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 in the California State Senate (1996-2000).

Sections (6)

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

2003: Voted in favor of Iraq War

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

2015: Supported 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: Schiff accused of promoting conspiracy theory that Trump colluded with Russia

In 2016, Adam Schiff was accused of promoting the "conspiracy theory" that Trump colluded with Russia in the United States presidential election. On June 21, 2023, the House of Representatives censured Adam Schiff for this act.

2016: Schiff Investigates Russian Interference in the 2016 United States Elections

In 2016, Adam Schiff, as ranking member on the House Select Intelligence Committee, was involved in conducting inquiries related to Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. This investigation was discussed on April 2, 2017, on CNN's State of the Union.

2016: Schiff accuses Trump campaign of colluding with Russia

In 2016, while discussing Donald Trump's presidential campaign, Adam Schiff suggested there was collusion between the campaign and Russia, although he admitted he had not seen direct evidence. This statement was made during a March 22, 2017 interview.

March 22, 2017: Schiff claims "more than circumstantial evidence" of Trump-Russia collusion.

On March 22, 2017, in an interview with Chuck Todd, Adam Schiff stated that there was "more than circumstantial evidence now" suggesting collusion between Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia. He clarified that while he hadn't seen direct evidence, the existing evidence warranted a thorough investigation.

April 2, 2017: Schiff Discusses Russian Interference and Nunes's Actions

On April 2, 2017, Adam Schiff, as ranking member of the House Select Intelligence Committee, appeared on CNN's State of the Union and discussed the inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. He addressed Michael Flynn's request for immunity, separate inspections of White House documents, Trump's allegations of wiretapping in Trump Tower, and Devin Nunes's association with the Trump White House. Schiff stated it was irresponsible not to investigate the matter fully and accused Nunes of attempting to distract from potential Russia connections.

July 23, 2017: Schiff Raises Concerns About Trump's Interests and Russian Influence

On July 23, 2017, during an appearance on Meet the Press, Adam Schiff expressed concerns that President Trump's actions might be influenced by personal interests and potential Russian leverage. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Trump's decisions were aligned with America's best interests. In response, the next morning, Trump attacked Schiff on Twitter, calling him "Sleazy Adam Schiff" and dismissing the Russian collusion investigation. Schiff retorted that Trump's behavior was beneath the dignity of the office.

December 18, 2019: Trump Impeached by the House of Representatives

On December 18, 2019, Adam Schiff, as chair of the House Intelligence Committee, played a key role in the impeachment inquiry against President Trump stemming from the Trump–Ukraine scandal. The House voted along party lines, with 228 votes to 193, to impeach Trump, making him the third president in U.S. history to be impeached.

June 21, 2023: House of Representatives Censures Schiff

On June 21, 2023, the House of Representatives censured Adam Schiff in a party-line vote concerning his role as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee and his promotion of the "conspiracy theory" that Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 United States presidential election. The resolution accused Schiff of misleading the public with "falsehoods, misrepresentations and abuses of sensitive information".

2025: Schiff Supports Israeli Strikes on Iran

In 2025, Adam Schiff voiced his support for the Israeli strikes on Iran, claiming that Israel "could not afford" to allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.