Major Controversies Surrounding John Kerry: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to John Kerry.

John Forbes Kerry is an American politician and diplomat, notable for serving as the 68th United States Secretary of State under President Barack Obama and as a U.S. Senator representing Massachusetts for nearly three decades. He was the Democratic nominee for President in 2004, ultimately losing to George W. Bush. More recently, Kerry served as the first U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, highlighting his continued involvement in significant political and environmental issues on a global scale.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

April 22, 1971: Kerry Appears Before U.S. Senate Committee and Throws Medals in Protest

On April 22, 1971, John Kerry appeared before a U.S. Senate committee regarding proposals to end the Vietnam War. The day after, he joined thousands of veterans in a demonstration at the United States Capitol, throwing his and other veterans' medals and service ribbons over a fence to protest the war. Kerry stated he was doing it for peace and justice.

May 30, 1971: Kerry Arrested During VVAW March

On May 30, 1971, John Kerry was arrested during a Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) march in Lexington, Massachusetts. Kerry and 440 other demonstrators were arrested for trespassing while trying to camp on the village green. They were later fined $5 each.

1978: Kerry Launches Investigation Against Senator Edward Brooke

In 1978, John Kerry launched a criminal investigation against Senator Edward Brooke, regarding "misstatements" in his first divorce trial. The inquiry ended with no charges.

April 18, 1985: Kerry Travels to Nicaragua and Meets with Daniel Ortega

On April 18, 1985, John Kerry and Senator Tom Harkin traveled to Nicaragua to meet with President Daniel Ortega. They discussed a cease-fire agreement in exchange for the U.S. dropping support of the Contras. The Reagan administration denounced the offer, but Kerry was willing to test the Sandinistas' good faith.

November 15, 1988: Kerry Jokes About Shooting Dan Quayle

On November 15, 1988, John Kerry made a joke at a businessmen's breakfast in East Lynn, Massachusetts, saying that if George H. W. Bush was shot, the Secret Service had orders to shoot Dan Quayle. He apologized the following day.

May 4, 1989: North Convicted of Charges Relating to Iran/Contra Controversy

On May 4, 1989, Oliver North was convicted of charges related to the Iran/Contra controversy, including three felonies.

September 16, 1991: North's Convictions Overturned on Appeal

On September 16, 1991, Oliver North's convictions were overturned on appeal.

December 1992: Kerry and Brown Release Report on BCCI Scandal

In December 1992, John Kerry and Senator Hank Brown released "The BCCI Affair", a report detailing the BCCI scandal. The report revealed the bank's corruption and ties to terrorists, criticizing various U.S. government agencies and influential lobbyists.

2000: Controversy Surrounding George W. Bush's Military Service

In 2000, the controversy surrounding George W. Bush's military service in the Texas Air National Guard became a key issue. John Kerry's status as a decorated Vietnam War veteran posed a challenge for Bush's presidential campaign, prompting Republicans to question Kerry's own war record.

October 9, 2002: Vote to Authorize Force Against Saddam Hussein

On October 9, 2002, John Kerry stated that he would vote to give the President the authority to use force, if necessary, to disarm Saddam Hussein, citing the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

January 23, 2003: Speech on the Threat of Saddam Hussein

On January 23, 2003, John Kerry gave a speech to Georgetown University stating that the U.S. needed to disarm Saddam Hussein because of the threat posed by his weapons of mass destruction.

March 16, 2004: "I Actually Did Vote for the $87 Billion Before I Voted Against It"

On March 16, 2004, John Kerry made the statement, "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it" regarding a supplemental appropriations bill for the Iraq War. This statement was used by the Bush campaign to portray him as a flip-flopper.

2004: Portrayed as Staunch Liberal in Presidential Election

During the 2004 presidential election, conservative groups and the Bush campaign portrayed John Kerry as a staunch liberal, using his 2003 rating by the National Journal as evidence. Despite this, analyses found him only slightly more liberal than the average Democratic Senator.

2004: Swift Boat Veterans for Truth Oppose Kerry's Campaign

In 2004, during John Kerry's presidential campaign, the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth (SBVT) group, comprised of approximately 250 members, opposed Kerry's campaign. They questioned his service record and military awards through press conferences, ads, and a book, leading to the term "swiftboating" to describe unfair political attacks. Most of Kerry's former crewmates refuted SBVT's allegations.

October 30, 2006: Kerry's Remarks at Campaign Rally in Pasadena

On October 30, 2006, at a campaign rally for Phil Angelides, John Kerry stated that students who don't study hard might "get stuck in Iraq." This statement generated controversy.

July 23, 2010: Report on New Yacht Construction

On July 23, 2010, the Boston Herald reported that John Kerry commissioned the construction of a new $7 million yacht in New Zealand.

December 28, 2016: Criticism of Israel's settlement policies

On December 28, 2016, John Kerry strongly criticized Israel's settlement policies in a speech following UN Security Council Resolution 2334. The speech received mixed reactions, with criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, distancing from UK Prime Minister Theresa May, and positive reactions from Arab nations.

April 25, 2021: Publication of leaked audiotape of conversation between Saeed Leylaz and Mohammad Javad Zarif

On April 25, 2021, The New York Times published content from a leaked audiotape of a conversation between economist Saeed Leylaz and Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, which was connected to an oral history project documenting Iran's current administration. The tape was obtained by the news channel Iran International.

April 27, 2021: Republicans call on Kerry to resign

On April 27, 2021, Republicans called on John Kerry to resign from the Biden administration's National Security Council following claims that Kerry told Iranian foreign minister Zarif that Israel attacked Iranian assets in Syria. Kerry denied the allegations.