Challenges Faced by Rahm Emanuel: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Rahm Emanuel's life and career.

Rahm Emanuel is an American politician and diplomat. He served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2025. Prior to this, he represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives (2003-2009), was White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama (2009-2010), and served as Mayor of Chicago for two terms (2011-2019). A member of the Democratic Party, his career spans legislative, executive, and municipal government roles.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2009: Pushback on the Affordable Care Act

During the summer of 2009, Rahm Emanuel reportedly "begged" President Obama for an entire week to not pursue the Affordable Care Act, advocating for a scaled-down plan instead.

January 24, 2011: Court of Appeals challenges Emanuel's eligibility

On January 24, 2011, the Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court, holding that residency for purposes of a candidate is different from residency for purposes of being a voter, challenging Emanuel's eligibility for office.

August 8, 2012: CTU Authorizes Strike

On August 8, 2012, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) voted 90% to authorize a strike due to unresolved issues in contract negotiations with the city.

September 18, 2012: CTU Delegates Vote to End Strike

On September 18, 2012, delegates from the CTU voted to end the strike, and students began returning to schools the following day.

September 17, 2013: Chicago School Closures Announced

On September 17, 2013, Rahm Emanuel's appointed Chicago Board of Education announced the closing of 50 Chicago public schools, which included 49 elementary schools and a high school.

August 2014: Chicago Tribune poll reports low approval rating

In August 2014, a Chicago Tribune poll reported Emanuel had a 35% approval rating as mayor of Chicago.

October 20, 2014: Police murder of Laquan McDonald

On October 20, 2014, Laquan McDonald was murdered by a Chicago police officer, leading to significant controversy and criticism of Emanuel's handling of the situation.

November 24, 2015: Dash-cam video of shooting is released

On November 24, 2015, the dash-cam video of the Laquan McDonald shooting was released after a judge ordered it, leading to further condemnation of Emanuel's handling of the incident.

December 24, 2015: Protests on Michigan Avenue

On December 24, 2015, additional protests against Rahm Emanuel and Chicago's Police Department were held on the city's busy Michigan Avenue shopping area.

December 26, 2015: Police Shooting Incident

On December 26, 2015, a police officer killed two people in another shooting, including a woman whom the officer had shot by mistake.

2015: Won Chicago Mayoral Election, approval rating plunged

In the 2015 Chicago mayoral election, Rahm Emanuel won in the run-off. In late 2015, Emanuel's approval rating plunged to the low 20s due to a series of scandals.

February 2016: Record Low Approval Ratings

In February 2016, Chicago Tribune polls reported that Rahm Emanuel's approval ratings had dropped to 27%, due to his role as the Mayor of Chicago.

March 2017: Release of Withheld Emails

In March 2017, the Chicago Tribune reported Rahm Emanuel released 2,696 emails he had previously withheld, revealing possible violations of lobbying laws.