Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Barack Obama

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Barack Obama.

Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President (2009-2017), was the first African American to hold the office. A Democrat, he previously served as a U.S. Senator for Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency was marked by the Affordable Care Act, the end of the Iraq War, and the killing of Osama bin Laden. Prior to his political career, Obama was a community organizer and civil rights attorney in Chicago. He is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

October 2, 2002: Anti-Iraq War Rally Address

On October 2, 2002, Barack Obama addressed the first high-profile Chicago anti-Iraq War rally, speaking out against the impending war.

March 2003: Anti-War Rally Speech

In March 2003, Barack Obama addressed another anti-war rally, stating "it's not too late" to stop the war.

August 2007: Obama on Being "Black Enough"

In August 2007, during a meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, Obama addressed questions about whether he is "black enough", expressing puzzlement.

June 26, 2009: Obama condemns Iranian government's actions

On June 26, 2009, President Obama condemned the Iranian government's actions towards protesters following Iran's 2009 presidential election.

July 2009: Launch of Priority Enforcement Program

In July 2009, Barack Obama launched the Priority Enforcement Program, an immigration enforcement program that had been pioneered by George W. Bush, and the Secure Communities fingerprinting and immigration status data-sharing program.

2009: "Thanks, Obama" phrase first appeared

In 2009, the saying "thanks, Obama" first appeared in a Twitter hashtag, "#thanks Obama". It was later used satirically to blame Obama for socio-economic issues.

March 2010: Obama Opposes Israeli Housing Plans

In March 2010, President Obama took a public stance against plans by the government of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue building Jewish housing projects in predominantly Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem.

March 31, 2010: Obama ended ban on oil and gas drilling

Prior to the oil spill, on March 31, 2010, President Obama ended a ban on oil and gas drilling along the majority of the East Coast of the United States and along the coast of northern Alaska in an effort to win support for an energy and climate bill and to reduce foreign imports of oil and gas.

April 20, 2010: Offshore drilling rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico

On April 20, 2010, an explosion destroyed an offshore drilling rig at the Macondo Prospect in the Gulf of Mexico, causing a major sustained oil leak. Obama visited the Gulf, announced a federal investigation, and formed a bipartisan commission to recommend new safety standards.

2011: Renewal of the Patriot Act

In 2011, Barack Obama signed a four-year renewal of the Patriot Act.

2011: United States Vetoes Security Council Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlements

In 2011, the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements, being the only nation to do so.

January 16, 2013: Obama Announces Gun Control Proposals

On January 16, 2013, one month after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Barack Obama signed 23 executive orders and outlined a series of sweeping proposals regarding gun control.

July 2013: Reservations about the Keystone XL pipeline

In July 2013, President Obama expressed reservations and said he "would reject the Keystone XL pipeline if it increased carbon pollution [or] greenhouse emissions."

2013: Response to Global Surveillance Disclosures

Following the 2013 global surveillance disclosures by whistleblower Edward Snowden, Barack Obama condemned the leak as unpatriotic, but called for increased restrictions on the National Security Agency (NSA) to address violations of privacy.

February 24, 2015: Obama vetoed Keystone XL pipeline bill

On February 24, 2015, President Obama vetoed a bill that would have authorized the Keystone XL pipeline. This was the third veto of his presidency and his first major veto.

2015: Obama Criticized by Israel for Advocating Iran Nuclear Deal

In 2015, President Obama was harshly criticized by Israel for advocating and signing the Iran Nuclear Deal; Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal "dangerous" and "bad."

January 5, 2016: Executive Actions Extending Background Check Requirements to More Gun Sellers

On January 5, 2016, Barack Obama announced new executive actions extending background check requirements to more gun sellers.

September 2016: Obama Snubbed at Hangzhou International Airport

In September 2016, President Obama was snubbed by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party upon arrival at Hangzhou International Airport for the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit, receiving no red carpet welcome.

December 23, 2016: United States Abstains from UN Security Council Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlements

On December 23, 2016, under the Obama administration, the United States abstained from United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemned Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories.

2016: Sanctions Against Russia Following Election Interference

In 2016, Obama ordered sanctions against Russia following Russian interference in the U.S. elections.

2016: Interference in the U.S. Presidential Election

In 2016, Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election.

2016: Obama administration proposes arms deals with Saudi Arabia

In 2016, the Obama administration proposed a series of arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth $115 billion. Later, Obama halted the sale of guided munition technology to Saudi Arabia after Saudi warplanes targeted a funeral in Yemen's capital Sanaa, resulting in over 140 deaths.

2016: U.S. dropped 26,171 bombs on seven different countries.

In 2016, the last year of his presidency, the U.S. dropped 26,171 bombs on seven different countries, marking a substantial escalation in the use of drone strikes against suspected militants and terrorists associated with al-Qaeda and the Taliban under Obama's administration.

January 5, 2017: House of Representatives Condemns UN Resolution

On January 5, 2017, the United States House of Representatives voted 342–80 to condemn the UN Resolution.

January 6, 2017: Israel withdraws dues from the UN

On January 6, 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the organization, which totaled $6 million, in response to Security Council Resolution 2334.

2017: Penalty for violating individual mandate of ACA repealed.

In 2017, the penalty for violating the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was repealed, effective 2019.

2019: Penalty for violating individual mandate of ACA becomes effective.

In 2019, the repeal of the penalty for violating the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) becomes effective.

October 2023: Obama Comments on Gaza War

In October 2023, amidst the Gaza war, Obama stated that Israel must dismantle Hamas following the Hamas-led attack on Israel and warned that Israel's actions could negatively impact Palestinian attitudes and international support.