Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Rahm Emanuel

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Rahm Emanuel.

Rahm Emanuel is an American politician and diplomat. He served as United States ambassador to Japan (2022-2025). A Democrat, he represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives (2003-2009). He then became White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama (2009-2010) and was the Mayor of Chicago for two terms (2011-2019).

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1983: Shakman Decree

The Shakman Decree was issued in 1983, it bars city officials from making political considerations in the hiring process. Rahm Emanuel was sued because officers alleged they were removed from the mayoral security detail and replaced with officers who worked on Emanuel's mayoral campaign, in violation of the Shakman Decree.

1992: Emanuel's Outburst After Election

In 1992, on the night after the election, Rahm Emanuel, angry at Democrats and Republicans who "betrayed" them, stood up at a celebratory dinner and began plunging a steak knife into the table, shouting "Dead! Dead! Dead!" while rattling off names.

January 2010: Emanuel's Controversial Remark

In January 2010, at a closed-door meeting in the White House, Rahm Emanuel used offensive language to describe liberal activists who planned to run TV ads against conservative Democrats not supporting Obama's healthcare overhaul. After the remarks became public, Emanuel apologized to organizations for mentally disabled people.

2010: Criticism for Recruiting Right-Leaning Candidates

In 2010, Rahm Emanuel faced criticism for his failure to support progressive candidates and for recruiting right-leaning candidates, which some believe contributed to later Republican majorities.

2011: Emanuel requests independent negotiator for Lollapalooza deal

In 2011, Rahm Emanuel asked the City Council to appoint an independent third party negotiator for Lollapalooza, to avoid having the negotiation seen as biased. It was later revealed that the festival received its tax exemption for 2011 in the final days of the Daley administration.

August 2012: Lawsuit Filed Against Emanuel

In August 2012, eleven Chicago police officers filed a federal lawsuit alleging they were removed from the mayoral security detail and replaced with officers who worked on Emanuel's mayoral campaign, a violation of the 1983 Shakman Decree.

October 30, 2012: Emanuel supports demolition of Prentice Women's Hospital Building

On October 30, 2012, Emanuel voiced his support for the demolition of the abandoned Prentice Women's Hospital Building to allow Northwestern University to build a new facility, conflicting with preservationists seeking historical landmark status.

September 17, 2013: Closure of 50 Chicago Public Schools

On September 17, 2013, Emanuel's appointed Chicago Board of Education announced the closing of 50 Chicago public schools, including 49 elementary schools and one high school, marking the largest school closure in Chicago history.

October 20, 2014: Police Murder of Laquan McDonald

On October 20, 2014, Laquan McDonald was murdered by Chicago police. Rahm Emanuel faced criticism for his handling of the case.

November 24, 2015: Release of Laquan McDonald Shooting Video

On November 24, 2015, the dash-cam video of the October 20, 2014 police shooting of Laquan McDonald was released after a judge ordered it. This led to widespread condemnation of Rahm Emanuel for allegedly covering up the incident.

December 24, 2015: Protests against Emanuel and Chicago's Police Department on Michigan Avenue

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

December 26, 2015: Police shooting incident

On December 26, 2015, a police officer was involved in another shooting incident that resulted in the death of two people, including a woman who was shot by mistake.

February 2016: Emanuel's Approval Ratings Plummet

In February 2016, polls from the Chicago Tribune reported Emanuel's approval ratings had dropped to 27% due to his role as Mayor of Chicago. The Chicago Tribune stated that this all-time record low job approval confirms a "public crisis in confidence" for Emanuel who had been subjected to weeks of public protests and allegations of him covering up the Laquan McDonald police shooting video.

March 2017: Release of Withheld Government Emails and Possible Lobbying Violations

In March 2017, the Chicago Tribune reported that Emanuel released 2,696 emails he had previously withheld, and the emails revealed 26 possible violations of lobbying laws.

August 7, 2024: Emanuel to Skip Nagasaki Memorial Ceremony

On August 7, 2024, it was announced that Rahm Emanuel would skip attending a memorial ceremony to the atomic bombing of Nagasaki because Israel was not invited to the ceremony.

2024: Shift in Stance on Transgender Rights

Since the 2024 presidential election, Emanuel has expressed opposition to transgender rights.

2025: Emanuel Supports Incarceration of Transgender Women in Men's Prisons

In a 2025 interview, Emanuel stated that he supports the incarceration of transgender women in men's prisons and that he does not believe a man could become a woman.