Top 10 Highlights of Barack Obama's Presidency

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Friday, January 13, 2017

The national Debt Clock is seen in New York October 15, 2013. | (Photo: Reuters/Andrew Kelly)

1. Dramatic Increase of the National Debt

Under the Obama Administration, the National Debt rose to unprecedented highs. Since Obama took office in 2009, the debt nearly doubled going from $10.6 trillion to nearly $20 trillion.

However, CNN reported last October that while this doubling occurred under Obama, other factors played a role.

"This is not to say that Obama had zero impact on the debt during his two terms in office. His 2009 stimulus plan and his making most of the Bush tax cuts permanent in 2012 contributed to the debt," noted CNN.

"But the 2011 Budget Control Act, which curbed government spending, helped slow the projected growth in debt. Also, keep in mind that Obama can't take any financial steps without Congress' approval."