Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Rahm Emanuel
A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Rahm Emanuel.
Rahm Israel Emanuel is an American politician and diplomat. He served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2025. As a member of the Democratic Party, he represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009. A key figure in Barack Obama's administration, Emanuel was the White House Chief of Staff from 2009 to 2010. He also served two terms as the mayor of Chicago, from 2011 to 2019.
1983: Violated Shakman Decree
In August 2012, a federal lawsuit was filed against Emanuel by police officers who claimed he violated the 1983 Shakman Decree by replacing them with officers from his campaign.
2006: Organized Run by Tammy Duckworth
In 2006, as head of the Democratic congressional campaign committee, Emanuel helped organize a run by Tammy Duckworth against Christine Cegelis in Illinois' 6th district.
January 2010: Used offensive language and subsequently apologized
In January 2010, Emanuel used offensive language at a White House meeting, later apologizing to organizations for mentally disabled people after being criticized.
2011: Emanuel Requests Third Party Negotiator
In 2011, Rahm Emanuel asked the City Council to appoint an independent third party negotiator for Lollapalooza's tax exemption, to avoid the negotiation being seen as biased.
August 8, 2012: CTU Authorizes Strike
On August 8, 2012, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) voted 90% to authorize a strike amid disagreements with the city over contract negotiations.
August 2012: Lawsuit Filed by Police Officers
In August 2012, a federal lawsuit was filed by eleven Chicago police officers alleging they were removed from the mayoral security detail and replaced with officers who worked on Emanuel's mayoral campaign, in violation of the 1983 Shakman Decree.
September 18, 2012: CTU Delegates Vote to End Strike
On September 18, 2012, delegates from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) voted to end the strike, with students returning to schools the following day.
October 30, 2012: Emanuel Supports Prentice Women's Hospital Demolition
On October 30, 2012, Emanuel voiced his support for the demolition of the abandoned Prentice Women's Hospital Building, in order for Northwestern University, which owns the property, to build a new facility, conflicting with preservationist efforts.
September 17, 2013: Chicago School Closures Announced
On September 17, 2013, the Chicago Board of Education, appointed by Emanuel, announced the closing of 50 Chicago public schools, marking the largest school closure in the city's history.
October 20, 2014: Police Murder of Laquan McDonald
On October 20, 2014, Laquan McDonald was murdered by Chicago police, leading to criticism of Emanuel's handling of the incident.
November 24, 2015: Release of Laquan McDonald Video
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 26, 2015: Police Shooting Incident
On December 26, 2015, a Chicago police officer fatally shot two people, including a woman shot by mistake, further escalating the crisis surrounding police conduct during Rahm Emanuel's time as mayor.
March 2017: Emails Reveal Possible Lobbying Violations
In March 2017, the Chicago Tribune reported that Emanuel released 2,696 emails, previously withheld, that contained 26 possible violations of lobbying laws.
2023: Residence Vandalized with Hate Speech
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.
