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 lawyer, author, and politician. He is currently the junior United States Senator from California, a position he assumed in 2024. Prior to his Senate tenure, Schiff served for 12 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (2001-2024) and in the California State Senate (1996-2000). He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Sections (6)

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

2001: Bush-era Plans to Fight ISIS

In February 2015, discussing how or whether to tailor Bush-era plans from 2001 and 2002 to fight ISIS, Schiff was asked whether he regretted the vote for Iraq invasion.

2002: Bush-era Plans to Fight ISIS

In February 2015, discussing how or whether to tailor Bush-era plans from 2001 and 2002 to fight ISIS, Schiff was asked whether he regretted the vote for Iraq invasion.

2003: Schiff Votes for Iraq Invasion

In 2003, Adam Schiff voted in favor of the invasion of Iraq, a decision he later expressed regret for due to faulty intelligence.

March 4, 2010: Armenian Genocide Resolution Approved Again

On March 4, 2010, the House Foreign Affairs Committee again approved the resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide by a 23–22 margin. Immediately, the Turkish government recalled its U.S. ambassador.

2012: Attack on Benghazi Diplomatic Compound

Adam Schiff participated in the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence investigation into the 2012 attacks on the Benghazi diplomatic compound, which found flaws in the initial talking points but no intent to deceive.

February 2015: Schiff Expresses Regret for Iraq War Vote

In February 2015, Adam Schiff expressed his regret for his vote in favor of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, citing faulty intelligence and disastrous consequences.

2015: Schiff Supports Saudi Arabian-Led Intervention in Yemen

In 2015, Adam Schiff supported the Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen, citing the illegal action of the Houthi rebels and their Iranian backers.

2016: Accusations of collusion between Trump campaign and Russians

In 2016, Schiff accuses Trump's campaign of colluding with Russians.

2016: Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections

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

2016: Trump's presidential campaign

In 2016, during Donald Trump's presidential campaign, Schiff alleges that there was collusion with Russia.

March 22, 2017: Schiff discusses Trump's campaign collusion with Russia

On March 22, 2017, in an interview with Chuck Todd, Schiff stated that there was "more than circumstantial evidence now" that Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia and 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 appeared on CNN's State of the Union and discussed Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections, Michael Flynn's request for immunity, separate inspections of White House documents, Trump's allegations of wiretapping in Trump Tower, and Nunes's association with the Trump White House.

July 23, 2017: Schiff comments on presidential interests and Russian influence

On July 23, 2017, Schiff said that the president should operate in America's best interest, not based on personal interests or concerns about Russian influence. Trump responded on Twitter, calling Schiff "Sleazy Adam Schiff" and dismissing the Russian collusion investigation as an excuse for the "Dem loss". Schiff countered that Trump's comments were "beneath the dignity of the office".

December 2018: Schiff suggests Roger Stone lied to Congress

In December 2018, Schiff suggested that Trump associate Roger Stone might 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 implying that lobby money was fueling American politicians' support of Israel, stating that it was "never acceptable to give voice to, or repeat, anti-Semitic smears".

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

On March 28, 2019, Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee called for Schiff to resign 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.

November 2019: Roger Stone was convicted of lying to Congress

In November 2019, Roger Stone was convicted of lying to Congress.

December 18, 2019: Trump impeached

On December 18, 2019, Trump was impeached along party lines in the House, with Schiff as a lead investigator in the impeachment inquiry.

2019: Schiff investigates Trump's connections to Russia

In 2019, upon becoming chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff investigated Trump's connections to Russia, separate from the Special Counsel investigation. He faced criticism for his stance on accepting the Special Counsel's findings.

June 21, 2023: House censures Schiff

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. The resolution established that Schiff misled the American public. Schiff has denied the allegations, calling them "defamatory".