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. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.
March 2003: Obama Addressed Another Anti-War Rally
In March 2003, Barack Obama addressed another anti-war rally, stating "it's not too late" to stop the war.
May 2008: Obama Resigned from Trinity Church
In May 2008, during his first presidential campaign, Barack Obama resigned from Trinity United Church of Christ after some of Jeremiah Wright's statements were criticized.
2009: Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
In 2009, Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in international diplomacy, a decision that received both criticism and praise.
2011: Drone Strike Killing of Anwar al-Awlaki
In 2011, Obama ordered a drone strike in Yemen which targeted and killed Anwar al-Awlaki, an American imam suspected of being a leading Al-Qaeda organizer, leading to significant controversy.
August 2013: Obama Criticizes Russia's Anti-Gay Law
In August 2013, President Obama criticized Russia's law that discriminates against gays.
2013: Global surveillance disclosures
In 2013, following global surveillance disclosures by Edward Snowden, Obama condemned the leak as unpatriotic, but called for increased restrictions on the National Security Agency (NSA) to address violations of privacy.
2014: Russian Invasion of Crimea
In 2014, Russia invaded Crimea, leading to criticism of Obama's foreign policy approach.
March 2015: Support to Saudis in Yemen
In March 2015, Obama declared that he had authorized U.S. forces to provide logistical and intelligence support to the Saudis in their military intervention in Yemen, establishing a "Joint Planning Cell" with Saudi Arabia.
September 2016: Snub by Xi Jinping at G20 Summit
In September 2016, Obama was snubbed by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party as he descended from Air Force One to the tarmac of Hangzhou International Airport for the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit without the usual red carpet welcome.
December 23, 2016: U.S. Abstains from UN 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: Interference in the U.S. Presidential Election
In 2016, Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election drew criticism and concerns about Obama's foreign policy legacy.
2016: Arms Deals with Saudi Arabia
In 2016, the Obama administration proposed a series of arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth $115 billion. Obama also halted the sale of guided munition technology to Saudi Arabia after Saudi warplanes targeted a funeral in Yemen's capital Sanaa.
January 5, 2017: U.S. House of Representatives Condemns UN Resolution
On January 5, 2017, the United States House of Representatives voted 342–80 to condemn the UN Resolution which the US abstained from.
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, following the U.S. abstention from UN Security Council Resolution 2334 on December 23, 2016.
