It has now been one year since Joe Biden became President of the United States, and it has been a year filled with ups and downs.
The President has had some legislative victories, signing a $1.9 trillion economic relief plan in March and a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill in November, but he and Democratic leaders are finding it hard to enact some of the bigger reforms on their agenda.
Outside of Congress, Biden has faced other setbacks. Afghanistan fell back into the hands of the Taliban after the United States withdrew its troops from the country. At home, America is dealing with its worst inflation in nearly 40 years.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a constant throughout. From the start of his term, Biden has been pushing to get more Americans vaccinated. He met his goal of administering 100 million doses within his first 100 days in office, but despite his urging, nearly 40% of the population still isn't fully vaccinated.
Here are some of the key moments of Biden's first year through the lens of photographers who have covered him along the way.
Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office after his inauguration. "There's no time to start like today," Biden told reporters as he began signing a stack of orders and memoranda. "I'm going to start by keeping the promises I made to the American people."
Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci was among those in the Oval Office.
"After the chaos of the 2020 election and one of the most unique presidencies in American history, I remember thinking that the next chapter had begun," Vucci said.Evan Vucci/AP
Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci was among those in the Oval Office.
"After the chaos of the 2020 election and one of the most unique presidencies in American history, I remember thinking that the next chapter had begun," Vucci said.
The President and first lady are joined by other members of their family as they watch fireworks from the White House on the night of the inauguration. They were looking out at the Washington Monument from the Blue Room balcony.
Adam Schultz/The White House
Biden visits a lab February 11 at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. He gave a speech at the NIH that day and announced that by the end of July, the United States would have enough Covid-19 vaccines for 300 million Americans.
"The idea of being inside such an important research facility, where so many different viruses have been studied and stored, made the visit — and the gravity of the pandemic — very real," Reuters photographer Carlos Barria recalled.
One of Biden's first major promises was to administer 100 million doses within his first 100 days in office, a mission that he said was dependent on major production increases and health-care coordination. The administration surpassed that goal by mid-March, weeks ahead of schedule.Carlos Barria/Reuters
"The idea of being inside such an important research facility, where so many different viruses have been studied and stored, made the visit — and the gravity of the pandemic — very real," Reuters photographer Carlos Barria recalled.
One of Biden's first major promises was to administer 100 million doses within his first 100 days in office, a mission that he said was dependent on major production increases and health-care coordination. The administration surpassed that goal by mid-March, weeks ahead of schedule.
Biden watches coverage of the Perseverance rover landing on Mars on February 18.
Perseverance, NASA's most sophisticated rover to date, sent back its first images immediately after landing. It will search for signs of ancient life and study the planet's climate and geology before returning to Earth by the 2030s.
"Congratulations to NASA and everyone whose hard work made Perseverance's historic landing possible," Biden said in a tweet. "Today proved once again that with the power of science and American ingenuity, nothing is beyond the realm of possibility."Adam Schultz/The White House
Perseverance, NASA's most sophisticated rover to date, sent back its first images immediately after landing. It will search for signs of ancient life and study the planet's climate and geology before returning to Earth by the 2030s.
"Congratulations to NASA and everyone whose hard work made Perseverance's historic landing possible," Biden said in a tweet. "Today proved once again that with the power of science and American ingenuity, nothing is beyond the realm of possibility."
The Bidens are joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, as they observe a moment of silence at the White House on February 22.
There were 500 candles lit to mark the 500,000 Americans who had died at that point from the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The people we lost were extraordinary. They spanned generations," Biden said.
Biden spoke from experience when it came to describing the grief of losing a loved one. He also expressed optimism, telling Americans: "We will get through this, I promise you."Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images
There were 500 candles lit to mark the 500,000 Americans who had died at that point from the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The people we lost were extraordinary. They spanned generations," Biden said.
Biden spoke from experience when it came to describing the grief of losing a loved one. He also expressed optimism, telling Americans: "We will get through this, I promise you."
Biden and Harris, joined by White House staff, applaud as they watch the House of Representatives approve a $1.9 trillion economic relief plan on March 10. The Covid-19 relief package had been Biden's first and most pressing legislative priority since taking office in January.
"This historic legislation is about rebuilding the backbone of this country and giving people in this nation — working people, middle-class folks, people who built the country — a fighting chance," Biden said before he signed the legislation. "That's what the essence of it is."Lawrence Jackson/The White House
"This historic legislation is about rebuilding the backbone of this country and giving people in this nation — working people, middle-class folks, people who built the country — a fighting chance," Biden said before he signed the legislation. "That's what the essence of it is."
Biden trips as he walks up the steps of Air Force One on March 19.
"I've walked up those steps before, and they are steep and long," New York Times photographer Doug Mills said. "On this very windy day, President Biden started walking up the steps and then a few steps later he began jogging. He stumbled and recovered, then stumbled again and recovered, and then finally fell to one knee and was down on the steps with just his right hand holding onto the railing. He quickly popped back up and finished his climb into the plane.
"I was pretty shocked at what had happened, but given the windy conditions and the slight movement in the stairs, it's completely understandable."Doug Mills/The New York Times/Redux
"I've walked up those steps before, and they are steep and long," New York Times photographer Doug Mills said. "On this very windy day, President Biden started walking up the steps and then a few steps later he began jogging. He stumbled and recovered, then stumbled again and recovered, and then finally fell to one knee and was down on the steps with just his right hand holding onto the railing. He quickly popped back up and finished his climb into the plane.
"I was pretty shocked at what had happened, but given the windy conditions and the slight movement in the stairs, it's completely understandable."
Reporters are spaced out from one another as Biden holds a news conference at the White House on March 25.
"I remember that everyone was buzzing about this because it was Biden's first formal news conference," Reuters photographer Leah Millis recalled.
Speaking from the East Room, Biden stepped into a swirl of issues that had bubbled up at the two-month mark of his presidency.Leah Millis/Reuters
"I remember that everyone was buzzing about this because it was Biden's first formal news conference," Reuters photographer Leah Millis recalled.
Speaking from the East Room, Biden stepped into a swirl of issues that had bubbled up at the two-month mark of his presidency.
Biden gives a challenge coin to Logan Evans, son of the late Capitol Police Officer William "Billy" Evans, as the fallen officer was lying in honor in the US Capitol Rotunda on April 13. Billy Evans, 41, died on April 2 after a man brandishing a knife rammed his vehicle into a police barricade outside the Capitol.
Biden told Evans' mother: "I have some idea what you're feeling like. I buried two of my children." The President's first wife and daughter died in a car crash in 1972. Biden's son Beau died in 2015 of brain cancer.
Logan wore the police hat and clutched a stuffed animal for most of the memorial service, photographer Drew Angerer said.Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Biden told Evans' mother: "I have some idea what you're feeling like. I buried two of my children." The President's first wife and daughter died in a car crash in 1972. Biden's son Beau died in 2015 of brain cancer.
Logan wore the police hat and clutched a stuffed animal for most of the memorial service, photographer Drew Angerer said.
Biden speaks from the White House Treaty Room on April 14, announcing that he would be withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan before September 11.
"I am now the fourth American president to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan. Two Republicans. Two Democrats," Biden said. "I will not pass this responsibility to a fifth."
Biden delivered his remarks from the White House Treaty Room.
"This room, on the third-floor 'residence' level of the White House, was the same room where former President George W. Bush announced the beginning of the war," Associated Press photographer Andrew Harnik said. Because it was a small room, only one news photographer was allowed in, and it was Harnik's turn in the pool rotation. "Almost no one gets access to the residence level of the White House, and it was the first and only time I've been up there," Harnik said.Andrew Harnik/AP
"I am now the fourth American president to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan. Two Republicans. Two Democrats," Biden said. "I will not pass this responsibility to a fifth."
Biden delivered his remarks from the White House Treaty Room.
"This room, on the third-floor 'residence' level of the White House, was the same room where former President George W. Bush announced the beginning of the war," Associated Press photographer Andrew Harnik said. Because it was a small room, only one news photographer was allowed in, and it was Harnik's turn in the pool rotation. "Almost no one gets access to the residence level of the White House, and it was the first and only time I've been up there," Harnik said.
Biden removes his face mask as he delivers remarks outside the White House on April 27. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had just announced new guidance that eased restrictions for fully vaccinated people.
"Coming off a virtual lockdown, this announcement was a huge relief to the nation," Reuters photographer Kevin Lamarque said. "I anticipated that the only moment I really needed to illustrate this story was Biden pulling off his own mask. I positioned myself head-on and zoomed in tight on his face to get this image."
The President took the opportunity to once again urge all eligible Americans to get vaccinated. "The bottom line is clear: If you're vaccinated, you can do more things, more safely, both outdoors as well as indoors," he said. "So for those who haven't gotten their vaccination yet, especially if you're younger, or thinking you don't need it — this is another great reason to go get vaccinated. Now."Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
"Coming off a virtual lockdown, this announcement was a huge relief to the nation," Reuters photographer Kevin Lamarque said. "I anticipated that the only moment I really needed to illustrate this story was Biden pulling off his own mask. I positioned myself head-on and zoomed in tight on his face to get this image."
The President took the opportunity to once again urge all eligible Americans to get vaccinated. "The bottom line is clear: If you're vaccinated, you can do more things, more safely, both outdoors as well as indoors," he said. "So for those who haven't gotten their vaccination yet, especially if you're younger, or thinking you don't need it — this is another great reason to go get vaccinated. Now."
Biden greets House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with an elbow bump before his first presidential address to Congress on April 28.
It was a speech unlike any we've seen in modern American history. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, only a limited number of lawmakers were in the chamber.
This was also the first time in history that two women were seated behind the president for a joint address, as Pelosi was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden noted the historic moment during his speech. "Madam speaker, madam vice president. No president has ever said those words from this podium. No president has ever said those words. And it's about time," he said.Melina Mara/Pool/Getty Images
It was a speech unlike any we've seen in modern American history. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, only a limited number of lawmakers were in the chamber.
This was also the first time in history that two women were seated behind the president for a joint address, as Pelosi was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden noted the historic moment during his speech. "Madam speaker, madam vice president. No president has ever said those words from this podium. No president has ever said those words. And it's about time," he said.
Biden picks up a dandelion for the first lady as they walk to Marine One at the White House on April 29.
"Departures and arrivals are so routine, and most of the time nothing happens," Washington Post photographer Demetrius Freeman said. "But this time I noticed (the President) looking down. He then stopped and picked the dandelion and presented it to (the first lady).
"(The President) tends to stick to the routine, but in this moment he showed a very spontaneous, kind moment."Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post/Getty Images
"Departures and arrivals are so routine, and most of the time nothing happens," Washington Post photographer Demetrius Freeman said. "But this time I noticed (the President) looking down. He then stopped and picked the dandelion and presented it to (the first lady).
"(The President) tends to stick to the routine, but in this moment he showed a very spontaneous, kind moment."
The Bidens meet with former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter at the Carters' home in Plains, Georgia, on April 29.
The photo grabbed people's attention on social media because of what appeared to be a significant size difference between the two couples. While many experts theorized that it was the result of a wide-angle lens, Adam Schultz, the chief official White House photographer, declined to explain when reached by The New York Times.Adam Schultz/The White House
The photo grabbed people's attention on social media because of what appeared to be a significant size difference between the two couples. While many experts theorized that it was the result of a wide-angle lens, Adam Schultz, the chief official White House photographer, declined to explain when reached by The New York Times.
Biden points to his hair on May 3 after a student in Yorktown, Virginia, told him she wanted to be a hairstylist when she grows up.
Biden and the first lady also visited a community college in Virginia to promote his sweeping economic proposals and how they would benefit schools if signed into law.
He touted his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan as "a once-in-a-generation investment in our families, in our children, that addresses what people care most about and most need: the investment we need to win the competition, the competition with other nations in the future."Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Biden and the first lady also visited a community college in Virginia to promote his sweeping economic proposals and how they would benefit schools if signed into law.
He touted his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan as "a once-in-a-generation investment in our families, in our children, that addresses what people care most about and most need: the investment we need to win the competition, the competition with other nations in the future."
Biden and Harris walk together after speaking to the press in the White House Rose Garden on May 13.
This photograph was taken after the CDC updated their mask guidelines for vaccinated people.
"The mood was optimistic that the end of the pandemic was within reach and some normalcy would be returning to our lives," Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci said. "Unfortunately that wasn't the case, but at the time it felt like the first piece of good news in a long time."Evan Vucci/AP
This photograph was taken after the CDC updated their mask guidelines for vaccinated people.
"The mood was optimistic that the end of the pandemic was within reach and some normalcy would be returning to our lives," Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci said. "Unfortunately that wasn't the case, but at the time it felt like the first piece of good news in a long time."
Biden and other world leaders pose for a group photo at the G7 summit in Cornwall, England, on June 11. From left are European Council President Charles Michel, Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.
The "family photo," when leaders all get together in one place, is "often an occasion where more candid moments occur," Reuters photographer Phil Noble said. "It's a great chance to observe all the body language and interactions between the leaders."
The summit kicked off Biden's first trip abroad as president. He also traveled to Belgium for a NATO summit and a US-European Union summit, and he later went to Switzerland for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.Phil Noble/AP
The "family photo," when leaders all get together in one place, is "often an occasion where more candid moments occur," Reuters photographer Phil Noble said. "It's a great chance to observe all the body language and interactions between the leaders."
The summit kicked off Biden's first trip abroad as president. He also traveled to Belgium for a NATO summit and a US-European Union summit, and he later went to Switzerland for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The first lady joins Britain's Queen Elizabeth II as the President inspects a guard of honor at Windsor Castle on June 13.
"This photo was taken as the President walked past the dais during his inspection and stole a quick glance back at his grinning wife standing beside the Queen in what must have been a proud moment for him," photographer Samir Hussein said.
The Queen and the President held private talks inside the castle, and Biden later said he wished he could have spoken to her longer. "She was very generous," Biden said. He said he did not think she'd be insulted if he said she "reminded me of my mother in terms of the look of her and the generosity."
It was her first one-on-one engagement with a world leader since the coronavirus pandemic began, and it was among her first public engagements since the death of her husband, Prince Philip, in April.Samir Hussein/Pool/WireImage/Getty Images
"This photo was taken as the President walked past the dais during his inspection and stole a quick glance back at his grinning wife standing beside the Queen in what must have been a proud moment for him," photographer Samir Hussein said.
The Queen and the President held private talks inside the castle, and Biden later said he wished he could have spoken to her longer. "She was very generous," Biden said. He said he did not think she'd be insulted if he said she "reminded me of my mother in terms of the look of her and the generosity."
It was her first one-on-one engagement with a world leader since the coronavirus pandemic began, and it was among her first public engagements since the death of her husband, Prince Philip, in April.
A security officer asks the media to step back at the start of the June 16 summit between Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Seated from left are US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden, Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The summit, held in Geneva, Switzerland, was the first meeting of Biden and Putin since Biden was elected President.
The library room was a tight fit for the presidents, their security teams and about 15 members of the media, Reuters photographer Denis Balibouse said. He tried to get a wide shot to capture the room's atmosphere. "As there was still some disturbance from the media, the Swiss police asked everyone to leave the room, and that's when I noticed the hand of a Russian security officer in front of my lens and I tried to include it in the frame," Balibouse said.
After the summit, both presidents described the meeting as generally positive but without any major breakthroughs. There were a few modest outcomes, including an agreement to return each country's ambassador to their post and assigning experts to focus on the growing problem of cyberattacks.Denis Balibouse/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
The summit, held in Geneva, Switzerland, was the first meeting of Biden and Putin since Biden was elected President.
The library room was a tight fit for the presidents, their security teams and about 15 members of the media, Reuters photographer Denis Balibouse said. He tried to get a wide shot to capture the room's atmosphere. "As there was still some disturbance from the media, the Swiss police asked everyone to leave the room, and that's when I noticed the hand of a Russian security officer in front of my lens and I tried to include it in the frame," Balibouse said.
After the summit, both presidents described the meeting as generally positive but without any major breakthroughs. There were a few modest outcomes, including an agreement to return each country's ambassador to their post and assigning experts to focus on the growing problem of cyberattacks.
Biden speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One and departing Geneva on June 16.
When asked if he seemed overly optimistic, Biden said the press said the same thing about his meetings at the G7 summit: " 'Oh Biden, they're not gonna buy Biden's stuff.' Any of you find that? Did that happen? Any of it? A little bit? Just a little sliver of it?"
Reuters photographer Kevin Lamarque said Biden seemed to want to clear the air after his news conference with Putin.
"Because the airplane engines were so loud, Biden got incredibly close to make his points," Lamarque said. "This proximity helped to capture the face of a man who really had something to say."Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
When asked if he seemed overly optimistic, Biden said the press said the same thing about his meetings at the G7 summit: " 'Oh Biden, they're not gonna buy Biden's stuff.' Any of you find that? Did that happen? Any of it? A little bit? Just a little sliver of it?"
Reuters photographer Kevin Lamarque said Biden seemed to want to clear the air after his news conference with Putin.
"Because the airplane engines were so loud, Biden got incredibly close to make his points," Lamarque said. "This proximity helped to capture the face of a man who really had something to say."
Biden laughs at a joke made by quarterback Tom Brady, who was visiting the White House along with his Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates on July 20. One of Brady's jokes was about those who continue to deny that Biden won the 2020 election.
"Not a lot of people think that we could have won (the Super Bowl). In fact, I think about 40% of people still don't think we won. You understand that, Mr. President?" Brady said to laughter.
Biden responded, "I understand that."Drew Angerer/Getty Images
"Not a lot of people think that we could have won (the Super Bowl). In fact, I think about 40% of people still don't think we won. You understand that, Mr. President?" Brady said to laughter.
Biden responded, "I understand that."
While hosting a virtual meeting with governors on July 30, Biden holds a card that read, "Sir, there is something on your chin."
An aide had handed Biden the card earlier in the meeting, and the President was using the other side of it to take notes.
"In Washington and with the seat of power, the smallest things can often times become big news, and this photograph of a lighthearted and minor gaffe quickly spread across news and social media," Associated Press photographer Andrew Harnik said.Andrew Harnik/AP
An aide had handed Biden the card earlier in the meeting, and the President was using the other side of it to take notes.
"In Washington and with the seat of power, the smallest things can often times become big news, and this photograph of a lighthearted and minor gaffe quickly spread across news and social media," Associated Press photographer Andrew Harnik said.
Biden pauses as he listens to a question about the suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed dozens of Afghan civilians and 13 US service members. The August 26 attack came as the United States and other Western countries were racing to complete a massive evacuation following the Taliban takeover of the country. The terror group ISIS-K, which rivals the Taliban in Afghanistan, claimed responsibility for the bombing.
"I would imagine that when Biden looks back at his first year in office, this will stand out as his toughest day," Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci said.Evan Vucci/AP
"I would imagine that when Biden looks back at his first year in office, this will stand out as his toughest day," Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci said.
Biden watches a carry team move a transfer case containing the remains of US Marine Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on August 29. Nikoui, 20, was one of the 13 US service members killed in the suicide bombing at the Kabul airport. All were being brought back to US soil.
"Everyone in attendance was silent and still," Associated Press photographer Carolyn Kaster recalled. "The only sounds were quiet instructions of the carry team, boots walking down the large aft metal ramp and across the tarmac, and the grief and weeping of loved ones and children. It felt like they would never stop coming off the plane."Carolyn Kaster/AP
"Everyone in attendance was silent and still," Associated Press photographer Carolyn Kaster recalled. "The only sounds were quiet instructions of the carry team, boots walking down the large aft metal ramp and across the tarmac, and the grief and weeping of loved ones and children. It felt like they would never stop coming off the plane."
A moment of silence is held at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York. It was the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, and people across the country were pausing to honor the victims and reflect on the day.
In this photo, from left, are former President Bill Clinton; former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; former President Barack Obama; former first lady Michelle Obama; the Bidens; former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Bloomberg's partner, Diana Taylor; and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"Any time we get so many important current and former political leaders in one place, it kind of creates its own atmosphere," said Chip Somodevilla, a photographer with Getty Images. "I think that's exactly why this group of powerful people didn't step into the spotlight but stood behind and below the stage instead."Chip Somodevilla/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
In this photo, from left, are former President Bill Clinton; former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; former President Barack Obama; former first lady Michelle Obama; the Bidens; former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Bloomberg's partner, Diana Taylor; and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"Any time we get so many important current and former political leaders in one place, it kind of creates its own atmosphere," said Chip Somodevilla, a photographer with Getty Images. "I think that's exactly why this group of powerful people didn't step into the spotlight but stood behind and below the stage instead."
Marine One, carrying President Biden, flies over "In America: Remember," a public art installation on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on September 20.
The installation, a concept by artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg, paid tribute to all the Americans who died because of Covid-19. It included more than 650,000 small plastic flags, some with personal messages to those who died.
"Looking back on the photograph, I think about how it was one of the few ways to literally place the President with a visual representation of the pandemic's toll," said Los Angeles Times photographer Kent Nishimura, who took the photo from the observation deck of the Washington Monument. "As Marine One disappeared into the distance, I wondered to myself, what does the President do when he's flying out over the District? Does he look out the windows? Did he ever see the installation? I wondered what he thought about looking at all of those flags, representing all those lives lost. Surely it must weigh on him."Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
The installation, a concept by artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg, paid tribute to all the Americans who died because of Covid-19. It included more than 650,000 small plastic flags, some with personal messages to those who died.
"Looking back on the photograph, I think about how it was one of the few ways to literally place the President with a visual representation of the pandemic's toll," said Los Angeles Times photographer Kent Nishimura, who took the photo from the observation deck of the Washington Monument. "As Marine One disappeared into the distance, I wondered to myself, what does the President do when he's flying out over the District? Does he look out the windows? Did he ever see the installation? I wondered what he thought about looking at all of those flags, representing all those lives lost. Surely it must weigh on him."
Biden receives his Covid-19 booster shot at the White House on September 27. It was just days after booster doses were approved by federal health officials.
"We know that to beat this pandemic and to save lives ... we need to get folks vaccinated," Biden said ahead of his shot. "So, please, please do the right thing. Please get these shots. It can save your life and it can save the lives of those around you."
Anna Moneymaker took the photo of the President for Getty Images. "It was remarkable how subdued the process was, with him even taking a few questions from reporters as he sat there getting his shot."Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
"We know that to beat this pandemic and to save lives ... we need to get folks vaccinated," Biden said ahead of his shot. "So, please, please do the right thing. Please get these shots. It can save your life and it can save the lives of those around you."
Anna Moneymaker took the photo of the President for Getty Images. "It was remarkable how subdued the process was, with him even taking a few questions from reporters as he sat there getting his shot."
Biden visits the Capitol Child Development Center in Hartford, Connecticut, on October 15.
He was there to promote his Build Back Better Agenda and highlight the importance of investing in child care. He warned that if Congress does not act to invest in children, the United States will face slower economic growth for generations to come.
"This is the first administration I've covered as a photojournalist, and one thing that has stood out to me from the beginning is how much time President Biden takes to engage with the people he meets while traveling," said Sarahbeth Maney, who took this photo for The New York Times. "I think this photo shows a little slice of that."Sarahbeth Maney/The New York Times/Redux
He was there to promote his Build Back Better Agenda and highlight the importance of investing in child care. He warned that if Congress does not act to invest in children, the United States will face slower economic growth for generations to come.
"This is the first administration I've covered as a photojournalist, and one thing that has stood out to me from the beginning is how much time President Biden takes to engage with the people he meets while traveling," said Sarahbeth Maney, who took this photo for The New York Times. "I think this photo shows a little slice of that."
Biden gives Pope Francis a challenge coin during his trip to the Vatican on October 29. Between them is Italian translator Elisabetta Savigni Ullmann.
Challenge coins originated in the military, and this one included the insignia of a Delaware Army National Guard unit that Biden's son Beau served in.
Biden said during his visit that coins are given to "warriors and leaders" and that the pope is "the most significant warrior for peace I've ever met."
Biden, a devout lifelong Catholic, met with the Pope for 90 minutes and said he discussed "a lot of personal things" with the pontiff. It was the fourth meeting between Francis and Biden, but their first since Biden became President.Vatican Media/AP
Challenge coins originated in the military, and this one included the insignia of a Delaware Army National Guard unit that Biden's son Beau served in.
Biden said during his visit that coins are given to "warriors and leaders" and that the pope is "the most significant warrior for peace I've ever met."
Biden, a devout lifelong Catholic, met with the Pope for 90 minutes and said he discussed "a lot of personal things" with the pontiff. It was the fourth meeting between Francis and Biden, but their first since Biden became President.
Biden jokes about which reporter to call on for a question as he speaks at the White House about a bipartisan infrastructure bill on November 6.
"President Biden was in an upbeat mood after the passage of his bipartisan infrastructure bill," Associated Press photographer Alex Brandon remembered. "Reporters were shouting questions over one another to the President as he had said he would take one more question. He good-naturedly covered his eyes and smiled while pointing to the White House pool reporters to select a question to answer."Alex Brandon/AP
"President Biden was in an upbeat mood after the passage of his bipartisan infrastructure bill," Associated Press photographer Alex Brandon remembered. "Reporters were shouting questions over one another to the President as he had said he would take one more question. He good-naturedly covered his eyes and smiled while pointing to the White House pool reporters to select a question to answer."
Biden signs the infrastructure bill into law during a November 15 ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House.
The $1.2 trillion legislation focuses on infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
"This moment was the pinnacle of what (Biden) spent the first year of his presidency working on: Infrastructure," photographer Al Drago said. "It was toward the end of a long and cold day in Washington, and the wind was whipping in a winter-is-coming kind of November way."Al Drago/The New York Times/Redux
The $1.2 trillion legislation focuses on infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
"This moment was the pinnacle of what (Biden) spent the first year of his presidency working on: Infrastructure," photographer Al Drago said. "It was toward the end of a long and cold day in Washington, and the wind was whipping in a winter-is-coming kind of November way."
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a virtual meeting with Biden on December 7 amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
According to the White House, Biden told Putin that the United States is prepared to launch strong economic measures should Russia invade Ukraine.
The Kremlin has denied that it is planning an invasion, and it has argued that NATO support for Ukraine — including increased weapons supplies and military training — constitutes a growing threat on Russia's western flank.Mikhail Metzel/Sputnik/AFP/Getty Images
According to the White House, Biden told Putin that the United States is prepared to launch strong economic measures should Russia invade Ukraine.
The Kremlin has denied that it is planning an invasion, and it has argued that NATO support for Ukraine — including increased weapons supplies and military training — constitutes a growing threat on Russia's western flank.
Biden speaks with a person holding an American flag as he tours tornado damage in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, on December 15.
Dozens of people were killed after a tornado outbreak flattened homes and businesses across eight states in the Midwest and South. Many of the victims were in western Kentucky.
"As (Biden) walked down this street, a young girl stood with an American flag not far from where her house once stood," New York Times photographer Doug Mills said. "President Biden asked how she and her family were doing. She explained that her house was destroyed but her family was OK. I could not believe the devastation. It went on as far as you could see."
The President announced that day that the federal government would cover 100% of the costs of emergency work for the first 30 days. That coverage includes shelter, debris removal and the cost of overtime for law enforcement and emergency personnel.Doug Mills/The New York Times/Redux
Dozens of people were killed after a tornado outbreak flattened homes and businesses across eight states in the Midwest and South. Many of the victims were in western Kentucky.
"As (Biden) walked down this street, a young girl stood with an American flag not far from where her house once stood," New York Times photographer Doug Mills said. "President Biden asked how she and her family were doing. She explained that her house was destroyed but her family was OK. I could not believe the devastation. It went on as far as you could see."
The President announced that day that the federal government would cover 100% of the costs of emergency work for the first 30 days. That coverage includes shelter, debris removal and the cost of overtime for law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Biden speaks from the US Capitol's Statuary Hall on January 6 to mark the one-year anniversary of the Capitol riot. It has now been more than a year since supporters of Donald Trump breached the Capitol, attacking officers and destroying parts of the building in what was a stunning display of insurrection.
In his remarks, Biden forcefully called out Trump for attempting to undo American democracy. "For the first time in our history, a President had not just lost an election. He tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power as a violent mob reached the Capitol," Biden said. "But they failed. They failed. And on this day of remembrance, we must make sure that such an attack never, never happens again."
This photo was taken by Jim Watson, who works for the wire service Agence France-Presse and was also in Biden's press pool when the riot was taking place last year.
"I felt incredibly lucky that I was with him both days recording each historic event," Watson said. "This photo, to me, is proof that our democracy has survived and moved on from that day but has not forgotten it."Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
In his remarks, Biden forcefully called out Trump for attempting to undo American democracy. "For the first time in our history, a President had not just lost an election. He tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power as a violent mob reached the Capitol," Biden said. "But they failed. They failed. And on this day of remembrance, we must make sure that such an attack never, never happens again."
This photo was taken by Jim Watson, who works for the wire service Agence France-Presse and was also in Biden's press pool when the riot was taking place last year.
"I felt incredibly lucky that I was with him both days recording each historic event," Watson said. "This photo, to me, is proof that our democracy has survived and moved on from that day but has not forgotten it."
