Major Controversies Surrounding Bob Woodward: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Bob Woodward.

Bob Woodward is a highly influential American investigative journalist renowned for his work at The Washington Post, beginning in 1971. While currently holding the title of associate editor, he's not an active employee. He gained prominence for his extensive investigative reporting, particularly alongside Carl Bernstein, on the Watergate scandal, which led to numerous awards and ultimately, President Richard Nixon's resignation. Woodward has authored or co-authored numerous best-selling books focusing on American politics and presidencies, solidifying his reputation as a significant chronicler of power and decision-making within the U.S. government.

Sections (5)

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

1970: Nixon's Comments on Kent State Shooting

In 1970, President Richard Nixon made comments (later revealed by Woodward in 2019) seemingly lauding the shooting of four students at Kent State University.

1979: Post-Watergate Books Criticism

In 1979, according to Joan Didion's September 1996 essay, marked the beginning of a period where Woodward's books, following Watergate, were criticized for lacking depth and measurable cerebral activity.

September 1980: "Jimmy's World" Story Appeared

In September 1980, "Jimmy's World", a story about an eight-year-old heroin addict, appeared on the front page of The Washington Post.

April 13, 1981: Pulitzer Prize Awarded and Returned

On April 13, 1981, Janet Cooke was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for "Jimmy's World". The story was later found to be fabricated, and the Pulitzer was returned.

September 1996: Joan Didion's Criticism of Woodward

In September 1996, Joan Didion published a critical essay in The New York Review of Books, arguing that Woodward's post-Watergate books lacked depth, relied on irrelevant details, and avoided drawing conclusions. She criticized his "scrupulous passivity" and the resulting "political pornography".

1996: China's Alleged Role in Campaign Finance Controversy

In 1996, Woodward and Brian Duffy reported that a Justice Department investigation uncovered evidence that Chinese agents sought to direct contributions to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) before the 1996 presidential campaign.

June 2003: Conversation with Confidential Administration Source

After a June 2003 conversation with a confidential administration source, Woodward had later conversations with Scooter Libby and might have asked Libby further questions about Joe Wilson's wife before her employment at the CIA and her identity were publicly known.

June 2003: Learned about Plame's CIA Employment

In June 2003, a senior administration official informed Woodward that Joe Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame, worked for the CIA as a WMD analyst during a background interview for Plan of Attack.

June 2003: Apologized to Leonard Downie Jr.

Woodward apologized to Leonard Downie Jr., editor of The Washington Post, for not informing him earlier of the June 2003 conversation about Valerie Plame. Downie accepted the apology.

November 14, 2005: Woodward Deposition in Plame Case

On November 14, 2005, Woodward gave a deposition to Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald, testifying that a senior administration official told him in June 2003 that Joe Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame, worked for the CIA.

November 16, 2005: Woodward's Deposition Reported

On November 16, 2005, The Washington Post reported on Woodward's deposition, revealing his knowledge of Valerie Plame's CIA employment.

2008: Woodward's Speaking Engagements

In 2008, Woodward was giving speeches to industry lobbying groups, earning between $15,000 and $60,000, which he donated to his personal foundation. This practice was questioned due to Washington Post policy.

2012: Obama Administration Statements on Sequester

In 2012, the Obama administration made statements about the sequester that Woodward later criticized in his February 2013 column.

February 22, 2013: Published Column Criticizing Obama Administration

On February 22, 2013, Woodward published a column in The Washington Post criticizing the Obama administration's statements about the sequester.

May 4, 2019: Kent State Speech with Nixon Revelation

On May 4, 2019, Woodward's speech at Kent State University included the revelation of previously unreleased audiotape where Richard Nixon seemed to approve of the 1970 shooting of four students.

February 2023: Private Dinner with James Comer

In February 2023, James Comer alleges that Woodward confided in him at a private dinner "that everyone in DC knew that Joe allowed his family to sell access to him, but as far as he was aware, that was not illegal." Woodward has denied the allegation.

January 2025: Reported Allegation in James Comer's Book

In January 2025, The Guardian reported that in James Comer's upcoming book, "All the President's Money", Comer alleges that Woodward confided in him at a private dinner that everyone in DC knew that Joe allowed his family to sell access to him, but as far as he was aware, that was not illegal.