Timeline of the Barack Obama presidency (2016–2017)

The following is a timeline of the presidency of Barack Obama, from January 1, 2016 to January 20, 2017. For his time as president-elect, see the presidential transition of Barack Obama; for a detailed account of his first months in office, see first 100 days of Barack Obama's presidency; for a complete itinerary of his travels, see list of presidential trips made by Barack Obama.

January 2016

January 5 – announces an executive order on gun control that would require purchased guns to undergo background checks.{{cite web|last1=Friedman|first1=Megan|title=President Obama cries during Gun Control speech|url=http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a40962/president-obama-cries-during-gun-control-speech/|website=esquire.com|date=January 5, 2016|publisher=Esquire|access-date=January 7, 2016}}
January 7 – participates in a town hall meeting regarding gun control entitled Guns in America at the George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, organized by CNN and moderated by Anderson Cooper.{{cite news|title=Obama urges background checks, slams NRA at gun violence town hall|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/obama-gun-control-town-hall-1.3394467|access-date=January 8, 2016|work=CBC News|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=January 7, 2016}}

{{listen

|title=State of the Union address (January 12, 2016)

|filename=2016 State of the Union Address- Enhanced.webm

|description=Barack Obama's January 12, 2016 State of the Union Address

|title2=State of the Union address (January 12, 2016) (audio)

|filename2=2016 State Of The Union Address.ogg

|description2=Audio-only version

| format = Ogg

| type = speech

}}

January 12 – delivers his final State of the Union Address before a joint session of Congress.{{cite news|last1=Collinson|first1=Stephen|title=State of the Union: Barack Obama to sell optimism to nervous nation|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/12/politics/state-of-the-union-2016-highlights/|access-date=January 13, 2016|publisher=CNN|date=January 13, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Remarks of President Barack Obama – State of the Union Address As Delivered|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/01/12/remarks-president-barack-obama-%E2%80%93-prepared-delivery-state-union-address|via=National Archives|work=whitehouse.gov|access-date=January 14, 2016}}
January 15 – holds a live interview with YouTube personalities Adande Thorne, Destin Sandlin and Ingrid Nilsen.{{cite news|last1=Jamieson|first1=Amber|title=Obama talks Trump, Star Wars and Kendrick Lamar in YouTube interview|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/15/obama-youtube-interview-donald-trump-stars-wars-kendrick-lamar|access-date=February 3, 2016|work=The Guardian|date=January 15, 2016}}
January 16 – signs an executive order lifting some of the economic sanctions on Iran.{{cite news|title=President Obama Signs Executive Order Lifting Some US Economic Sanctions on Iran|url=http://ktla.com/2016/01/16/iaea-announces-iranian-compliance-with-nuclear-agreement/|access-date=January 18, 2016|work=KTLA|publisher=Tribune Broadcasting|date=January 16, 2016}}
January 17 – delivers a statement on the Iran nuclear deal framework and the release of four Iranian-American prisoners from Iran through prisoner exchange.{{cite news|last1=Krieg|first1=Gregory|title=Obama hails Iran nuclear agreement progress, prisoner release|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/17/politics/barack-obama-iran-nuclear-deal-prisoners/|access-date=January 18, 2016|publisher=CNN|date=January 17, 2016}}{{cite news|title=President Obama on release of Americans held in Iran|url=http://fox8.com/2016/01/17/live-video-president-obama-speaks-on-release-of-americans-held-in-iran/|access-date=January 18, 2016|work=WJW|publisher=Tribune Broadcasting|date=January 17, 2016}}
January 19 − holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia discussing the military intervention against ISIL.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-20/turnbull-and-obama-hold-white-house-talks/7099808/ |title=Malcolm Turnbull and Barack Obama hold White House talks; PM urges powerbrokers to back TPP |publisher=ABC News |date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |author=Daniel, Zoe |author-link=Zoe Daniel}}
January 20 – visits Detroit's auto show.{{cite web|last1=Hyde|first1=Justin|title=It's Obama's Auto Industry—But Not For Much Longer|url=https://www.yahoo.com/autos/it-s-obama-auto-industry-1347441215316022.html|website=yahoo.com|access-date=January 21, 2016}}
January 27 – meets with Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders in the Oval Office.{{cite news |last1=Gass |first1=Nick |last2=Collins |first2=Eliza |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/bernie-sanders-obama-even-handed-218288 |title=Sanders: Obama has been 'even-handed' in Dem race |work=Politico |date=January 27, 2016 |access-date=January 28, 2016 }}

February

February 3 – visits a mosque in Baltimore, marking his first visit to a mosque in the United States.{{cite news|last1=Fritze|first1=John|last2=Duncan|first2=Ian|title=President Obama at Maryland mosque: 'You fit in here'|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-obama-mosque-visit-20160203-story.html|access-date=February 4, 2016|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=February 3, 2016}}
February 4 − holds a bilateral meeting and a press conference with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia, where Obama announced a $450 million plan to fund Plan Colombia.{{cite news|title=Obama presents $450-M plan to fund Colombia peace|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/obama-presents-450-m-plan-to-fund-colombia-peace/|access-date=February 5, 2016|work=Manila Bulletin|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=February 5, 2016}}
February 4 − honors the 2015 NBA champion, the Golden State Warriors, at the East Room of the White House.{{cite news|last1=Dowd|first1=Katie|title=Golden State Warriors meet President Obama at the White House|url=http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Live-coverage-Warriors-White-House-Obama-6806961.php|access-date=February 5, 2016|work=SF Gate|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|date=February 4, 2016}}
February 8 − holds a bilateral meeting with President Sergio Mattarella of Italy.
February 9 – releases his final budget proposal for the fiscal year 2017.
February 10 – addresses the Illinois General Assembly in the State Capital Building in Springfield, Il and spoke about political gridlock.{{cite web|last1=Thomas|first1=Charles|title=President Obama addresses Illinois Legislature in Springfield|url=http://abc7chicago.com/politics/president-obama-addresses-illinois-legislature-in-springfield/1194663/|website=abc7chicago.com|date=February 11, 2016|publisher=ABC7 Chicago}}
February 13 – issues a statement on the passing of Supreme court Justice Antonin Scalia{{cite news|title=Video and text of President Obamas statement on Scalias death/|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/supreme-court-justice-antonin-scalia-dies-at-79/video-president-obamas-statement-on-scalias-death/|website=The New York Times|date=February 13, 2016 |access-date=17 February 2016}}
February 15–16 – hosts the first special U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Summit, participating with the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at the Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage, California.{{cite news|last1=Parsons|first1=Christi|last2=Memoli|first2=Michael A.|title=Barack Obama uses ASEAN meeting to refocus US foreign policy|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/barack-obama-uses-asean-meeting-to-refocus-us-foreign-policy-20160216-gmv87x.html|access-date=February 16, 2016|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=February 16, 2016}}
February 18 – welcomes the Stanley Cup winning Chicago Blackhawks to the White House.{{cite web|last1=Lazerus|first1=Mark|title=Obama welcomes BlackHawks for the third time|url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1335981/obama-welcomes-blackhawks-third-time|website=chicago.suntimes.com|publisher=Chicago Sun Times|access-date=19 February 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221142732/http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1335981/obama-welcomes-blackhawks-third-time|archive-date=February 21, 2016|df=mdy-all}}
February 23 – unveils his plan to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Caimanera, Cuba.{{cite news|last1=Savage|first1=Charlie|last2=Davis|first2=Julie Hirschfeld|title=Obama Sends Congress a Plan to Close Guantánamo|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/24/us/politics/obama-guantanamo-bay.html?_r=0|access-date=February 23, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=February 23, 2016}}
February 24 − holds a bilateral meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan to discuss ISIS, the Syrian war and refugees and the reducing of tensions in the Middle East.{{cite web|last1=Freking|first1=Kevin|title=Obama Sounds Cautious Note About Pending Syrian Cease-Fire|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/jordans-king-abdullah-set-visit-white-house-37156222|website=abcnews.go.com|publisher=ABC News|access-date=25 February 2016}}
February 24 – signs H.R. 1428 – Judicial Redress Act of 2015 and H.R. 644 – Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 into law.{{cite web |title=Signing Statement for H.R. 644 |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/02/25/signing-statement-hr-644 |website=whitehouse.gov |language=en |date=24 February 2016}}
February 29 − awards a Medal of Honor to SEAL Team Six member Edward Byers for rescuing an American doctor from the Taliban in Afghanistan in December 2012.{{cite news|title=A SEAL Medal of Honor|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-seal-medal-of-honor-1456789894|access-date=March 1, 2016|work=Wall Street Journal|date=February 9, 2016}}

March

File:President Obama With Cuban President Castro at Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana, Cuba (25370065553).jpg with Cuban President Raúl Castro at Estadio Latinoamericano during Obama's historic visit to Havana, Cuba, March 22, 2016.]]

March 10 – welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House for a state visit.
March 10 – The Obamas host a state dinner at the White House for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
March 15 – holds a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach of Ireland, Enda Kenny.
March 16 – announces Merrick Garland as his nomination to replace the late Antonin Scalia as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.{{cite news|title=Obama to pick Merrick Garland for Supreme Court: Reports|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/16/president-obama-to-announce-supreme-court-nominee-at-11-am-et.html|access-date=March 16, 2016|work=CNBC|date=March 16, 2016}}
March 20 – The President and the First Family travel to Havana, Cuba, to underscore the thaw in Cuba–United States relations following a 54-year rift; Obama is the first sitting U.S. president to visit the country since Calvin Coolidge in 1928.{{cite news|title=President Obama travels to Cuba today for historic visit|url=http://wgntv.com/2016/03/20/president-obama-travels-to-cuba-today-for-historic-visit/|access-date=March 20, 2016|work=WGN-TV|agency=Associated Press|date=March 20, 2016}}
March 21 – holds a bilateral meeting and a joint press conference with President Raúl Castro of Cuba at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana.{{cite news|last1=Lederman|first1=Josh|title=President Obama, Raul Castro tussle over human rights|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2016/03/21/president-obama-raul-castro-set-for-historic-meeting/N7yQcfe49cKq5PKFXN2S1N/story.html|access-date=March 22, 2016|work=The Boston Globe|agency=Associated Press|date=March 21, 2016}}
March 22 – addresses the Cuban people on national television from the Gran Teatro de La Habana in Havana,{{cite news|last1=Usborne|first1=David|title=Barack Obama calls on Cuba to embrace democracy and roll back political repression|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/president-barack-obama-calls-on-cuba-to-embrace-democracy-and-roll-back-political-repression-a6946281.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/president-barack-obama-calls-on-cuba-to-embrace-democracy-and-roll-back-political-repression-a6946281.html |archive-date=May 7, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=March 23, 2016|work=The Independent|date=March 23, 2016}} where he also delivered a statement on the Brussels bombings.{{cite news|last1=Lederman|first1=Josh|last2=Caldwell|first2=Alicia C.|title=Obama pledges US support to Belgium after attacks|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/in-cuba-obama-briefed-on-brussels-attacks/|access-date=March 23, 2016|work=The Seattle Times|agency=Associated Press|date=March 22, 2016}}
March 22 – The Obamas and President Castro attend an exhibition baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuba national baseball team at Havana's Estadio Latinoamericano to highlight the two countries' cultural relations. The Rays won the game 4–1.{{cite web|title=Rays beat Cuban team with Barack Obama, Raul Castro in attendance|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/15045394/tampa-bay-rays-beat-cuban-national-team-landmark-game|publisher=ESPN|access-date=March 23, 2016|date=March 22, 2016}}
March 23 – holds a bilateral meeting and a joint press conference with President Mauricio Macri of Argentina at Casa Rosada during a visit to Buenos Aires to discuss improving Argentina–United States relations, following tension in trade and investment between the two countries under Néstor and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's administrations.{{cite web|title=Remarks by President Obama and President Macri of Argentina in Joint Press Conference|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/03/23/remarks-president-obama-and-president-macri-argentina-joint-press|publisher=White House Office of the Press Secretary|access-date=March 24, 2016|date=March 23, 2016}}
March 31 – hosts the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., participating with 58 leaders and representatives from around the world to lay out a system of global security against nuclear warfare.{{cite news|title=Barack Obama's final attempt to safeguard nuclear stockpiles|url=https://www.economist.com/news/international/21696178-muted-last-hurrah-nobel-peace-prizewinning-president-barack-obamas-final|access-date=April 4, 2016|newspaper=The Economist|date=April 2, 2016}}
March 31 – On the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit, Obama holds a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Shinzō Abe of Japan and President Park Geun-hye of South Korea to discuss trilateral cooperation amid North Korea's nuclear program.{{cite news|last1=Kobayashi|first1=Kakumi|title=Trilateral summit tightens Asian leaders' resolve against North Korea|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/04/03/national/trilateral-summit-tightens-asian-leaders-resolve-north-korea/#.VwJFihN97eQ|access-date=April 4, 2016|work=The Japan Times|date=April 3, 2016}}
March 31 – holds a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of China to discuss "global nuclear security cooperation" amid North Korea's nuclear program, as well as "constructive" cooperation regarding the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.{{cite news|title=Barack Obama, Xi Jinping meet on sidelines of nuclear summit|url=http://www.dw.com/en/barack-obama-xi-jinping-meet-on-sidelines-of-nuclear-summit/a-19157114|access-date=April 5, 2016|work=Deutsche Welle|date=March 31, 2016}}

April

File:Obamas with the Royals (26488482612).jpg, third in line to the British throne, at Kensington Palace during his visit to London, April 22, 2016.]]

April 4 – meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to discuss the alliance's involvement in the military intervention against ISIL (particularly in Libya) and the War in Afghanistan, as well as the Syrian refugee crisis.{{cite news|title=Obama, NATO chief discuss Islamic State, Libya|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-nato-idUSKCN0X11S8|access-date=April 5, 2016|work=Reuters|date=April 4, 2016}}
April 14 - Obama and Vice President Biden meet with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama in the Oval Office.[https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/04/14/readout-president-and-vice-presidents-meeting-prime-minister-edi-rama Readout of the President and Vice President's Meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania], The White House
April 20 – holds a bilateral meeting with King Salman of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh to discuss joint action against the nuclear program of Iran and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the Syrian and Yemeni crises, as well as to resolve the issue of human rights.{{cite news|title=Barack Obama holds talks with Saudi Arabia's King Salman|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36088774|access-date=May 1, 2016|work=BBC News|date=April 20, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Rampton|first1=Robert|title=US President Barack Obama and Saudi King Salman discuss 'provocative' Iran|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/us-president-barack-obama-and-saudi-king-salman-discuss-provocative-iran-20160420-gobdrs.html|access-date=May 1, 2016|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=April 21, 2016}}
April 21 – participates in a summit meeting with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh to discuss ways of addressing the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other regional conflicts, including the Syrian and Yemeni crises.{{cite news|last1=Hassan|first1=Rashid|title=Obama visit brings greater consensus for Gulf nations, US|url=http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/913976|access-date=May 1, 2016|work=Arab News|date=April 22, 2016}}
April 22 – The President and the First Lady attend a private lunch with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle in England to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.{{cite news|last1=Saenz|first1=Arlette|title=President Obama Has Lunch With Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/president-obama-lunch-queen-elizabeth-windsor-castle/story?id=38566626|access-date=April 24, 2016|work=ABC News|date=April 22, 2016}}
April 22 – participates in a joint press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street in London, reiterating their campaign for British voters to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union ahead of the referendum on June 23.{{cite news|last1=Heffer|first1=Greg|title=Obama arrives in Downing Street… leaving 9-tonne 'The Beast' to do a 3-point turn|url=http://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/663578/President-Barack-Obama-David-Cameron-Downing-Street-visit-Brexit-EU-referendum|access-date=April 24, 2016|work=Daily Express|date=April 22, 2016}}
April 22 – The President and the First Lady attend a dinner hosted by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry at Kensington Palace in London,{{cite news|last1=Nelson|first1=Kate|title=Barack Obama London visit: President to dine with Wills and Kate this Friday|url=http://www.london24.com/news/politics/barack_obama_london_visit_president_to_dine_with_wills_and_kate_this_friday_1_4500031|access-date=April 19, 2016|work=London24|publisher=Archant|date=April 18, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419173928/http://www.london24.com/news/politics/barack_obama_london_visit_president_to_dine_with_wills_and_kate_this_friday_1_4500031|archive-date=April 19, 2016|df=mdy-all}} where they also greet Prince George of Cambridge.{{cite news|title=Barack Obama jokes that Prince George's pyjamas greeting was 'slap in the face'|url=http://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/national/14464202.Barack_Obama_says_Prince_George_s_pyjamas_reception_shows_he_s_yesterday_s_man/|access-date=May 1, 2016|work=Craven Herald & Pioneer|date=April 30, 2016}}
April 23 – participates in a town hall meeting with the British youth at Lindley Hall in London, where he addressed questions regarding political issues like terrorism, trade, and the Northern Ireland peace process,{{cite news|title=President Obama urges next generation of Northern Ireland leaders to forge 'new identity'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-36119540|access-date=April 24, 2016|work=BBC News|date=April 23, 2016}} as well as social issues and changes involving LGBT rights, racial inequality (touching on the Black Lives Matter movement), and discrimination towards non-binary gender persons.{{cite news|last1=Liptak|first1=Kevin|title=Obama questioned on LGBT rights, Black Lives Matter in London|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/23/politics/obama-london-town-hall/|access-date=April 24, 2016|work=CNN|date=April 23, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Jaffe|first1=Greg|title=Obama hears youth leaders' concerns about LGBT rights, Brexit at British town hall|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2016/04/23/obama-talks-diplomacy-social-change-at-london-youth-town-hall.html|access-date=April 24, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 23, 2016}}
April 24 – During a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Hanover, Germany, President Obama announces plans to increase U.S. military presence in Syria to at least 250 personnel to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and assist local Syrian forces in doing so.{{cite news|last1=Starr|first1=Barbara|last2=Liptak|first2=Kevin|title=Obama announces an additional 250 special operations forces to Syria|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/24/politics/obama-special-operations-syria/|access-date=April 26, 2016|work=CNN|date=April 25, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Shear|first1=Michael D.|title=U.S. to Increase Military Presence in Syria, Obama Says|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/26/world/europe/obama-germany-speech.html?_r=0|access-date=April 26, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=April 25, 2016}}
April 25 – becomes the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Hannover Messe, the world's largest industrial fair, which he opened as the U.S. was the "partner country" of the fair.{{cite news|last1=Fell|first1=Jade|title=US President Barack Obama opens Hannover Messe 2016|url=http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2016/apr/obama-hannover-messe.cfm|access-date=April 26, 2016|work=Engineering & Technology|publisher=Institution of Engineering and Technology|date=April 25, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426172214/http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2016/apr/obama-hannover-messe.cfm|archive-date=April 26, 2016|df=mdy-all}}
April 25 – and Chancellor Merkel participate in a multilateral meeting with other European leaders including British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President François Hollande, and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to discuss cooperation in resolving the Syrian and Libyan civil wars and the Russo-Ukrainian War.{{cite news|title=Obama urges European allies to step up fight against IS|url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20160426-obama-urges-european-allies-to-step-up-fight-against-is/|access-date=April 26, 2016|work=Hong Kong Economic Journal|date=April 26, 2016}}
April 30 – attends his last White House Correspondents' Dinner.{{cite magazine|last1=White|first1=Daniel|title=President Obama Gives His Last White House Correspondents' Dinner Speech|url=https://time.com/4313562/white-house-correspondents-dinner-barack-obama-final/|access-date=May 1, 2016|magazine=Time|date=April 30, 2016}}

May

May 4 – visits Flint, Michigan to address the city's water crisis.{{cite news |last=Korte |first=Gregory |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/05/04/obama-flint-visit-drinking-water-lead-poisoning/83916778/ |title=Obama drinks Flint water as he urges children to be tested for lead |work=USA Today |date=2016-05-04 |access-date=2016-05-05 }}
May 7 – delivers a commencement speech to the 2016 graduating batch of Howard University, urging them to change their country "through action."{{cite news|last1=Lartey|first1=Jamiles|title=Obama tells Howard University students to change US through action|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/07/barack-obama-howard-university-commencement-speech|access-date=May 9, 2016|work=The Guardian|date=May 7, 2016}}
May 13 – hosts a multilateral meeting and state dinner at the State Dining Room of the White House for the leaders of the five Nordic countries: Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen of Denmark, President Sauli Niinistö of Finland, President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson of Iceland, Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway, and Prime Minister Stefan Löfven of Sweden. The six leaders discussed humanitarian issues, combating climate change, and the Russo-Ukrainian War.{{cite news|title=Obama toasts Nordic nations after Russia-focused summit|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/obama-toasts-nordic-natio/2782008.html|access-date=May 14, 2016|work=Channel NewsAsia|agency=Reuters|publisher=Mediacorp|date=May 13, 2016}}
May 15 – delivers a commencement speech entitled Ignorance is not a Virtue at Rutgers University's 250th anniversary commencement ceremony in New Brunswick, New Jersey.{{cite news|last1=Helmore|first1=Edward|title=Obama delivers commencement speech at Rutgers: 'Ignorance is not a virtue'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/15/barack-obama-commencement-speech-donald-trump|access-date=May 16, 2016|work=The Guardian|date=May 15, 2016}}
May 22 – arrives in Hanoi for a three-day visit to Vietnam aimed at building stronger economic and defense ties with the country and the Asia-Pacific region.{{cite news|last1=Son|first1=Truong|title=US President Obama arrives in Hanoi to strengthen economic, security ties|url=http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/us-president-obama-arrives-in-hanoi-to-strengthen-economic-security-ties-62451.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524123855/http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/us-president-obama-arrives-in-hanoi-to-strengthen-economic-security-ties-62451.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 24, 2016|access-date=May 23, 2016|work=Thanh Niên|date=May 23, 2016}}{{cite news|title=Obama looks to boost economic ties with trip to Vietnam|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/lawmakers-urge-obama-to-address-human-rights-on-vietnam-trip/|access-date=May 23, 2016|work=PBS NewsHour|date=May 21, 2016}}
May 23 – announces the full lifting of the 32-year arms embargo on Vietnam.{{cite news|title=Obama lifts US embargo on lethal arms sales to Vietnam|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36356695|access-date=May 23, 2016|work=BBC News|date=May 23, 2016}}
May 25 – attends the 42nd G7 summit in Shima, Japan.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/25/politics/obama-apologizes-for-okinawa-incident/index.html|title=Obama apologizes for Okinawa incident|publisher=CNN|date=May 25, 2016|first=Jeff|last=Kepnes}}
May 26 – and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe visit one of Japan's holiest Shinto sites, the Ise Grand Shrine and plant trees.{{cite news |last1=Saenz |first1=Arlette |last2=McBride |first2=Brian |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/president-obama-japanese-prime-minister-abe-visit-holy/story?id=39389325 |title=President Obama, Japanese Prime Minister Abe Visit Holy Site After Awkward Encounter |work=ABC News |date=2016-05-26 |access-date=2016-05-26 }}
May 27 – becomes the first sitting U.S. president to visit the city of Hiroshima following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where he pays his respects along with Prime Minister Abe and meets with survivors at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, calling for the end of nuclear weapons.{{cite news|last1=Johnston|first1=Eric|last2=Mie|first2=Ayako|title=Obama makes history, confronts past in Hiroshima|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/05/27/national/politics-diplomacy/obama-pays-historic-visit-to-hiroshima/#.V0k0UJN97eQ|access-date=May 28, 2016|work=The Japan Times|date=May 27, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Nakamura|first1=David|title=In Hiroshima 71 years after first atomic strike, Obama calls for end of nuclear weapons|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-visits-hiroshima-more-than-seven-decades-after-the-worlds-first-atomic-strike/2016/05/27/c7d0d250-23b6-11e6-8690-f14ca9de2972_story.html|access-date=May 28, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=May 27, 2016}}

June

File:President Obama Delivers a Statement in Orlando.webm after meeting with the families and victims of the nightclub shooting, June 16, 2016.]]

June 2 − delivers a commencement speech to the graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, urging them to reject an "isolationist foreign policy."{{cite news|last1=Frank|first1=John|title=President Obama addresses Air Force Academy graduates|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2016/06/02/obama-air-force-academy-graduation/|access-date=June 10, 2016|work=The Denver Post|date=June 2, 2016}}
June 7 − holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India.
June 9 – meets with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and soon after endorses former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the presidency in the 2016 election.{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/282466-obama-endorses-clinton-for-president/|title=Obama endorses Clinton for president: 'I'm with her'|last=Smilowitz|first=Elliot|date=June 9, 2016|website=TheHill|access-date=June 9, 2016}}
June 16 – travels to Orlando, Florida to meet with survivors and families of those victimized by the Orlando nightclub shooting, the second-deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, which occurred four days prior.{{cite news|url=http://www.wesh.com/news/president-obama-to-seek-healing-in-orlando/40081036|title=President Obama meets with victims' families, survivors in Orlando|date=June 16, 2016|publisher=wesh.com}}
June 17–19 – visits the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and Yosemite National Park in California's Sierra Nevada mountains to highlight natural conservation, which coincides with the centennial celebrations of the National Park Service.{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Gardiner|title=President Obama and Family Tour 'Cool' Carlsbad Caverns|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/18/us/politics/obama-family-to-vacation-at-yosemite-and-carlsbad-parks.html?_r=0|access-date=June 25, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=June 17, 2016}}
June 24 – announces that the Stonewall Inn in New York City will be designated as the first National Monument dedicated to the LGBT history in the United States.{{cite news|last1=Hetter|first1=Katia|last2=Liptak|first2=Kevin|title=Obama names first national monument to LGBT rights|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/06/24/travel/stonewall-inn-first-lgbt-national-monument/index.html|access-date=June 25, 2016|work=CNN|date=June 24, 2016}}
June 24 – While delivering his speech at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2016{{cite web |url=http://www.ges2016.org/ |title=Home |website=ges2016.org}} at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, Obama comments on the United Kingdom's decision to withdraw from the European Union following the result of their nationwide referendum held on June 23, saying that the Special Relationship between the U.S. and the UK is "enduring", UK's membership in NATO is "a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy", and the U.S.' relationship with both the UK and the EU will "remain indispensable".{{cite magazine|last1=Berenson|first1=Tessa|title=Obama: Brexit Won't Affect 'Special Relationship' Between U.K. and U.S.|url=https://time.com/4381487/brexit-barack-obama-joe-biden/|access-date=June 25, 2016|magazine=Time|date=June 25, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Garcia|first1=Feliks|title=Barack Obama weighs in on Brexit vote amid global panic: 'UK and US will remain indispensable partners'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/brexit-latest-news-barack-obama-eu-referendum-uk-us-indispensable-partners-a7101166.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/brexit-latest-news-barack-obama-eu-referendum-uk-us-indispensable-partners-a7101166.html |archive-date=May 7, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=June 25, 2016|work=The Independent|date=June 25, 2016}}
June 29 – participates in the North American Leaders' Summit in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico.{{cite news|last1=Boutilier|first1=Alex|title=Climate deal caps North American leaders' summit|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/06/29/climate-deal-caps-north-american-leaders-summit.html|access-date=July 9, 2016|work=Toronto Star|date=July 9, 2016}}
June 29 – addresses the Parliament of Canada in Ottawa to commit to Canada–United States relations.{{cite news|last1=Campion-Smith|first1=Bruce|title=Barack Obama brings down the House with final act in Canada|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/06/29/barack-obama-brings-down-the-house-with-final-act-in-canada.html|access-date=July 9, 2016|work=Toronto Star|date=June 29, 2016}}
June 30 — signs the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA).

July

July 7–9 – participates in the 2016 NATO summit in Warsaw, Poland that focuses on strengthening defense cooperation to protect Eastern Europe from Russian aggression on Ukraine, confronting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the European migrant crisis, and the United Kingdom withdrawal from the European Union.{{cite news|title=NATO Vows To Bolster Defenses Bordering Russia|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/nato-summit-obama-oped-concrete-commitments/27845816.html|access-date=July 9, 2016|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=July 8, 2016}}{{cite magazine|last1=Shuster|first1=Simon|title=Brexit and Russia Make President Obama's Last NATO Summit His Toughest Ever|url=https://time.com/4395956/nato-summit-warsaw-barack-obama-russia-brexit/|access-date=July 9, 2016|magazine=Time|date=July 6, 2016}} He also announces that around 1,000 extra troops will be deployed to Poland to bolster NATO's eastern flank.{{cite news|last1=Borger|first1=Julian|title=Nato summit: US says it will deploy 1,000 extra troops to Poland|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/08/nato-summit-warsaw-brexit-russia|access-date=July 9, 2016|work=The Guardian|date=July 8, 2016}}
July 7 – In Warsaw, Obama comments on the American public reaction to the shooting of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the shooting of Philando Castile in Minnesota, cases which have led to protests in the United States and allegations of racial injustice and profiling by police.{{cite news|last=Kelly|first=Nora|title=President Obama: 'This Is an American Issue That We Should All Care About'|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/07/obama-shootings-minnesota-louisiana/490403/|access-date=July 7, 2016|agency=The Atlantic|date=July 7, 2016}}
July 8 – In Warsaw, Obama comments on the shooting of Dallas police officers in the aftermath of the fatal shootings of Sterling and Castile, the deadliest single incident in the history of U.S. law enforcement since the September 11, 2001 attacks He calls the event "a vicious, calculated and despicable attack on law enforcement,"{{cite news|last1=Liptak|first1=Kevin|title=Obama on Dallas: 'Vicious, calculated, despicable attack on law enforcement'|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/08/politics/obama-dallas-police-shootings/index.html?sr=fbCNN070816obama-dallas-police-shootings0951AMVODtopLink&linkId=26333832|access-date=July 8, 2016|work=CNN|date=July 8, 2016}} and orders all U.S. flags to be flown in half-staff for five days in honor of the five victims.{{cite news|title=Flags Ordered to Half-Staff in Honor of Slain Dallas Officers|url=http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Flags-Ordered-to-Half-Staff-in-Honor-of-Slain-Dallas-Officers-386020741.html|access-date=July 9, 2016|work=KXAS-TV|publisher=NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations|date=July 8, 2016}}
July 22 – holds a bilateral meeting and a press conference with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico.
July 27 – is a keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.{{cite news |last=Los Angeles Times |first=Staff |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-obama-2016-convention-speech-transcript-20160727-snap-story.html |title=Transcript: President Obama's Democratic National Convention speech |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2016-07-27 |access-date=2016-07-28 }}

August

August 2 – welcomes Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to the White House for a state visit; the Obamas host a state dinner at the White House for Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
August 6 – begins his vacation of the island of Martha's Vineyard for the 6th and final time during his presidency.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Gardiner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/us/politics/obama-arrives-in-marthas-vineyard-for-two-week-vacation.html |title=Obama Arrives in Martha's Vineyard for Two-Week Vacation |work=The New York Times |date=2016-08-06 |access-date=2016-08-31 }}
August 21 – and his family return to the White House after a 16-day vacation on the island of Martha's Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts.{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Sara |url=https://vineyardgazette.com/president-obama-visits-marthas-vineyard |title=President Obama on Martha's Vineyard 2016 |work=Vineyard Gazette |date=2016-08-21 |access-date=2016-08-31 }}
August 23 – visits Baton Rouge to survey the damage and to comfort the victims of flood destruction in 20 Louisiana parishes.{{cite news |last1=Robertson |first1= Campbell |last2=Shea |first2=Michael D. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/24/us/politics/obama-louisiana-floods.html |title=Obama Visits Louisiana Flood Victims, but Some Are Busy Just Hanging On |work=The New York Times |date=2016-08-23 |access-date=2016-08-27 }}
August 31 – leaves on his final trip to Asia as President. He visits Midway Atoll, China and Laos.{{cite news |last=Shear |first=Michael D. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/01/us/politics/obama-asia-trip.html |title=Obama Begins His Final Asia Trip as President |work=The New York Times |date=2016-08-31 |access-date=2016-08-31 }}

September

September 4 − participates in the 2016 G-20 Hangzhou summit in Hangzhou, China.
September 6 − participates in the Eleventh East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos.
September 19 – holds a bilateral meeting with Premier Li Keqiang of China.
September 19 – holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia.
September 20 – addresses the United Nations General Assembly.
September 24 – dedicates the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington D.C.{{cite news |last=Winslow |first=Olivia |url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/obama-to-dedicate-african-american-history-museum-1.12358888 |title=Obama dedicates African-American history museum |work=Newsday |date=2016-09-24 |access-date=2016-09-24 }}
September 28 – experiences the first veto override of his administration. In a bipartisan vote, both houses of Congress override Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. The legislation allows families of the victims of the September 11 attacks to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged role in the attacks.{{cite news|last1=Steinhauer|first1=Jennifer|title=Congress Votes to Override Obama Veto on 9/11 Victims Bill|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/29/us/politics/senate-votes-to-override-obama-veto-on-9-11-victims-bill.html|access-date=28 September 2016|newspaper=New York Times|date=28 September 2016}}
September 30 – gave a eulogy at the funeral for former Israeli President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres.{{cite magazine |last=White |first=Daniel |url=https://time.com/4514543/obama-transcript-shimon-peres-memorial/ |title=Read President Obama's Moving Eulogy for Shimon Peres |magazine=Time |date=2016-09-30 |access-date=2016-10-01 }}

October

October 18 – welcomes Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to the White House for a state visit.
October 18 – hosts a state dinner at the White House for Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

November

File:Barack Obama meets with Donald Trump in the Oval Office (crop 2).jpg at the Oval Office following the latter's victory in the 2016 presidential election, November 10, 2016.]]

November 8 – The 2016 United States presidential election takes place. Republican Party nominee Donald Trump becomes president-elect after he had secured the projected total to 279 electoral votes, which he had reached over the required electoral votes of 270 to clinch victory. Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton concedes defeat and congratulates Trump on his victory.{{cite news |title=Hillary Clinton concedes presidential election to Donald Trump: 'We must accept this result' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/nov/09/hillary-clinton-concedes-election-donald-trump-speech |work=the Guardian |date=9 November 2016 |language=en}}
November 8 – The Republican Party narrowly retains majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate after suffering important election losses.{{cite web |title=PRECIOUS-Gold up as dollar slips on possible delay in U.S. tax cut plan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/global-precious-idAFL3N1NE1UU |website=Reuters |language=en |date=8 November 2017}}
November 9 – calls President-elect Donald Trump in the early morning hours to congratulate him on his victory.
November 9 – delivers his statement following the victory of Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
November 10 – meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office to discuss the transition of power between the presidents. President Obama states the meeting was "excellent," and President-elect Trump says the meeting was supposed to last around 10–15 minutes, but went on to be around 90 minutes.
November 14 – holds his first news conference since the election of Donald Trump and encourages Americans to give him some time to get adjusted to the responsibilities of the position as President.{{cite news |last=Collinson |first=Stephen |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/14/politics/obama-news-conference-donald-trump-transition/ |title=Obama urges Americans to give Trump a chance |work=CNN |date=2016-11-14 |access-date=2016-11-14 }}
November 15 – travels to Athens, Greece, the first stop on his final international trip as president.{{cite news |last=Korte |first=Gregory |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/11/15/obama-arrives-athens-bringing-message-trump/93870706/ |title=Obama arrives in Athens, bringing a message from Trump |work=USA Today |date=2016-11-15 |access-date=2016-11-15 }}
November 16 – tours the Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon, on the second day of his official visit to Greece.{{cite news |author=Staff Reporter |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/obama-tours-acropolis-democracy-s-birthplace-n684696 |title=President Obama Tours Acropolis in Democracy's Birthplace |work=NBC News |date=2016-11-16 |access-date=2016-11-17 }}
November 20 – attends the APEC economic summit in Lima, Peru.{{cite news |last=Superville |first=Darlene |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/obama-putin-speak-economic-summit-peru/ |title=Obama and Putin speak at economic summit in Peru |work=PBS Newshour |date=2016-11-20 |access-date=2016-11-21 }}
November 26 – releases a statement on the death of Fidel Castro saying in part, "History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him. "{{cite web |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/11/26/statement-president-passing-fidel-castro |work=whitehouse.gov |title=Statement by the President on the Passing of Fidel Castro |date=November 26, 2016 |via=National Archives |access-date=2016-11-28 }}

December

December 2 – holds a bilateral meeting with Secretary-General-designate António Guterres of the United Nations.
December 6 – gives his last national security speech at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. In the speech, the President says that the danger of terrorism is a long-term issue, saying "the threat will endure".{{cite news |last=Liptak |first=Kevin |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/06/politics/obama-terrorism-security-military-tampa/index.html |title=Obama touts counterterror legacy, admits "threat will endure" |work=CNN |publisher=Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. |date=2016-12-06 |access-date=2016-12-08 }}
December 7 – notes the 75th anniversary of the World War II Pearl Harbor Attack.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/07/politics/president-obama-marks-75th-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-attack/index.html|title=President Obama marks 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack|date=December 7, 2016|publisher=CNN}}
December 14 – signs the 21st Century Cures Act, a bipartisan bill to expand funding for medical research.{{cite magazine|last1=Reilly|first1=Katie|title=Watch Live: President Obama Signs the 21st Century Cures Act|url=https://time.com/4599295/president-obama-cures-act-livestream-online/|access-date=December 14, 2016|magazine=Time|date=December 14, 2016}}
December 15 – signs the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016, which makes it illegal to use a bot to purchase tickets online.{{cite news |last=Austin |first=Grant |url=http://bythewavs.com/president-obama-signs-better-online-ticket-sales-bots-act-2016/ |title=President Obama Signs Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016 |work=By The Wavs |date=2016-12-15 |access-date=2016-12-16 }}
December 16 – holds his final press conference of 2016.{{cite news|last1=McCarthy|first1=Tom|title=Obama press conference: Russia hacks, US election, China and Syria addressed – live|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/dec/16/barack-obama-press-conference-live-video|access-date=December 17, 2016|work=The Guardian|date=December 16, 2016}}
December 16 – and his family travel to Hawaii on Air Force One for their annual holiday vacation.{{cite news |last=D’Angelo |first= Chris |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/obama-mele-kalikimaka-hawaii-christmas_us_5854684ae4b0b3ddfd8ce290 |title=Bound For Hawaii, Obama Wishes America 'Mele Kalikimaka' |work=The Huffington Post |date=2016-12-16 |access-date=2016-12-17 }}
December 23 – signs into law the annual defense spending bill which would increase military pay and require all new recruits to be issued athletic shoes made in the United States.{{cite news |last=Stephenson |first=Emily |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2016/12/23/politics/obama-signs-us-defense-spending-bill-criticizes-guantanamo-policy/ |title=Obama signs US defense spending bill, criticizes Guantanamo policy |work=Bangor Daily News |publisher=Reuters |date=2016-12-23 |access-date=2016-12-27 }}
December 27 – visits the USS Arizona Memorial with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe to honor the 2,403 Americans who died on December 7, 1941.{{cite news |last=Lederman |first=Josh |url=http://www.wsbtv.com/news/obama-japans-abe-to-seek-reconciliation-at-pearl-harbor/479072199 |title=At Pearl Harbor, US, Japan look to move past legacy of war |work=WSB-TV |publisher=Associated Press |date=2016-12-27 |access-date=2016-12-27 }}
December 31 – Withdrawal of the majority of U.S. troops from Afghanistan after 15 years of war.{{cite news |last=Sennott |first=Charles M. |date=May 5, 2015 |title=The First Battle of the 21st Century |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/05/war-afghanistan-spann-qala-i-jangi/392402/ |newspaper=The Atlantic |access-date=May 15, 2015 |quote=Even after 14 years of war in Afghanistan, the U.S. military has not fully succeeded in restoring security to the country or defeating the Taliban. Now, at the request of the new Afghan government, the United States has delayed the completion of its troop withdrawal from the country until 2016 at the earliest. |archive-date=July 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730101144/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/05/war-afghanistan-spann-qala-i-jangi/392402/ |url-status=live }}

January 2017

January 2 – returns to the White House after his annual Hawaiian vacation.{{cite news |last=Lederman |first=Josh |url=http://www.salon.com/2017/01/02/under-3-weeks-left-obama-in-closing-stretch-of-presidency/ |title=Obama returns to Washington: Protecting healthcare law on the closing stretch agenda |work=Salon |publisher=Associated Press |date=2017-01-02 |access-date=2017-01-03}}
January 3 – The 115th United States Congress convenes with the Republican Party retaining their majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate.{{cite web |last1=SMALL |first1=SARA |title=Newest PA legislature leaders take seats, predict compromise with opposite party |url=https://local21news.com/news/local/newest-pa-legislature-leaders-take-seats-predict-compromise-with-opposite-party |website=WHP |language=en |date=3 January 2017}}
January 3 – Paul Ryan is re-elected as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.{{cite web |last1=Flegenheimer |first1=Matt |title=Paul Ryan Wins Re-election as House Speaker |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/03/us/politics/house-speaker-paul-ryan.html |website=The New York Times |date=3 January 2017}}
January 4 – visits Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill with a message to save the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as Republicans prepare to repeal and replace the regulatory overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system.{{cite news |last1=Eilperin |first1=Juliet |last2=Goldstein |first2=Amy |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/obama-to-huddle-with-democrats-on-protecting-his-signature-health-care-law/2017/01/04/34b655e8-d1f9-11e6-945a-76f69a399dd5_story.html |title=Obama huddles with Democrats on protecting his signature health care law |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=2017-01-04 |access-date=2017-01-04}} Obama gives his farewell address to the armed forces at Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia.{{cite magazine |last=Gajanan |first=Mahita |url=https://time.com/4622417/president-obama-armed-forces-speech-transcript/ |title=Read President Obama's Farewell Address to the Armed Forces |magazine=Time |date=2017-01-04 |access-date=2017-01-05}}
January 6 – In a joint session of the United States Congress, the results for the electoral college are counted. In his role as President of the Senate, Vice President Joe Biden reads the results and declares President-elect Donald Trump as the winner of the 2016 presidential election. President Obama hosts a farewell party at the White House with a guest list reportedly including Sarah Jessica Parker, Tyler Perry, Chrissy Teigen, Samuel L. Jackson, Charles Barkley, John Legend, Meryl Streep, George and Amal Clooney, Robert De Niro, Beyoncé and Jay Z, Nick Jonas, Jordin Sparks, David Letterman, Paul McCartney, Kelly Rowland, Olivia Wilde, Jason Sudeikis, Magic Johnson, Tom Hanks, Reverend Al Sharpton, Jerry Seinfeld, Stevie Wonder, Steven Spielberg, and Marc Anthony.
January 10 – delivers his farewell speech at McCormick Place in his hometown of Chicago.{{cite news|last1=Parsons|first1=Christi|title=President Obama confirms farewell address in Chicago|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-obama-confirms-farewell-address-in-chicago-20170102-story.html|access-date=January 3, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|date=January 2, 2017}}

File:Joe Biden Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom.jpg

January 12 – signs an executive order which ends the exemption for Cubans who arrive in the United States without visas.{{cite news |last1=Hirschfeld Davis |first1=Julie |last2=Robles |first2=Frances |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/12/world/americas/cuba-obama-wet-foot-dry-foot-policy.html |title=Obama Ends Exemption for Cubans Who Arrive Without Visas |work=The New York Times |date=2017-01-12 |access-date=2017-01-13}} Obama presents Vice President Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.{{cite web|last1=Gittens|first1=Hasani|title=President Barack Obama Honors Joe Biden With Surprise Medal of Freedom|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/president-barack-obama-honors-joe-biden-medal-freedom-surprise-n706301|work=NBC News|access-date=14 January 2017}}
January 16 – welcomes the 2016 World Series champion Chicago Cubs to the White House.{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Paul |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-white-house-visit-20170116-story.html |title=Obama welcomes Cubs to the White House: 'It took you long enough' |work=Chicago Tribune |date=2017-01-16 |access-date=2017-01-16}}
January 17 – makes a surprise appearance at the final press briefing given by White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, praising Earnest for his two and a half years' service.{{cite news |last=Boyer |first=Dave |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/17/obama-praises-josh-earnest-last-session-reporters/ |title=Obama praises press secretary at last session with reporters |work=The Washington Times |date=2017-01-17 |access-date=2017-01-17}} He also issues a pardon to General James Cartwright, involving a case in which Cartwright gave information to reporters regarding the Stuxnet virus used against the Iranian nuclear program. Obama commutes the sentence of Chelsea Manning, who was convicted of giving classified information to WikiLeaks.{{cite news |last=Jarrett |first=Laura |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/17/politics/chelsea-manning-sentence-commuted/ |title=Obama commutes sentence of Chelsea Manning |publisher=CNN |date=2017-01-17 |access-date=2017-01-17}}
January 18 – holds the final press conference of his presidency, at the White House's James S. Brady Press Briefing Room.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-obama-newsconference-idUSKBN14X2C1 |title=Obama to hold final news conference on Wednesday: White House|publisher=Reuters |date=2017-01-14 |access-date=2017-01-17}}{{cite news|title=Obama's Last News Conference: Full Transcript and Video|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/us/politics/obama-final-press-conference.html?_r=0|work=New York Times|date = January 18, 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}}
January 19 – commutes the sentences of 330 nonviolent drug offenders, the most acts of clemency ever granted in a single day by any U.S. president.{{cite news|last1=Horwitz|first1=Sari|title=Obama grants final 330 commutations to nonviolent drug offenders|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/obama-grants-final-330-commutations-to-nonviolent-drug-offenders/2017/01/19/41506468-de5d-11e6-918c-99ede3c8cafa_story.html|access-date=20 January 2017|newspaper=Washington Post|date=19 January 2017}}
January 20 – completes his two terms in office and leaves the White House for the final time as President.{{cite book |title=Obama meets Trump, departs White House for last time as president |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/20/obama-meets-trump-departs-white-house-for-last-time-as-president.html |language=en}}
January 20 – Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States, at noon EST.
January 20 – After the inauguration, Obama, now the former president, leaves for a vacation in Palm Springs, California to begin his post-presidency.{{cite news |last=Liptak |first=Kevin |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/17/politics/obama-palm-springs-trip/ |title=Obama planning to travel to Palm Springs area after inauguration |publisher=CNN |date=2017-01-17 |access-date=2017-01-17 }}