Major Controversies Surrounding Dennis Prager: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2026

Public opinion and media debates around Dennis Prager—discover key moments of controversy.

Dennis Prager is a prominent American conservative radio talk show host and writer known for his traditional values stance. He hosts "The Dennis Prager Show," a nationally syndicated radio program where he discusses political, cultural, and religious issues from a conservative perspective. He co-founded PragerU, an organization that creates videos promoting conservative viewpoints and advocating for capitalism. His work aims to influence public opinion and promote conservative ideology through various media platforms.

Sections (4)

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

1990: Wrote essay on Judaism and homosexuality

In 1990, Dennis Prager wrote an essay called "Judaism, Homosexuality and Civilization" arguing against normalizing homosexuality in the Jewish community.

1994: Criticized ADL report on antisemitism

In 1994, Dennis Prager criticized the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and its report on antisemitism in the Christian right movement.

1995: Criticized Baby Richard case decision

In 1995, Dennis Prager criticized the Illinois Supreme Court decision in the Baby Richard case. He held a "Rally for Baby Richard" with KABC, where he got support from actors Priscilla Presley, Tom Selleck, and John McCook.

1996: Testified in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act

In 1996, Dennis Prager testified in Congress in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act. He also worked with Bob Dole's campaign in the 1996 presidential election.

2006: Criticized Keith Ellison

In 2006, Dennis Prager criticized Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, for announcing that he would use the Quran for the reenactment of his swearing in ceremony.

2009: Opposed Affordable Care Act

In 2009, Dennis Prager joined other Salem Radio Network hosts to oppose the Affordable Care Act.

2014: Made comments on same-sex marriage and AIDS

In 2014, Dennis Prager wrote that if same-sex marriage were to be nationally legalized, then there is no plausible argument for denying polygamous relationships. He also said that the "heterosexual AIDS" crisis was something "entirely manufactured by the Left" in 2014.

2017: Invited as guest conductor

In 2017, Dennis Prager was invited to be a guest conductor for the volunteer orchestra of Santa Monica, California, as part of a fundraising concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Some orchestra members protested the invitation.

2017: Videos had viewer access restricted by YouTube

In 2017, some of PragerU's videos had viewer access restricted by YouTube.

April 2020: Called COVID-19 lockdowns 'the greatest mistake'

In April 2020, Dennis Prager called the COVID-19 lockdowns "the greatest mistake in the history of humanity." His views were criticized in The New York Times.

December 2020: Claimed Sweden proved lockdowns were useless

In December 2020, a fact check found false Dennis Prager's claim that Sweden's response to COVID-19 proved lockdowns were useless, as Sweden had higher rates of COVID infection and mortality than other Scandinavian countries.

November 2021: Argued about 'irrational fears' about unvaccinated people

In a November 2021 Newsmax interview, Dennis Prager argued that "irrational fears" about people not vaccinated against COVID-19 had wrongly made them "the pariahs of America as I have not seen in my lifetime," more than gay men and intravenous drug users during the AIDS crisis. He also called concerns about climate change "idiotic" and "irrational".