They accuse her of misleading the American people for political reasons in the run-up to the Nov. 6 presidential election by playing down any al Qaeda links to the Benghazi, Libya, attack at a time when Obama was touting his record of successes against the militant movement.
The U.S. ambassador and three other Americans were killed in the Sept. 11 Benghazi attack.
Obama, who has strongly supported his embattled ambassador, gave a show of moral support on Wednesday, prompting applause from his Cabinet - including Clinton - during their first meeting at the White House since Obama's re-election.
"Susan Rice is extraordinary," Obama said, adding he "couldn't be prouder of the job she's done."
