Major Controversies Surrounding Harold Ford Jr.: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 21, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Harold Ford Jr..

Harold Eugene Ford Jr. is an American financial managing director, pundit, author, and former U.S. Congressman. He represented Tennessee's 9th congressional district as a Democrat from 1997 to 2007. Part of the Ford political family of Memphis, he succeeded his father, Harold Ford Sr., in the House. In 2006, he unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate. He also served as the last chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC).

Sections (4)

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

November 1999: Vote in favor of Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act

In November 1999, Harold Ford Jr. voted in favor of the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act, which repealed much of the Glass–Steagall Act of 1933.

October 10, 2002: Vote to Authorize Invasion of Iraq

On October 10, 2002, Harold Ford Jr. was among the 81 House Democrats who voted in favor of authorizing the invasion of Iraq.

June 7, 2005: Article on Privately Funded Trips

On June 7, 2005, The Washington Times reported that from 1998 to 2003, Harold Ford Jr. took 61 privately funded trips but didn't file travel disclosure forms until August 2003.

November 2005: House Floor Incident

In November 2005, Harold Ford Jr. charged across the House floor towards Republican Congresswoman Jean Schmidt during an uproar, shouting in defense of John Murtha after Schmidt's remarks. He had to be restrained by Dave Obey.

October 2006: Controversial Ads Aired

In October 2006, the Republican Party ran radio and television ads against Harold Ford Jr. that were characterized as racist. One ad featured "jungle drums," and another featured a woman referencing "the Playboy party."

February 5, 2010: Gillibrand questions Ford's bonuses from Bank of America

On February 5, 2010, Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference questioning whether Harold Ford Jr., as an executive of Merrill Lynch, received taxpayer-backed bonuses from Bank of America, which stemmed from the federal bailout. New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio endorsed her candidacy at the conference.

January 2018: Legal Settlement with Morgan Stanley

In January 2018, The New York Times reported that Harold Ford Jr. reached a legal settlement with Morgan Stanley following erroneous reports of his firing for sexual misconduct in late 2017.