Major Controversies Surrounding Susan Rice: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Susan Rice.

Susan Rice is an American diplomat and public official. A member of the Democratic Party, she has held several high-profile positions, including Director of the United States Domestic Policy Council (2021-2023), U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2009-2013), and U.S. National Security Advisor (2013-2017).

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1996: Zaire Invasion

In 1996, amidst the Rwandan, Ugandan, AFDL and Angolan invasion of Zaire (later known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Rice allegedly said that "Anything's better than Mobutu."

1997: Sudan intelligence offer

In 1997, Susan Rice and Richard A. Clarke allegedly lobbied against U.S. officials from engaging with the Khartoum government, despite Sudan offering to turn over its intelligence on bin Laden.

2002: Op-ed Regarding Sudan Intelligence

In 2002, Timothy M. Carney, former U.S. ambassador to Sudan, co-authored an op-ed claiming that in 1997 Sudan offered to turn over its intelligence on bin Laden but that Rice lobbied against engaging with the Khartoum government.

April 2011: Criticism of Gaddafi's Denials

In April 2011, amid the Libyan Civil War, Susan Rice criticized Muammar Gaddafi's denials of atrocities as "frankly, delusional" during a closed-door Security Council meeting. She also reported that Gaddafi loyalists were engaging in atrocities.

September 11, 2012: Benghazi Attack

On September 11, 2012, a U.S. diplomatic facility in Benghazi was attacked. In the aftermath, on September 16, Rice appeared on interview shows to discuss the attacks using provided talking points.

November 2012: Republican Criticism of Rice's Statements

In November 2012, House Republicans criticized Susan Rice's statements regarding the Benghazi attack, suggesting she should not be considered for Secretary of State.

December 13, 2012: Withdrawal from Secretary of State Consideration

On December 13, 2012, Susan Rice withdrew her name from consideration for Secretary of State due to controversy surrounding statements made about the Benghazi attack.

2013: Continuation of U.S. Support for Kiir Administration

In 2013, when the South Sudanese Civil War broke out, the U.S., under Susan Rice's influence, continued its support for President Kiir's administration despite reports of government atrocities.

December 2016: Al-Nahyan Visit and Meeting with Trump Advisors

In December 2016, UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Trump campaign advisors Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn, and Jared Kushner at Trump Tower in New York.

April 3, 2017: Report on Unmasking of Americans in Intelligence Reports

On April 3, 2017, it was reported that Susan Rice, as National Security Advisor, had requested the unmasking of some Americans mentioned in intelligence reports related to Donald Trump's campaign and transition.

August 2017: McMaster's Conclusion on Rice's Actions

In August 2017, Eli Lake reported that H. R. McMaster, Susan Rice's successor as national security advisor, concluded that Rice did nothing wrong regarding the unmasking of American citizens.

September 2017: Testimony to House Intelligence Committee

In September 2017, Susan Rice testified to the House Intelligence Committee about her unmasking requests, stating it was due to a redacted intelligence report concerning a visit by UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in December 2016. Her testimony appeared to allay Republican concerns.

May 2020: Appointment of John Bash to Examine Unmasking

In May 2020, Attorney General Bill Barr appointed federal prosecutor John Bash to examine unmasking conducted by the Obama administration, including the actions of Susan Rice.

October 2020: Conclusion of Unmasking Inquiry

In October 2020, John Bash's inquiry into unmasking during the Obama administration concluded with no findings of substantive wrongdoing.

May 2022: Release of Bash's Report

In May 2022, John Bash's previously classified report on unmasking was released, finding no evidence of improper motivations during the 2016 election period or presidential transition.