History of Jesse Ventura in Timeline
"Jesse Ventura, an American politician, actor, and former professional wrestler, rose to fame in the World Wrestling Federation. His political career peaked when he was elected the 38th governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003, representing the Reform Party."
July 15, 1951: Birth of Jesse Ventura
On July 15, 1951, James George Janos, later known as Jesse Ventura, was born.
December 1, 1969: Ventura Enlists in Navy
Jesse Ventura's service in the United States Navy began on December 1, 1969.
1969: Ventura Graduates High School
Jesse Ventura graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1969.
December 1970: Ventura Graduates BUD/S Class 58
Jesse Ventura graduated Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) class 58 in December 1970.
1974: Ventura Leaves the Mongols Motorcycle Club
In 1974, Jesse Ventura left the Mongols Motorcycle Club.
July 18, 1975: Ventura Marries Terry
Jesse Ventura married his wife, Terry, on July 18, 1975.
September 10, 1975: Ventura Leaves Navy
Jesse Ventura's service in the Navy ended on September 10, 1975.
1975: Ventura Begins Wrestling Career
Jesse Ventura began his professional wrestling career in 1975.
1975: Ventura Debuts in Central States Territory
Jesse Ventura made his wrestling debut in 1975 in the Central States territory.
1979: Ventura and Adonis Form "East-West Connection"
The wrestling duo "East-West Connection", consisting of Jesse Ventura and Adrian Adonis, was formed in 1979.
July 20, 1980: Ventura and Adonis Win AWA World Tag Team Championship
On July 20, 1980, Jesse Ventura and Adrian Adonis won the AWA World Tag Team Championship.
1980: Ventura's Early Political Independence
Ventura has described himself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal. He recalls his first act of political independence was when he voted for John Anderson in the 1980 presidential election.
1983: UDTs Disbanded and Operators Retrained as SEALs
The UDTs were disbanded in 1983, eight years after Ventura left the Navy. Former UDT operators underwent retraining and were reassigned as SEALs.
September 1984: Ventura Forced to Retire from Wrestling
In September 1984, Jesse Ventura was forced to retire from wrestling due to blood clots in his lungs.
December 1985: Ventura Participates in Six-Man Tag-Team Match
Jesse Ventura participated in a six-man tag-team wrestling match in December 1985.
1985: Ventura Returns to the Ring
Jesse Ventura returned to wrestling in 1985 after a brief retirement.
1986: Ventura Retires from Wrestling
In 1986, Jesse Ventura retired from professional wrestling.
1987: Acting Debut in "Predator"
Ventura began his acting career with a role in the film "Predator" in 1987, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
1987: Royalty Rights Waived
While negotiating his WWF commentator contract in 1987, Ventura waived his rights to royalties from videotape sales based on false information.
1988: WWF Commentator and "The Body Shop" Host
In 1988, Ventura hosted a talk segment called "The Body Shop" on WWF's All Star Wrestling and became a color commentator for the network, eventually co-hosting major events like Saturday Night's Main Event and WrestleMania.
1989: Co-Hosting "Record Breakers: World of Speed"
Ventura co-hosted four episodes of the children's program "Record Breakers: World of Speed" with Gary Apple in 1989.
August 1990: Departure from WWF
Ventura left the WWF in August 1990 after a disagreement with McMahon concerning the use of his image. This followed an earlier incident in 1986 where Ventura attempted to form a labor union.
1990: Ventura Runs for Mayor
In 1990, after leaving the WWF, Jesse Ventura decided to run for mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, following a suggestion from a former high school teacher.
1990: Starring Role in "Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe"
Ventura landed a leading role in the science fiction film "Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe", released in 1990.
November 1991: Lawsuit Against Titan Sports
In November 1991, Ventura sued Titan Sports for royalties he was denied, claiming fraud and misappropriation of his publicity rights. He ultimately won the lawsuit.
1991: Ventura Becomes Mayor
Jesse Ventura was elected mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, in 1991, defeating the incumbent mayor who had served for 18 years.
1991: Ventura Elected Mayor of Brooklyn Park
Jesse Ventura's political career began in 1991 when he was elected mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
1991: Pilot Episode of "Tag Team"
Ventura and Roddy Piper starred in the pilot episode of "Tag Team" in 1991, a television program about former wrestlers turned police officers.
1991: Appearance in "Zorro"
Ventura appeared in two episodes of the television series "Zorro" in 1991, filmed in Madrid, Spain.
February 1992: Joining WCW
Ventura started working as a commentator for World Championship Wrestling in February 1992.
July 1994: Departure from WCW
Ventura was let go from WCW in July 1994, officially for allegedly sleeping during a taping, though Hogan's recent arrival fueled speculation about other possible reasons.
1994: End of Friendship with Hogan
Ventura ended his friendship with Hogan in 1994 after learning that Hogan had informed McMahon about Ventura's attempt to start a labor union in 1986.
1995: Ventura's Tenure as Mayor Ends
Jesse Ventura's term as mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, concluded in 1995.
1995: Radio Call-in Shows
Ventura started hosting radio call-in shows on KFAN 1130 and KSTP 1500 in Minneapolis-Saint Paul in 1995.
1995: Legal Victory and its Impact
Ventura's legal victory in 1995 set a precedent in restitution law, but led to the removal of his commentary from most WWE Home Video releases.
November 1998: Ventura Elected Governor of Minnesota
Jesse Ventura pulled off a surprise victory in November 1998, becoming the governor of Minnesota. He defeated both the Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidates, marking a significant upset. Ventura's win was seen as a rejection of traditional politics, and his victory speech famously included the line, "We shocked the world!" His win sparked merchandise with slogans like "My governor can beat up your governor." Ventura's past as a wrestler and his unconventional approach led to nicknames like "Jesse 'The Mind'" and "Jesse 'The Governing Body'."
1998: Ventura Defeats Coleman in Gubernatorial Election
In 1998, Jesse Ventura emerged victorious in the Minnesota gubernatorial election, defeating Republican candidate Norm Coleman. This election marked a significant moment in Ventura's political career, establishing his ability to challenge and defeat established political figures.
1998: Ventura's Gubernatorial Campaign
In 1998, Jesse Ventura launched his campaign for governor of Minnesota as the Reform Party of Minnesota nominee. His campaign was characterized by grassroots events and unconventional TV ads that carried the tagline "Don't vote for politics as usual." Notably, Ventura utilized the internet as a key tool to connect with voters, a novel approach for political campaigns at the time.
1998: Ventura Runs for Governor of Minnesota
In 1998, Jesse Ventura ran for governor of Minnesota as the Reform Party candidate.
1998: End of Radio Shows
Ventura's radio call-in shows on KFAN 1130 and KSTP 1500 in Minneapolis-Saint Paul ended in 1998.
1999: Ventura's Religious Beliefs
In 1999, Jesse Ventura gave a series of interviews where he discussed his evolving views on religion. He stated he was raised Lutheran but now identified as an atheist and criticized organized religion.
1999: Ventura Elected Governor of Minnesota
In 1999, Jesse Ventura was elected the 38th governor of Minnesota as a member of the Reform Party.
1999: Refereeing WWF SummerSlam Match
In 1999, Ventura served as a referee for a WWF SummerSlam match, a move that drew criticism from those who saw it as profiting from his political position.
1999: Recall Petition Against Ventura Dismissed
In 1999, a group of citizens unhappy with Jesse Ventura's governorship launched a petition to recall him from office. Their grievances included allegations of misusing state resources by using security personnel for personal book promotion. However, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Minnesota dismissed the petition, deeming it legally insufficient as it failed to demonstrate any violation of Minnesota law.
1999: Special Guest Referee
In 1999, while Governor of Minnesota, Ventura served as the special guest referee for the SummerSlam main event held in Minneapolis.
1999: Ventura's Autobiography Sparks Presidential Speculation
In his 1999 autobiography, "I Ain't Got Time to Bleed," Jesse Ventura hinted at the possibility of a presidential run, stating that while he wasn't actively planning one, he wasn't ruling it out either.
1999: Appearance on "The Young and the Restless"
Ventura made a brief appearance on the television soap opera "The Young and the Restless" in 1999.
1999: Ventura Begins Term with Budget Surplus
When Jesse Ventura assumed office as governor of Minnesota in 1999, the state had a budget surplus of $3 billion.
2000: Minnesota's Capital Gain High
In 2000, Minnesota experienced a significant capital gain, reaching $9 billion.
June 4, 2001: Appearance on Raw
On June 4, 2001, Ventura made an appearance on Raw, seemingly overruling McMahon to sanction a WWF Championship match.
2001: Minnesota's Capital Gain Drops
By 2001, Minnesota's capital gain had fallen significantly to $4 billion, a drop that drew criticism and raised concerns about the state's budget management under Governor Jesse Ventura.
2001: Ventura Makes Controversial Statement about Hunting
In 2001, Jesse Ventura was criticized for saying "Until you have hunted men, you haven't hunted yet" in an interview.
2001: Television Analyst for the XFL
Ventura worked as a television analyst for the XFL football league during its single season in 2001.
July 4, 2002: Indivisible Day Proclamation
As governor, Ventura demonstrated his commitment to inclusivity by declaring July 4, 2002, as "Indivisible Day." This proclamation aimed to promote equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
October 25, 2002: Ventura Expresses Displeasure Over Wellstone Memorial
Jesse Ventura was deeply critical of the events that unfolded at the 2002 memorial service for Senator Paul Wellstone, his family, and others who tragically died in a plane crash on October 25, 2002. He felt that the memorial had been inappropriately politicized, stating, "I feel used. I feel violated and duped over the fact that the memorial ceremony turned into a political rally." Ventura's dissatisfaction was so strong that he chose to leave the event before its conclusion.
2002: Ventura Declines to Seek Re-election
Following a trade mission to China in 2002, Jesse Ventura made the unexpected announcement that he would not pursue a second term as governor. He cited a diminished sense of commitment to the role and expressed frustration with the media's intense focus on his personal life and beliefs, which he felt overshadowed his policy work.
2002: Ventura Hospitalized for Blood Clot
In 2002, Jesse Ventura was hospitalized due to a severe blood clot in his lungs, a medical issue that had also contributed to the end of his wrestling career.
2002: Ventura Criticizes US Embargo on Cuba
While on a trade mission to Cuba in the summer of 2002, Jesse Ventura openly criticized the United States' embargo against Cuba. He argued that the embargo had a disproportionately negative impact on the Cuban people rather than its government.
January 6, 2003: Ventura Succeeded by Tim Pawlenty
Ventura's term as governor ended, and he was succeeded by Republican Tim Pawlenty on January 6, 2003.
January 2003: Ventura's Senate Appointee Concludes Term
Dean Barkley's tenure as the appointed successor to Senator Paul Wellstone's seat in Minnesota came to an end in January 2003. Barkley had been appointed by Governor Jesse Ventura to temporarily fill the vacancy created by Wellstone's death until the end of Wellstone's term.
March 20, 2003: SmackDown! Interview
Ventura appeared in a pre-recorded interview on March 20, 2003, episode of SmackDown!, discussing the upcoming WrestleMania XIX match between McMahon and Hogan.
2003: Ventura Becomes Visiting Fellow at Harvard
After leaving office in 2003, Jesse Ventura became a visiting fellow at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
2003: Ventura Leaves Office with Budget Deficit
As Jesse Ventura's term as governor of Minnesota ended in 2003, the state faced a budget deficit of $4.2 billion, a stark contrast to the $3 billion surplus that existed when he first took office in 1999. This shift from surplus to deficit attracted national attention and raised questions about Ventura's fiscal policies.
2003: Ventura Remains Politically Active
Despite not holding public office after his term as governor concluded in 2003, Jesse Ventura maintained an active presence in the political sphere, occasionally hinting at a potential return to office.
2003: Ventura Expresses Presidential Interest
Jesse Ventura publicly expressed interest in pursuing a presidential bid in 2003 while accepting an award from the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Newton, Iowa, further fueling speculation about his political ambitions.
2003: Ventura Leaves Office
Jesse Ventura's term as governor of Minnesota ended in 2003.
March 13, 2004: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
Ventura was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on March 13, 2004.
October 22, 2004: Ventura Supports John Kerry Through Angus King
Ventura showed his support for John Kerry's presidential campaign indirectly. He appeared alongside former Maine Governor Angus King, who publicly endorsed Kerry. Ventura himself did not make a statement to avoid the Minnesota press.
November 2004: Ventura Opposes Schwarzenegger's Policies
Ventura appeared in a California advertisement in November 2004, criticizing then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's policies concerning Native American casinos. He also became an advisory board member for Operation Truth, a non-profit advocating for National Guard members' rights.
2004: Ventura Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame
Jesse Ventura was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
2004: Tyrel Ventura Inducts Father into WWE Hall of Fame
Jesse Ventura's son, Tyrel, had the honor of inducting him into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
August 2005: Ventura Becomes Spokesperson for BetUS
In August 2005, Ventura took on the role of spokesperson for BetUS, an online sports betting company.
2006: Alleged Bar Fight Between Ventura and Chris Kyle
According to Chris Kyle's account, he punched Jesse Ventura at a bar in Coronado, California in 2006. Kyle claimed that Ventura was being disrespectful towards fallen SEALs in the presence of their families. Ventura refuted these claims, denying the incident ever occurred.
April 1, 2008: Release of "Don't Start the Revolution Without Me"
Ventura released his book "Don't Start the Revolution Without Me" on April 1, 2008. The book portrays a fictional presidential campaign by Ventura in 2008. He denied any real-life plans for a presidential bid, stating it was purely imaginary. In the book, he explains his departure from politics, criticizes the Iraq War, shares his views on the two-party system, and reveals a conversation with Fidel Castro about JFK's assassination.
April 7, 2008: Ventura Considers Senate Run
In an interview with CNN's The Situation Room on April 7, 2008, Jesse Ventura revealed that he was contemplating entering the race for the United States Senate seat held by Norm Coleman, his former opponent in the 1998 Minnesota gubernatorial election. Ventura's potential candidacy generated interest, with a Fox 9 poll indicating he could secure 24% of the vote in a hypothetical three-way race against Coleman and Democratic candidate Al Franken.
May 2008: Ventura Voices Concerns about 9/11
In May 2008, Ventura expressed concerns over unanswered questions surrounding the 9/11 attacks during radio interviews promoting his book "Don't Start the Revolution Without Me." His remarks, suggesting the World Trade Center's collapse could have been caused by explosives, garnered significant media attention.
July 14, 2008: Ventura Decides Against Senate Run
On July 14, 2008, during an appearance on Larry King Live, Jesse Ventura announced his decision not to run for the United States Senate, citing concerns for his family's privacy as a significant factor in his choice. The seat he had considered running for was eventually won by Al Franken.
September 2, 2008: Ventura Speaks at Ron Paul Rally
On September 2, 2008, Jesse Ventura made an appearance at Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul's "Rally for the Republic," which was organized by the Campaign for Liberty. In his speech, Ventura hinted at a potential future presidential run, suggesting that if he sensed public desire for change, "in 2012 we'll give them a race they'll never forget!" His words fueled anticipation among supporters who saw him as a potential challenger to the status quo.
2008: Political Aspirations
During his appearance at WrestleMania XX, Ventura hinted at a possible return to politics, suggesting a wrestler should run for president in 2008.
2008: Ventura Receives Titanium Hip Replacement
In 2008, Jesse Ventura underwent surgery for a titanium hip replacement.
2008: Role in "Woodshop"
Ventura appeared in the independent comedy film "Woodshop" in 2008, playing the role of Mr. Madson, a high school shop teacher.
May 11, 2009: Ventura Criticizes George W. Bush on Larry King Live
On May 11, 2009, during an interview on Larry King Live, Ventura twice labeled George W. Bush as the worst president in his lifetime. He cited the state of the economy and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as reasons for his assessment.
May 18, 2009: Ventura's Comments to Sean Hannity about 9/11
On May 18, 2009, Ventura suggested on Fox News that the George W. Bush administration had received memos on August 6th that detailed Osama bin Laden's plans for the September 11 attacks.
November 23, 2009: Guest Hosting Raw
Ventura returned to his heel persona as guest host on the November 23, 2009 episode of Raw, siding with Sheamus against John Cena and leading to a Table match at TLC.
December 2009: Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura
TruTV premiered "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" in December 2009, a show where Ventura investigates conspiracies, gathering insights from believers and skeptics before drawing his conclusions. The first episode garnered 1.6 million viewers, setting a new series record for the network.
2009: "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" Premiere
TruTV launched the television series "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" in 2009.
September 7, 2010: Release of "Woodshop"
The independent comedy film "Woodshop", starring Ventura as a high school shop teacher, was released on September 7, 2010.
October 2010: Religion as a Source of Conflict
Ventura shared his views on religion during an October 2010 CNN interview, where he characterized it as the "root of all evil" and pointed to its role in historical conflicts.
2010: Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura (Season 2)
Following the success of its first season, "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" returned for a second season in 2010.
January 2011: Ventura Sues TSA over Pat-Down Policy
Ventura filed a lawsuit against the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in January 2011. He alleged that the TSA's new pat-down policy violated the Fourth Amendment rights of citizens and sought an injunction to prevent the TSA from subjecting him to these procedures. This was due to his 2008 titanium hip replacement, which triggered metal detectors at airports.
April 9, 2011: Ventura Shares 9/11 Theory with Piers Morgan
Ventura shared his theory on the September 11 attacks with CNN's Piers Morgan on April 9, 2011. He suggested that the US government had prior knowledge of the attacks and allowed them to happen to advance their agenda in the Middle East.
April 2011: Atheism and Politics
During an appearance on The Howard Stern Show in April 2011, Ventura declared himself an atheist and suggested that his lack of religious belief could hinder future political aspirations.
November 4, 2011: Ventura Considers 2012 Presidential Run
During a press conference on November 4, 2011, concerning his lawsuit against the Transportation Security Administration, Jesse Ventura revealed that he was contemplating a run for president in the 2012 election. He was reportedly approached by Libertarian Party officials to run on their ticket, but expressed greater interest in a potential 2016 bid. There were suggestions that he would consider running as Ron Paul's vice president in 2012, potentially paving the way for his own presidential run in 2016.
November 2011: ZDNet Article on Ventura's Potential Candidacy
In November 2011, David Gewirtz wrote an article on ZDNet suggesting Ventura could win a presidential election if he launched a serious campaign. However, he also noted it would be challenging.
November 2011: Ventura's Lawsuit Dismissed; Criticizes U.S. Government
The U.S. district court dismissed Ventura's lawsuit against the TSA in November 2011, citing a lack of jurisdiction. Following the ruling, Ventura held a press conference where he harshly criticized the federal judges, expressed his disillusionment with the United States, and declared his intention to never fly commercially again and to seek Mexican citizenship.
December 29, 2011: Ventura Endorses Ron Paul for President
Ventura publicly endorsed Ron Paul for the 2012 presidential election on December 29, 2011, stating his belief that Paul was the only anti-war candidate.
January 2012: Ventura Sues Chris Kyle for Defamation
After Chris Kyle refused to retract his allegations of the bar fight, Ventura filed a defamation lawsuit against him in federal court in January 2012.
January 2012: Ventura Denies Chris Kyle's Allegations of Bar Fight
Former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, in a January 2012 interview, alleged that he punched Ventura in 2006 at a bar in Coronado, California, during a wake for a fallen SEAL. Kyle claimed Ventura was loudly voicing opposition to the Iraq War. Ventura denied the incident ever took place.
May 2012: Ventura Switches Support to Gary Johnson
After Mitt Romney secured the Republican nomination in May 2012, Ventura shifted his support to Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson.
June 11, 2012: DemoCRIPS and ReBLOODlicans: No More Gangs in Government
Published on June 11, 2012, Jesse Ventura's book "DemoCRIPS and ReBLOODlicans: No More Gangs in Government", criticizes the two-party system and advocates for the abolishment of political parties.
June 12, 2012: Ventura Officially Endorses Gary Johnson
On June 12, 2012, Ventura officially announced his endorsement for Gary Johnson, encouraging voters to "rebel" against the two-party system.
August 2012: Conflicting Accounts in Ventura-Kyle Lawsuit
In August 2012, the Ventura-Kyle lawsuit saw conflicting accounts emerge. While several former SEALs corroborated Kyle's version of events, Bill DeWitt, a close friend of Ventura and a former SEAL present at the bar, maintained that no confrontation occurred between Ventura and Kyle.
September 2012: Ventura Opposes Same-Sex Marriage Ban
Ventura and his wife appeared in an advertisement in September 2012, urging Minnesota voters to reject a referendum seeking to ban same-sex marriage. The referendum was ultimately defeated.
2012: Ventura Reveals Origin of Nickname
During a 2012 interview, Jesse Ventura revealed he was given the nickname "the Body" by Verne Gagne.
2012: Ventura Considers Running with Ron Paul
In 2012, Jesse Ventura expressed interest in joining forces with Ron Paul for the presidential election if Paul decided to run as an independent candidate. This potential partnership sparked considerable interest, as it combined Paul's libertarian following with Ventura's appeal as a political outsider.
2012: Ventura Voices Support for Gay Rights
In 2012, during a discussion about a proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples, Jesse Ventura expressed his strong support for gay rights, including marriage equality and the right to serve in the military.
2012: Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura (Season 3)
The third season of "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" aired in 2012.
2012: End of "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura"
TruTV aired the final episode of "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" in 2012 after three seasons.
2012: Ventura Endorses Angus King for Senate
Ventura endorsed Angus King for the open Senate seat in Maine in 2012. King went on to win the election.
2012: Guest Appearance on "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
Ventura made a guest appearance in an episode of the rebooted "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" animated series on Nickelodeon in 2012.
2013: Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura Discontinued
After three seasons, TruTV discontinued "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" in 2013. However, reruns of the show continued to be broadcast internationally.
2013: Chris Kyle Murdered; Ventura Continues Lawsuit Against Estate
Chris Kyle was killed in an unrelated incident in 2013 while the lawsuit with Ventura was ongoing. Ventura subsequently named Taya Kyle, Chris Kyle's widow and executor of his estate, as the defendant in the lawsuit.
2013: Announcement of "Jesse Ventura: Uncensored"
Ventura announced his new show, "Jesse Ventura: Uncensored", in 2013.
January 27, 2014: Launch of "Jesse Ventura: Uncensored"
Ventura's new show, "Jesse Ventura: Uncensored", premiered on January 27, 2014, on Ora TV.
July 2014: Ventura Wins Defamation Lawsuit Against Kyle Estate
A jury ruled in favor of Ventura in the defamation case against Chris Kyle's estate in July 2014, awarding Ventura $1.85 million in damages.
July 31, 2014: We The People Podcast Launch
Jesse Ventura debuted his weekly podcast, "We The People," on July 31, 2014, on the Carolla Digital network.
August 2014: Judge Upholds Ventura's Award in Kyle Lawsuit
U.S. District Judge Richard H. Kyle upheld the jury's decision in August 2014, finding the awarded damages to be justified based on the evidence presented.
September 2014: Ventura Inducted into Roosevelt High School Hall of Fame
Jesse Ventura was inducted into his alma mater Roosevelt High School's hall of fame in September 2014.
November 2014: Court Denies Kyle Estate's Motions for Relief
The district court denied motions from Chris Kyle's estate seeking either a judgment as a matter of law or a new trial in November 2014.
December 2014: Ventura Sues HarperCollins over "American Sniper" Statement
Ventura filed a lawsuit against HarperCollins, the publisher of "American Sniper," in December 2014, over the same statement about the bar fight that was part of his lawsuit against Chris Kyle's estate.
March 4, 2015: We The People Podcast Ends
Jesse Ventura's podcast, "We The People," concluded on March 4, 2015.
October 2015: Oral Arguments Heard in Ventura-Kyle Appeal
Oral arguments in the appeal of the Ventura-Kyle lawsuit took place in October 2015.
2015: Ventura Considers Presidential Run, Endorses Johnson
Ventura considered running for president as a Libertarian in 2015 but ultimately decided against it. He endorsed Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, as a viable alternative.
June 13, 2016: Appeals Court Partially Overturns Ventura's Victory
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit vacated and reversed the unjust-enrichment judgment on June 13, 2016, ordering a new trial for the defamation judgment.
September 6, 2016: Jesse Ventura's Marijuana Manifesto
On September 6, 2016, Jesse Ventura released "Jesse Ventura's Marijuana Manifesto", a book advocating for the legalization of cannabis. The book also delves into the various interest groups that profit from its criminalization.
2016: Ventura's Interest in Vice Presidency and Endorsement of Stein
In 2016, Ventura expressed interest in being the running mate for Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders. While his endorsement for Sanders was declined, he officially backed Gary Johnson but ultimately voted for Jill Stein.
2016: Ventura Hints at 2016 Presidential Run
Jesse Ventura's interest in a potential 2016 presidential run was widely speculated upon, with reports suggesting he saw it as a strategic move following a potential vice-presidential run alongside Ron Paul in 2012. His unconventional political style and outsider status continued to intrigue voters, making a 2016 bid a subject of much discussion.
2016: End of "Off the Grid"
Ventura's show, renamed "Off the Grid", concluded its run on Ora TV in 2016.
January 2017: Supreme Court Declines to Hear Ventura's Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Ventura's appeal regarding the defamation lawsuit against Chris Kyle's estate in January 2017.
December 2017: Ventura Settles with HarperCollins, Drops Lawsuits
Jesse Ventura reached a settlement with HarperCollins in December 2017, the terms of which were not disclosed. Following the settlement, Ventura dropped his lawsuit against both the publisher and Chris Kyle's estate.
2017: Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura Still Airs Internationally
As of 2017, despite its cancellation, "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" continued to be broadcast on satellite TV worldwide.
2017: Hosting "The World According to Jesse"
Ventura became the host of the show "The World According to Jesse" on RT America in 2017.
November 2018: Ventura Testifies for Mongols Motorcycle Club
Jesse Ventura testified as an expert witness on behalf of the Mongols Motorcycle Club in November 2018.
April 2020: Ventura Endorses Green Party
In late April 2020, Jesse Ventura endorsed the Green Party for the 2020 presidential election.
April 27, 2020: Ventura Submits Letter of Interest to Green Party
On April 27, 2020, Ventura took the first step towards a presidential nomination by sending a letter of interest to the Green Party Presidential Support Committee.
2020: Ventura Receives Votes at Green National Convention and Runs in Alaska
In the 2020 election, Ventura decided to write in his own name for president while supporting other Green Party candidates. He received seven delegate votes at the Green National Convention. The Green Party of Alaska nominated him for president, and he received 0.7% of the state's popular vote.
2020: Ventura Expresses Interest in 2020 Presidential Run
Ventura showed interest in running for president again in 2020, but only as a Green Party candidate. He believed his wrestling background would give him an advantage over Donald Trump.
March 3, 2022: Closure of RT America
RT America, along with Ventura's show "The World According to Jesse," ceased broadcasting on March 3, 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
March 2022: End of "The World According to Jesse"
Ventura's show "The World According to Jesse" on RT America ended in March 2022, when the network suspended programming from its production partner, Ora TV, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
October 2022: Ventura Endorses Tim Walz for Governor
Ventura endorsed incumbent Governor Tim Walz in October 2022 for his re-election bid. He praised Walz's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, protection of women's rights, and defense of democracy.
March 2024: Ventura Considered for Vice President by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
After publicly endorsing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential campaign, Ventura was shortlisted as a potential running mate in March 2024.
August 2024: Ventura Endorses Kamala Harris
On August 10, 2024, Ventura endorsed Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election.
