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 served as a U.S. Senator representing Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency was marked by significant policy changes and historical milestones, solidifying his place as a notable figure in American history.

Sections (7)

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

1993: Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy

The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy of 1993 prevented gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces until it was ended in 2010.

2004: Obama Supports Civil Unions but Opposes Same-Sex Marriage

During his Senate run in 2004, Obama said he supported civil unions and domestic partnerships for same-sex partners but opposed same-sex marriages.

August 2007: Obama addresses questions about his identity

In August 2007, Obama addressed a meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, expressing puzzlement over questions about whether he is "black enough", and stating that "we're still locked in this notion that if you appeal to white folks then there must be something wrong."

2008: Obama Reaffirms Position on Marriage

In 2008, Obama reaffirmed his position that marriage is between a man and a woman and that he was not in favor of gay marriage.

July 2009: Launch of Priority Enforcement Program

In July 2009, Obama launched the Priority Enforcement Program, an immigration enforcement program pioneered by George W. Bush.

March 2010: Public Stance Against 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 Ends 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 to win support for an energy and climate bill and reduce foreign imports of oil and gas.

April 20, 2010: Explosion at Macondo Prospect and Oil Leak

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.

August 18, 2011: Obama Calls for Assad to Step Aside

On August 18, 2011, President Obama issued a written statement that said: "The time has come for President Assad to step aside," regarding the situation in Syria.

2011: Military Intervention in Libya

In 2011, Barack Obama ordered a military intervention in Libya to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, contributing to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

2011: Renewal of the Patriot Act

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

2011: United States Vetoes Security Council Resolution

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

2012: Authorization of Programs to Train Anti-Assad Rebels

In 2012, President Obama authorized multiple programs run by the CIA and the Pentagon to train anti-Assad rebels in Syria.

2013: Global Surveillance Disclosures by Edward Snowden

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

2013: Obama's View on Israeli Settlements

In 2013, Jeffrey Goldberg reported that President Obama believed that "with each new settlement announcement, Netanyahu is moving his country down a path toward near-total isolation."

2014: Authorization of Air Campaign Against ISIL

In 2014, President Obama authorized an air campaign aimed primarily at ISIL following a chemical weapons attack in Syria.

March 2015: Authorization of Support to Saudis in Yemen

In March 2015, President Obama 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.

July 14, 2015: Obama administration announces nuclear deal with Iran

On July 14, 2015, the Obama administration announced a deal with Iran titled the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Sanctions were removed in exchange for measures that would prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons. The deal drew strong criticism from Republican and conservative quarters, and from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

October 2015: Abandonment of Pentagon-Run Program to Train Syrian Rebels

In October 2015, it was found that the Pentagon-run program to train anti-Assad rebels had failed, and the program was formally abandoned.

November 2015: Reaffirmation of Stance on Assad

In November 2015, Obama reaffirmed his stance from August 18, 2011, stating that "The time has come for President Assad to step aside." regarding the situation in Syria.

2015: Criticism over 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."

December 23, 2016: U.S. Abstains from UN Security Council Resolution

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: Obama on the Libyan Intervention

In 2016, President Obama said, "Our coalition could have and should have done more to fill a vacuum left behind" in Libya. He also stated that the lack of preparation following the government's overthrow was the "worst mistake" of his presidency.

2016: Use of drone strikes and military presence

In 2016, during the last year of his presidency, the U.S. dropped 26,171 bombs on seven different countries. Obama left about 8,400 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, 5,262 in Iraq, 503 in Syria, 133 in Pakistan, 106 in Somalia, seven in Yemen, and two in Libya at the end of his presidency.

2016: Russian Interference in U.S. Elections

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

2016: Proposed 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 a deadly attack in Yemen.

January 5, 2017: U.S. House Condemns UN Resolution

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

January 6, 2017: Israeli Government Withdraws Dues from UN

On January 6, 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the organization, which totaled $6 million, in response to the UN resolution.