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 president. 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 faced challenges including the Great Recession and political polarization. Obama's legacy includes his efforts to address climate change and promote international cooperation.

Sections (7)

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

October 2, 2002: Obama 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 war.

March 2003: Obama Speaks at Anti-War Rally

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

March 31, 2010: Ending 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: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

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. President Obama visited the Gulf, announced a federal investigation, and formed a bipartisan commission to recommend new safety standards. He then announced a six-month moratorium on new deepwater drilling permits and leases.

2011: Military Intervention in Libya

In 2011, Barack Obama ordered the military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, contributing to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi and the outbreak of the Libyan crisis.

2011: Drone strike in Yemen

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. The killing led to significant controversy.

2013: Response to Global Surveillance Disclosures

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

March 2016: Worries About Race Relations

In a March 2016 Gallup poll, nearly one third of Americans said they worried "a great deal" about race relations, a higher figure than in any previous Gallup poll since 2001.

2016: Increased Drone Strikes and Bomb Dropping

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