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 as an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency saw the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the end of the Iraq War, and the killing of Osama bin Laden. He faced challenges including the Great Recession and political polarization. Obama is often praised for his eloquence and commitment to progressive policies.

Sections (7)

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

1973: UN Security Council Resolution

In 2011, Barack Obama ordered the military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

October 2, 2002: Addresses Anti-Iraq War Rally

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

March 2003: Speaks at Second Anti-War Rally

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

May 2008: Resignation from Trinity United Church of Christ

During his first presidential campaign, in May 2008, Barack Obama resigned from Trinity United Church of Christ after some of Jeremiah Wright's statements were criticized.

July 2009: Obama Launches Priority Enforcement Program

In July 2009, 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.

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.

2011: Military Intervention in Libya

In 2011, Barack Obama ordered the military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

2011: Obama signs Patriot Act Renewal

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

2011: Obama Orders Drone Strike Killing Anwar al-Awlaki

In 2011, President 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. Al-Awlaki became the first U.S. citizen to be targeted and killed by a U.S. drone strike, leading to significant controversy.

2011: Withdrawal from Iraq

In 2011, the withdrawal from Iraq occurred, leading to military intervention in Iraq in response to gains made by ISIL.

2012: Obama Authorizes 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. However, the Pentagon-run program was later found to have failed.

2013: Obama Responds to Snowden Disclosures

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.

2015: Obama Criticized for Iran Nuclear Deal

In 2015, President Obama faced criticism from Israel for advocating and signing the Iran Nuclear Deal; Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal "dangerous" and "bad."

September 2016: Obama Snubbed at G20 Summit in China

In September 2016, President Obama was snubbed by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party at the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit. Obama descended from Air Force One without the usual red carpet welcome.

December 23, 2016: U.S. Abstains from UN Resolution on 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, effectively allowing it to pass.

2016: Obama Comments on Intervention in Libya

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

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 after Saudi warplanes targeted a funeral in Yemen, resulting in significant casualties.

2016: Use of Drone Strikes

In 2016, the last year of his presidency, the U.S. dropped 26,171 bombs on seven different countries under Obama, escalating the use of drone strikes against suspected militants and terrorists.

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 2334.

January 6, 2017: Israel Withdraws Dues from UN

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