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. A Democrat, he served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois (2003-2009), White House Chief of Staff under President Obama (2009-2010), and Mayor of Chicago (2011-2019). Most recently, he served as the United States Ambassador to Japan (2022-2025).

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1983: Shakman Decree

In August 2012, eleven Chicago police officers filed a federal lawsuit alleging that their removal from the mayoral security detail, due to political considerations in hiring, violated the 1983 Shakman Decree.

1992: Incident After 1992 Election

On the night after the 1992 election, Rahm Emanuel, angry at Democrats and Republicans who "betrayed" them, plunged a steak knife into a table and shouted "Dead! Dead! Dead!" while rattling off names.

October 2002: Authorization of the Iraq War

In October 2002, Emanuel spoke out in support of the war.

January 2003: Named to the House Financial Services Committee

In January 2003, Emanuel was named to the House Financial Services Committee and sat on the subcommittee that oversaw Freddie Mac. He skipped every hearing allegedly for reasons of avoiding any appearance of favoritism, impropriety, or conflict of interest.

December 2003: NRA Rating

In December 2003, Rahm Emanuel received an "F" rating from the NRA, demonstrating his strong support for gun control.

January 2010: Controversial Remarks at White House Meeting

In January 2010, at a closed-door meeting in the White House, Rahm Emanuel used offensive language, which led to criticism and a subsequent apology to organizations for mentally disabled people.

January 24, 2011: Court of Appeals Ruling on Residency

On January 24, 2011, the Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court, holding that residency for candidacy differs from residency for voting, challenging Rahm Emanuel's eligibility for office.

2011: Lollapalooza Tax Exemption

In 2011, Rahm Emanuel asked the City Council to appoint an independent third-party negotiator to avoid bias in the negotiation regarding Lollapalooza's tax exemption, an event co-owned by his brother.

August 2012: Federal Lawsuit Filed

In August 2012, a federal lawsuit was filed by Chicago police officers alleging they were removed from the mayoral security detail and replaced with officers who worked on Emanuel's mayoral campaign.

October 30, 2012: Emanuel Supports Demolition of Prentice Women's Hospital

On October 30, 2012, Rahm Emanuel voiced his support for the demolition of the abandoned Prentice Women's Hospital Building to allow Northwestern University to construct a new facility, leading to conflict with preservationists.

September 17, 2013: Chicago School Closures Announced

On September 17, 2013, the Chicago Board of Education, appointed by Rahm Emanuel, announced the closing of 50 Chicago public schools, 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 a Chicago police officer, an incident that led to significant controversy and criticism of Rahm Emanuel's handling of the aftermath.

November 24, 2015: Release of Laquan McDonald Shooting Video

On November 24, 2015, the dash-cam video of the Laquan McDonald shooting was released after a judge's order, leading to widespread condemnation of Rahm Emanuel for allegedly covering up the incident.

December 24, 2015: Protests Against Emanuel and Chicago Police

On December 24, 2015, additional protests against Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Police Department took place on Chicago's Michigan Avenue shopping area, amidst growing public calls for Emanuel's resignation.

December 26, 2015: Police Shooting Incident

On December 26, 2015, a Chicago police officer fatally shot two people, including a woman shot by mistake, further intensifying the crisis surrounding the Chicago Police Department and Rahm Emanuel's leadership.

March 2017: Release of Withheld Emails

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

2023: Michigan Residence Vandalized

In late 2023, Rahm Emanuel's Michigan residence was vandalized with the word "Nazis" spray-painted on its fence.

August 7, 2024: Skipping 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.