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, diplomat, and former investment banker. A prominent member of the Democratic Party, he served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois (2003-2009), White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama (2009-2010), and Mayor of Chicago (2011-2019). Most recently, he was the United States ambassador to Japan (2022-2025). His career spans legislative, executive, and diplomatic roles, marking him as a significant figure in American politics.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1992: Post-Election Dinner Incident

After the 1992 election, Emanuel reportedly plunged a steak knife into a table, shouting "Dead! Dead! Dead!", naming Democrats and Republicans who had "betrayed" them in the election.

2000: Named to Freddie Mac Board of Directors

In 2000, Emanuel was named to the Board of Directors of Freddie Mac by President Clinton.

2001: Resigned from Freddie Mac Board

In 2001, Emanuel resigned from the board of Freddie Mac before his first bid for Congress.

October 2002: Authorized the Iraq War

Emanuel was elected after the October 2002 joint resolution authorizing the Iraq War, and so did not vote on it. However, in the lead up to the resolution, Emanuel spoke out in support of the war.

January 2010: Controversial Remarks at White House Meeting

At a January 2010 closed-door meeting in the White House with liberal activists, Emanuel used a derogatory term. Following criticism, including from Sarah Palin, Emanuel apologized to organizations for mentally disabled people for using the word.

2010: Democrats lost control of the House

Howie Klein suggested that Emanuel's congressional campaign strategy contributed to the Democrats losing control of the House in the 2010 mid-term elections.

2011: Requested Independent Negotiator for Lollapalooza

In 2011, Rahm Emanuel requested the City Council to appoint an independent third party negotiator for Lollapalooza's tax exemption, due to his brother's connection to the event.

August 8, 2012: Chicago Teachers Union Authorizes Strike

On August 8, 2012, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) voted 90% to authorize a strike due to disagreements over health insurance, teacher evaluations, and seniority pay increases.

August 2012: Federal Lawsuit Filed by Police Officers

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, allegedly violating the 1983 Shakman Decree.

October 30, 2012: Expressed Support for Prentice Women's Hospital Demolition

On October 30, 2012, Rahm Emanuel voiced his support for the demolition of the abandoned Prentice Women's Hospital Building, so Northwestern University could build a new facility.

September 17, 2013: Closing of 50 Chicago Public Schools Announced

On September 17, 2013, Emanuel's appointed Chicago Board of Education announced the closing of 50 Chicago public schools, 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, leading to criticism of Emanuel's handling of the situation.

November 24, 2015: Dash-Cam Video of Laquan McDonald Shooting 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 for allegedly covering up the incident.

December 24, 2015: Protests Against Emanuel and Chicago Police

On December 24, 2015, additional protests against Emanuel and Chicago's Police Department were held on Michigan Avenue regarding the Laquan McDonald shooting.

December 26, 2015: Police Shooting Incident

On December 26, 2015, a Chicago police officer fatally shot two people, including a woman who was shot by mistake.

2015: Chicago Mayoral Election

In 2015, Emanuel won the Chicago mayoral election after a run-off election, and his approval rating later plunged due to a series of scandals.

February 2016: Chicago Tribune Polls Report Dropped Approval Ratings

In February 2016, Chicago Tribune polls reported that Rahm Emanuel's approval ratings had dropped to 27%, confirming a "public crisis in confidence" following weeks of protests and allegations of covering up the Laquan McDonald police shooting video.

March 2017: Released Withheld Government Emails

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

August 7, 2024: Skipped 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.