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 renowned American investigative journalist, famous for his work at The Washington Post since 1971. Though not currently employed by the Post, he holds the title of associate editor. He is best known for his investigative reporting, particularly on the Watergate scandal alongside Carl Bernstein, which significantly contributed to Richard Nixon's resignation. Woodward has authored or co-authored numerous best-selling books, often focusing on American presidents and political events, consistently shaping public understanding of government and power.
1970: Nixon's comment on Kent State shooting
In 1970, Richard Nixon made controversial comments, later revealed in a May 4, 2019 speech by Woodward, seemingly praising the shooting of students at Kent State, which sparked outrage and debate.
September 1980: "Jimmy's World" Story Published
In September 1980, The Washington Post published Janet Cooke's "Jimmy's World" story, a profile of an eight-year-old heroin addict. Woodward, as assistant managing editor, defended the story's veracity.
April 13, 1981: Pulitzer Prize Awarded and Revoked
On April 13, 1981, Janet Cooke was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for "Jimmy's World". The story was then found to be a fabrication, and the Pulitzer was returned, resulting in significant controversy for The Washington Post and Woodward.
September 1996: Joan Didion's Criticism
In September 1996, Joan Didion published a comprehensive critique of Woodward's work in The New York Review of Books, questioning his conclusions and analytical depth.
1996: Report on Chinese Campaign Finance Controversy
In 1996, Woodward and Brian Duffy published a story detailing a United States Department of Justice investigation into the 1996 United States campaign finance controversy, alleging Chinese agents sought to direct contributions to the Democratic National Committee.
June 2003: Apology to Leonard Downie Jr.
In June 2003, Woodward apologized to Leonard Downie Jr., editor of The Washington Post, for not informing him earlier about the conversation where he learned about Valerie Plame's CIA employment.
June 2003: Learned about Valerie Plame's CIA Employment
In June 2003, Woodward learned from a senior administration official that Joe Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame, worked for the CIA. He appears to have been the first reporter to learn about her employment from a government source.
November 14, 2005: Woodward Gives Deposition
On November 14, 2005, Woodward gave a two-hour deposition to Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald regarding the Valerie Plame affair, revealing he had learned about Plame's CIA employment in June 2003.
November 16, 2005: Deposition Reported in The Washington Post
On November 16, 2005, The Washington Post reported on Woodward's deposition to Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald, marking the first time Woodward publicly revealed his special knowledge about the Valerie Plame case.
2008: Woodward's Speaking Engagements
In 2008, Bob Woodward was giving speeches to industry lobbying groups, earning between $15,000 to $60,000 per engagement which he donated to his personal foundation. This raised questions about Washington Post's policy on speaking engagements.
2012: Obama Administration Statements on Sequester
In 2012, the Obama Administration made statements regarding the sequester, which Woodward later criticized in his February 22, 2013 column.
February 22, 2013: Column Criticizing Obama Administration
On February 22, 2013, The Washington Post published a column by Woodward criticizing the Obama administration's statements about the origin of the budget sequester.
May 4, 2019: Speech at Kent State University
On May 4, 2019, Woodward's speech at Kent State University revealed previously unreleased audiotape of Richard Nixon seemingly praising the 1970 shooting of students, creating a significant and controversial moment.
February 2023: Private Dinner with James Comer
In February 2023, Woodward allegedly confided to James Comer 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."
January 2025: Comer's Allegation Reported
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. Woodward has denied the allegation.
