Major Controversies Surrounding Bernie Sanders: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Bernie Sanders.

Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician, currently serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Vermont. As the longest-serving independent in Congress, he closely aligns with the Democratic Party, having caucused with them and actively sought their presidential nomination in both 2016 and 2020. He is widely regarded as a leading figure in the modern American progressive movement, advocating for policies aimed at social and economic justice.

Sections (7)

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

1993: Voted against the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

In 1993, while a U.S. representative, Sanders voted against the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which established background checks and wait periods for handgun purchases.

1996: Voted against funding for CDC research on firearms

In 1996, Sanders voted against providing additional funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for research on issues related to firearms.

June 2003: Criticism of Alan Greenspan

In June 2003, Sanders criticized Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan, telling him he was concerned that he was "way out of touch" and representing the wealthy and large corporations.

2005: Voted for legislation granting gun manufacturers legal immunity

In 2005, Sanders voted for legislation that provided gun manufacturers with legal immunity against claims of negligence.

2007: Opposition to immigration reform bill

In 2007, Bernie Sanders helped kill a bill proposing comprehensive immigration reform, as he argued that its guest-worker program would lower wages for American workers.

May 2015: DNC Announces Debate Schedule

In May 2015, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced that there would be six debates. Critics suggested the debate schedule was designed to protect Hillary Clinton.

September 2015: The New York Times Coverage of Sanders

In September 2015, The New York Times' ombudsman reviewed her paper's coverage of the Sanders campaign, finding it dismissive and scanter compared to Trump's coverage.

November 15, 2015: Response to ISIL attacks in Paris

On November 15, 2015, in response to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)'s attacks in Paris, Sanders cautioned against Islamophobia, stating, "We gotta be tough, not stupid" in the war against ISIL and advocating for the continued acceptance of Syrian refugees by the U.S.

December 2015: Network Coverage of Sanders

A December 2015 report found that major networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC spent considerably less time reporting on Sanders compared to Trump, despite similar polling results.

March 2016: Sanders' Speech Not Broadcast

On March 15, 2016, during Super Tuesday III, while speeches of other candidates were broadcast in full, Sanders's rally speech in Phoenix, Arizona, was not mentioned.

July 2016: DNC Emails Leak Favoring Clinton

In July 2016, leaked DNC emails revealed officials favoring Clinton over Sanders, discussing making his irreligious tendencies a campaign issue and questioning his party loyalty. Sanders responded to the leak, calling it an outrage.

2016: Russians had communicated false information

In February 2018, Robert Mueller's investigation concluded that Russians communicated false information during the 2016 U.S. elections to help Sanders and Stein. Sanders rejected this conclusion.

June 12, 2017: Voted against legislation imposing sanctions on Russia and Iran

On June 12, 2017, Sanders voted against legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia and Iran, believing the sanctions could endanger the Iran nuclear deal.

February 2018: Mueller Investigation Concludes Russian Interference

In February 2018, Robert Mueller's investigation concluded that Russians communicated false information during the 2016 U.S. elections to help Sanders and Stein. Sanders rejected this conclusion.

October 2018: Bill to end U.S. support for Saudi-led intervention in Yemen

In October 2018, after the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, Bernie Sanders' bill to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen gained bipartisan support. The bill was later passed by the Senate with a vote of 56-41.

2018: Opposition to Trump's federal budget

In 2018, Bernie Sanders opposed the United States federal budget proposed by the Trump administration, characterizing it as a transfer of wealth to the top 1% at the expense of working families.

February 2019: Passage of Yemen War Powers Resolution in the House

In February 2019, the bill to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen, sponsored by Bernie Sanders, passed the House by a vote of 247-175.

April 6, 2019: Participated in Fox News town hall

On April 6, 2019, Bernie Sanders participated in a Fox News town hall which attracted over 2.55 million viewers, leading to controversy due to the Democratic National Committee's stance on Fox News debates. The appearance boosted Fox News viewership significantly, surpassing other Democratic candidate town halls, and by September 2019, it had garnered over 1.5 million views on YouTube.

January 2020: Criticism of drone assassination of Qasem Soleimani

In January 2020, Sanders criticized the drone assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, calling it a dangerous escalation of tensions that could lead to an expensive war.