California to be quarantined for 14 days. 300 others were evacuated the following day.[https://in.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-usa-idINKBN20105M Two more U.S. evacuation planes leave coronavirus epicenter Wuhan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221001720/https://in.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-usa-idINKBN20105M |date=February 21, 2020 }} by Eric Beech & Steve Gorman, Reuters, February 6, 2020, retrieved March 23, 2020 Fourteen of the 340 Americans who were evacuated from the Diamond Princess that was docked in Yokohama, Japan, on February 16 were found to have contracted the virus.{{cite web |url=https://time.com/5785034/americans-covid-19-japan-cruise-ship/ |title=Americans Evacuated From Diamond Princess Cruise Ship Arrive in U.S., With 14 Evacuees Confirmed as Having Contracted Coronavirus| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228012515/https://time.com/5785034/americans-covid-19-japan-cruise-ship/ |archive-date=February 28, 2020 |first1=Sanya |last1=Mansoor |first2=Hillary |last2=Leung |first3=Madeleine |last3=Carlisle |work=Time |date=February 17, 2020 |access-date=January 28, 2025}}

President Trump refused to take the virus seriously, calling it the Democrats' “new hoax” and promising that “the numbers are going to get progressively better as we go along.”{{cite web|website=The Atlantic|title=How the Coronavirus Became an American Catastrophe|date=March 21, 2020|access-date=March 23, 2020|author1=Alexis G. Madrigal|author2=Robinson Meyer|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/how-many-americans-are-sick-lost-february/608521/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/how-many-americans-are-sick-lost-february/608521/|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128014253/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/how-many-americans-are-sick-lost-february/608521/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/how-many-americans-are-sick-lost-february/608521/|url-status=live}} The first case of community transmission was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on February 26, and even as the first American death had been reported in Seattle, Washington, on February 29, only 472 people had been tested.

Bowing to Congressional criticism of official misinformation and inaction, on February 26 President Trump appointed Vice President Mike Pence to head the coronavirus response team.{{cite news |url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/02/27/coronavirus-what-we-know-mike-pence-and-task-force/4891905002/ |work= USA Today |access-date= March 23, 2020 |title= What we know about the White House coronavirus task force now that Mike Pence is in charge |author= Santucci, Jeanine |date= February 27, 2020 |archive-date= February 29, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200229101529/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/02/27/coronavirus-what-we-know-mike-pence-and-task-force/4891905002/ |url-status= live }} {{cite web|website=STAT News|title=Trump taps Pence to lead U.S. coronavirus response|author=Lev Facher|url=https://www.statnews.com/2020/02/26/trump-taps-pence-to-lead-coronavirus-response/|date=Feb 26, 2020|access-date=March 15, 2020|archive-date=March 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315041226/https://www.statnews.com/2020/02/26/trump-taps-pence-to-lead-coronavirus-response/|url-status=live}} Given his poor handling of the HIV/AIDS crisis when he was governor of Indiana, Pence's qualifications were quickly challenged.{{cite web|website=The Hill|title=Pence bolsters coronavirus team following criticism|url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/485065-pence-bolsters-coronavirus-team-following-criticism|date=Feb 28, 2020|access-date=March 15, 2020|archive-date=March 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317225642/https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/485065-pence-bolsters-coronavirus-team-following-criticism|url-status=live}}

By the first week of March, the government had changed its tune. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases warned that the sick and elderly were particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus, saying people to avoid large crowds.{{cite web|website=Politico|title=Health officials shift tone on coronavirus, say elderly and sick at risk|author1=DARIUS TAHIR|author2=BRIANNA EHLEY|date=March 8, 2020|access-date=March 23, 2020|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/08/health-officials-coronavirus-elderly-sick-risk-123889|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702162637/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/08/health-officials-coronavirus-elderly-sick-risk-123889|url-status=live}} On March 5, Congress passed and President Trump signed an $8.3 billion package to fight COVID-19.[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-signs-8-3-billion-emergency-package-to-combat-coronavirus/ Trump signs $8.3 billion emergency package to combat coronavirus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728045022/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-signs-8-3-billion-emergency-package-to-combat-coronavirus/ |date=July 28, 2020 }} Grace Segers, CBS News, March 6, 2020 [https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-passes-8-3-billion-emergency-bill-combat-coronavirus-n1150521 Senate passes $8.3 billion emergency bill to combat coronavirus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306010333/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-passes-8-3-billion-emergency-bill-combat-coronavirus-n1150521 |date=March 6, 2020 }} By Rebecca Shabad, NBC News, March 5, 2020 The CDC warned against cruise-ship travel. The National Basketball Association (NBA) suspended its season on March 11 after one of its players tested positive for COVID-19.[https://www.nba.com/article/2020/03/11/nba-suspend-season-following-wednesdays-games NBA to suspend season following Wednesday's games] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312022654/https://www.nba.com/article/2020/03/11/nba-suspend-season-following-wednesdays-games |date=March 12, 2020 }} NBA press release, March 11, 2020, retrieved March 23, 2020 States started closing their schools and universities.[http://uasystem.edu/updated-interim-emergency-policy-for-ua-uab-and-uah/ Updated Interim Emergency Policy for UA, UAB and UAH] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312225239/http://uasystem.edu/updated-interim-emergency-policy-for-ua-uab-and-uah/ |date=March 12, 2020 }} University of Alabama system, March 12, 2020, retrieved March 23, 2020 [https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/weather/school-closings/ School Closings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101074233/https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/weather/school-closings/ |date=January 1, 2020 }} NBC Connecticut, retrieved March 23, 2020 [https://www.thelantern.com/2020/03/university-announces-virtual-instruction-for-rest-of-semester-early-move-out-of-residence-halls/ UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION FOR REST OF SEMESTER, EARLY MOVE-OUT OF RESIDENCE HALLS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317191452/https://www.thelantern.com/2020/03/university-announces-virtual-instruction-for-rest-of-semester-early-move-out-of-residence-halls/ |date=March 17, 2020 }} by Jack Long, The Lantern, (Ohio State University), March 12, 2020 [https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/coronavirus-in-ohio-governor-orders-schools-to-take-extended-spring-breaks-starting-monday/ Coronavirus in Ohio: Governor orders schools to take extended spring breaks starting Monday] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612053824/https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/coronavirus-in-ohio-governor-orders-schools-to-take-extended-spring-breaks-starting-monday/ |date=June 12, 2020 }} NBC 4 (Columbus), March 12, 2020, updated March 14, 2020, retrieved March 23, 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders held a virtual debate two days before the March 17 Illinois Democratic Primary election.[https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-sanders-face-off-debate-democratic-race-coronavirus/story?id=69578638 Biden, Sanders to face off in first one-on-one debate of Democratic race, as coronavirus halts 2020 campaign] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323104317/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-sanders-face-off-debate-democratic-race-coronavirus/story?id=69578638 |date=March 23, 2020 }} by Kendall Karson, ABC News, March 15, 2020

President Trump placed travel restrictions for 30 days on Continental Europe as the World Health Organization (WHO) declares a pandemic in March 2020.[https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/live-blog/coronavirus-updates-live-u-s-slaps-travel-restrictions-most-europe-n1156266 Coronavirus updates live: U.S. slaps travel restrictions on most of Europe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312192126/https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/live-blog/coronavirus-updates-live-u-s-slaps-travel-restrictions-most-europe-n1156266 |date=March 12, 2020 }} NBC News, March 12, 2020 The states of Washington and California banned gatherings of more than 250 people, and the municipality of New Rochelle, New York, imposed a quarantine on residents. Sporting events, concerts, and political rallies were canceled or rescheduled; schools and universities were closed, businesses advised their employees to work from home, and stock market values fell.[https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/12/coronavirus-shutdowns-across-country-127018 America shuts down] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313040347/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/12/coronavirus-shutdowns-across-country-127018 |date=March 13, 2020 }} By NOLAN D. MCCASKILL, Politico, March 12, 2020 President Donald Trump officially declared the pandemic a national emergency on March 13.

Except for signing the relief bill, Trump did not treat the disease seriously[https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-03-13/trump-administration-blocks-states-use-medicaid-respond-coronavirus-crisis Under pressure, Trump administration opens door to mobilizing Medicaid to fight coronavirus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315235718/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-03-13/trump-administration-blocks-states-use-medicaid-respond-coronavirus-crisis |date=March 15, 2020 }} By NOAM N. LEVEY, Los Angeles Times, March 13, 2020 until the World Health Organization declared a pandemic.[https://www.npr.org/2020/03/12/814881355/white-house-knew-coronavirus-would-be-a-major-threat-but-response-fell-short Reporter: White House Knew Of Coronavirus' 'Major Threat,' But Response Fell Short] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231010536/https://www.npr.org/2020/03/12/814881355/white-house-knew-coronavirus-would-be-a-major-threat-but-response-fell-short |date=December 31, 2021 }} by Terry Gross, NPR, March 12, 2020, retrieved March 15, 2020 Trump banned most travel from Europe on March 11, but his comments did little to assure the stock market, which fell amid fears of breaks in the supply chain and even recession.[https://www.businessinsider.com/global-asia-stock-futures-fall-after-trump-coronavirus-speech-2020-3?r=MX&IR=T Global stocks plunge after Trump announces coronavirus response package] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913073522/https://www.businessinsider.com/global-asia-stock-futures-fall-after-trump-coronavirus-speech-2020-3?r=MX&IR=T |date=September 13, 2020 }} By Sonam Sheth & Bob Bryan, Business Insider, March 11, 2020, retrieved March 15, 2020

Concern about the economic fallout from the pandemic prompted the Federal Reserve Bank to lower interest rates to near zero and to purchase $700 billion worth of government securities on March 15.[https://www.npr.org/2020/03/15/816175414/fed-cuts-interest-rates-to-near-zero Fed Cuts Rates To Near Zero As Coronavirus Rips Through Economy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316000715/https://www.npr.org/2020/03/15/816175414/fed-cuts-interest-rates-to-near-zero |date=March 16, 2020 }} By Avie Schneider, NPR, March 15, 2020 After passing the Senate 92-8{{cite web |url=https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a31755559/coronavirus-8-republican-senators-vote-against-relief-package/ |title=Here Are the 8 Senators Who Voted Against the Coronavirus Relief Package on Wednesday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319182619/https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a31755559/coronavirus-8-republican-senators-vote-against-relief-package/ |date=March 19, 2020 |first=Charles P. |last=Pierce |work=Esquire |archive-date=March 19, 2020}} on March 18, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides [https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201?s=1&r=88 free testing and paid leave] for certain workers. Congress prepared for a "Phase 3" response.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-senate-vote-house-phase-two-bill-response/ |title=Trump signs coronavirus relief bill ensuring paid leave as White House eyes "phase 3" |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319151943/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-senate-vote-house-phase-two-bill-response/ |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |first1=Grace |last1=Segers |first2=Stefan |last2=Becket |first3=Sara |last3=Cook |work=CBS News |date=March 18, 2020}}

Xenophobic and racist incidents against Asians and Asian-Americans occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump was criticized for using the expression "Chinese virus” instead of its proper name, with opponents alleging that Trump's rhetoric contributes to the attacks.{{cite web |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Coronavirus-Asian-American-groups-compile-hate-15144295.php |title=Coronavirus: Asian American groups compile hate crime reports as Trump persists in ‘Chinese virus’ attacks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323222712/https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Coronavirus-Asian-American-groups-compile-hate-15144295.php |archive-date=March 23, 2020 |first=Michael |last=Cabanatuan |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date= March 19, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/21/coronavirus-attacks-against-asian-americans-reported-in-bay-area-and-beyond/ |title=Coronavirus: Attacks against Asian Americans reported in Bay Area and beyond |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323142117/https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/21/coronavirus-attacks-against-asian-americans-reported-in-bay-area-and-beyond/ |archive-date=March 23, 2020 |first=Leonardo |last=Castañeda |work=The Mercury News |date=March 21, 2020}}

As Democrats push for more liberal immigration laws in 2020, the Trump Administration makes immigration more difficult and more costly.[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article239058173.html Here are five USCIS changes that will impact legal immigrants in the U.S. in 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505022938/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article239058173.html |date=May 5, 2020 }} Miami Herald, January 8, 2020, retrieved March 2, 2020 H-2A temporary visas for agricultural workers were expanded in February 2020,[https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2020/02/07/alerta-estados-unidos-acuerda-1-000-visas-de-trabajo-para-salvadorenos-vo-sot/ United States agrees to 1,000 work visas for Salvadorans] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302215422/https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2020/02/07/alerta-estados-unidos-acuerda-1-000-visas-de-trabajo-para-salvadorenos-vo-sot/ |date=March 2, 2020 }} {{in lang|es}} CNN en Español, February 7, 2020 but the Muslim ban was also expanded to several new countries.[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/civil-rights-groups-condemn-trump-s-travel-ban-expansion-six-n1142231 Civil rights groups condemn Trump's travel-ban expansion to six African countries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303112038/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/civil-rights-groups-condemn-trump-s-travel-ban-expansion-six-n1142231 |date=March 3, 2020 }} By Liam Knox, NBC News, February 27, 2020 In February 2020, travel restrictions were imposed on China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy in response to fears of the COVID-19 pandemic.[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/reports-death-due-coronavirus-200229183250291.html US imposes new travel restrictions after first coronavirus death] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302161145/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/reports-death-due-coronavirus-200229183250291.html |date=March 2, 2020 }} Al Jazeera, February 29, 2020

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss ruled in March that Ken Cuccinelli was not eligible to serve as acting director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and suspended two policies Cuccinelli implemented while leading the agency.[https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/01/federal-judge-cuccinelli-appointment-unlawful-118477 Federal judge rules Cuccinelli appointment unlawful] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302132510/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/01/federal-judge-cuccinelli-appointment-unlawful-118477 |date=March 2, 2020 }} Politico, March 1, 2020

In March 2020, a bill was introduced in the Maryland legislature to tax advertising revenue of Internet giants such as Facebook and Google.[https://news.yahoo.com/tax-internet-ads-gets-traction-173309180.html Tax on internet ads gets traction in Maryland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314153145/https://news.yahoo.com/tax-internet-ads-gets-traction-173309180.html |date=March 14, 2020 }} by BRIAN WITTE, Associated Press, March 13, 2020

As soon as trade sanctions were lifted against the Chinese telecom manufacturer ZTE in March 2020, the Justice Department announced a new investigation into the company, this time for bribery.[https://news.yahoo.com/2020-03-13-zte-us-investigates-bribery-allegations.html US is reportedly investigating ZTE over new bribery allegations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913080755/https://news.yahoo.com/2020-03-13-zte-us-investigates-bribery-allegations.html |date=September 13, 2020 }} by Christine Fisher, Endgadget, March 13, 2020

{{Div col}}

• 2020s decade overviews:
• 2020s#Politics and wars,
• 2020s in political history
• Current year US articles:
• 2020 in the United States,
• 2020 in United States politics and government
• Current year articles (in order of activity levels):
• 2020,
• 2020 in politics and government
• UK decade overviews:
• 2020s in United Kingdom political history,
• 2010s in United Kingdom political history
• 2010s decade overviews:
• 2010s in United States political history,
• 2010s in political history

{{end div col}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.congress.gov/ Official website, US Congress]
• [http://clerk.house.gov Clerk of the House of Representatives]
• [http://cao.house.gov Chief Administrative Office of the House]
• [http://majorityleader.gov Office of the majority leader]
• [http://speaker.gov Office of the speaker of the House]
• [http://www.house.gov/representatives Official list of current members]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110601184453/http://www.rules.house.gov/singlepages.aspx?NewsID=160&rsbd=165 Rules of the House]
• [https://www.congress.gov// Legislative information and archives for US House and Senate], via Congress.gov
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100423082228/http://bioguide.congress.gov/biosearch/biosearch.asp Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774 to Present]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080725105911/http://dca.tufts.edu/features/aas/ A New Nation Votes: American Election Returns 1787–1825]
• [http://www.aggdata.com/political/us-representatives Complete Downloadable List of U.S. Representative Contact Information], via AggData LLC]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20200102103627/https://usbills.info/ Information about U.S. Congressional Bills and Resolutions]

{{Decades in politics}}

{{2020s}}

Category:2020 in American politics

Category:Contemporary history

Category:2020s