Major Controversies Surrounding Adam Schiff: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Adam Schiff—discover key moments of controversy.

Adam Schiff is an American politician and lawyer, currently serving as a U.S. Senator for California since 2024. A Democrat, he previously served twelve terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (2001-2024) and as a California State Senator (1996-2000).

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2003: Voted in Favor of Iraq Invasion

In 2003, Adam Schiff voted in favor of the invasion of Iraq.

February 2015: Regretted Vote for Iraq War

In February 2015, Adam Schiff expressed regret for his vote in favor of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

2015: Supported Saudi Arabian-Led Intervention in Yemen

In 2015, Adam Schiff supported the Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen.

December 2016: Schiff urges Obama to veto UN Security Council Resolution 2334

In December 2016, Schiff urged Obama to veto UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemned Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories as a violation of international law.

2016: Trump campaign collusion with Russia

In a March 22, 2017 interview, Schiff stated there was "more than circumstantial evidence now" that Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia.

2016: Russian interference in the United States elections

On April 2, 2017, Schiff appeared on CNN's State of the Union to discuss Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. Schiff talked about Michael Flynn's request for immunity, his and Devin Nunes's separate inspections of White House documents, Trump's allegations of wiretapping in Trump Tower, and Nunes's apparent close association with the Trump White House.

2016: House of Representatives censured Schiff for role in promoting Trump-Russia collusion theory

On June 21, 2023, the House of Representatives censured Schiff in a party-line vote on H.Res. 521, which investigated his role as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee in promoting the "conspiracy theory" that Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 United States presidential election.

2016: Republicans call for Schiff's resignation due to allegations that Trump's campaign colluded with Russians

On March 28, 2019, the nine Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee officially called for Schiff's resignation due to his allegations that Trump's campaign colluded with Russians in the 2016 election. Schiff responded by accusing the Republican members of tolerating "immoral" and "corrupt" conduct by Trump campaign members and administration appointees.

March 22, 2017: Schiff discusses evidence of Trump campaign collusion with Russia

In a March 22, 2017, interview with Chuck Todd, Schiff stated that there was "more than circumstantial evidence now" suggesting collusion between Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, prompting further investigation.

April 2, 2017: Schiff appears on CNN's State of the Union

July 23, 2017: Schiff comments on presidential interests

On July 23, 2017, Schiff stated that it was important to ensure the president operates in America's best interest. The next morning on Twitter, Trump responded by calling Schiff "Sleazy Adam Schiff" and referred to the Russian collusion investigation as "the Dem loss excuse". Schiff responded on Twitter that the president's "comments and actions are beneath the dignity of the office".

December 2018: Schiff suggests Roger Stone might have lied to Congress

In December 2018, Schiff suggested that Trump associate Roger Stone may have lied to Congress, and said the transcript of his testimony should be forwarded to the Special Counsel.

February 2019: Schiff condemns Ilhan Omar's anti-Semitic tweet

In February 2019, Schiff condemned Representative Ilhan Omar's tweet, "It's all about the Benjamins baby," for invoking anti-Semitic smears regarding American politicians' support for Israel.

March 28, 2019: Republicans call for Schiff's resignation

November 2019: Roger Stone convicted of lying to Congress

In November 2019, Trump associate Roger Stone was convicted of lying to Congress, a matter Schiff had raised the prior year.

December 18, 2019: Trump impeached

On December 18, 2019, as chair of the Intelligence Committee, Schiff was a lead investigator in the impeachment inquiry against Trump stemming from the Trump–Ukraine scandal. Trump was impeached along party lines by 228 votes to 193 in the House.

2019: Schiff investigates Trump's connections to Russia

In 2019, after becoming chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff initiated a personal mission to investigate Trump's connections to Russia. He faced criticism for his stance on the Special Counsel's investigation, stating that evidence of collusion or conspiracy might exist even if it didn't meet the standard for criminal conviction.