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 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 in the California State Senate (1996-2000). He is also a lawyer and author.

Sections (6)

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

2016: Republicans call for Schiff's resignation

In 2016, Schiff made allegations regarding Trump's campaign colluding with Russians, which led to calls for his resignation in 2019.

2016: Trump's 2016 presidential campaign

In 2016, during Donald Trump's presidential campaign, Schiff spoke about possible collusion with Russia.

2016: House censures Schiff over Russia collusion claims related to 2016 election

In 2016, during United States presidential election, Schiff spoke about possible collusion with Russia, which led to his censure in 2023.

2016: Schiff discusses Russian interference in the 2016 elections

In 2016, during the United States elections, Schiff discussed Russian interference.

March 22, 2017: Schiff speaks about Trump campaign collusion with Russia

During an interview on March 22, 2017, Adam Schiff stated that there was "more than circumstantial evidence now" suggesting that Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia. Schiff said that there was "evidence that is not circumstantial and is very much worthy of investigation".

April 2, 2017: Schiff discusses Russian interference in the 2016 elections

On April 2, 2017, Schiff, as ranking member on the House Select Intelligence Committee, appeared on CNN's State of the Union to discuss Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. He discussed Michael Flynn's request for immunity, inspections of White House documents, Trump's allegations of wiretapping in Trump Tower, and Nunes's association with the Trump White House. Schiff stated it would be irresponsible not to investigate the matter fully and accused Nunes of attempting to distract and conceal the White House's involvement.

July 23, 2017: Schiff comments on presidential interests

On July 23, 2017, Schiff commented on Meet the Press that the president should operate in America's best interest, not personal interests or worries about what the Russians might have. Following this, Trump referred to Schiff as "Sleazy Adam Schiff" and dismissed the Russian collusion investigation. Schiff responded on Twitter, stating that Trump's "comments and actions are beneath the dignity of the office".

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

In February 2019, Schiff condemned Representative Ilhan Omar's tweet, which implied that lobby money was fueling American politicians' support of Israel, as an anti-Semitic smear.

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

On March 28, 2019, the Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee formally requested Schiff's resignation due to his allegations regarding Trump's campaign colluding with Russians in the 2016 election. In response, Schiff accused the Republican members of condoning "immoral" and "corrupt" behavior by Trump campaign members and administration appointees.

December 18, 2019: Trump impeached by the House

On December 18, 2019, Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives following the Trump-Ukraine scandal, with Schiff as one of the lead investigators in the impeachment inquiry.

2019: Schiff investigates Trump's connections to Russia

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

June 21, 2023: House censures Schiff over Russia collusion claims

On June 21, 2023, the House of Representatives censured Schiff in a party-line vote regarding his role as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee in promoting the theory that Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election. The resolution stated that Schiff misled the public and Schiff denied the allegations.