Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Frederica Wilson

Updated: May 29, 2026

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Frederica Wilson.

Frederica Wilson is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Representative for Florida's 24th congressional district since 2011. Her district encompasses a significant portion of eastern Miami-Dade County, including many of Miami's majority-black communities. Wilson is noted for her political career in Congress and for gaining national recognition in 2012 following her public remarks regarding the death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African American teenager shot in Sanford, Florida.

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

2011: Opposed the Tea Party

In 2011, Frederica Wilson vocally opposed the Tea Party, telling citizens at a Miami town hall meeting that the Tea Party is the real enemy and holds Congress hostage with the goal to make President Obama a one-term president.

March 2012: Accused George Zimmerman of racism

In March 2012, Frederica Wilson took a vocal stance on the death of Trayvon Martin. She suggested that George Zimmerman had "hunted" Martin based simply on his race and that Zimmerman should be arrested for his own safety.

March 2012: Called for Zimmerman's arrest.

In March 2012, Wilson called the death of Trayvon Martin a "classic example of racial profiling quickly followed by murder", and called for Zimmerman to be arrested.

April 1, 2012: Organized a rally for Zimmerman's imprisonment

On April 1, 2012, Wilson organized a rally in Miami calling for Zimmerman's imprisonment.

April 2012: Stated that Martin's death was murder

In April 2012, Wilson stated that Martin's death was "definitely" murder.

2012: Gained national attention for comments on Trayvon Martin's death

In 2012, Frederica Wilson gained national attention for her comments on the death of Trayvon Martin.

July 13, 2013: Zimmerman acquitted of charges

On July 13, 2013, a jury acquitted Zimmerman of the charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter.

2015: FBI field office dedication in Miami

In 2015, Wilson attended the dedication of an FBI field office in Miami, which Kelly cited as an example of her "politicizing what should be sacred moments".

October 16, 2017: President Trump called Johnson's widow

On October 16, 2017, President Donald Trump called Sergeant La David Johnson's widow while she was on the way to Miami International Airport for the arrival of Johnson's remains. Wilson was present during the phone call. She later reported that Trump had made insensitive remarks.

October 19, 2017: White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly's press briefing

On October 19, 2017, White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly gave a press briefing at the White House, defending Trump's comments and attacking Wilson for listening to the phone call with the widow of Sergeant La David Johnson.