Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Keith Ellison

Public opinion and media debates around Keith Ellison—discover key moments of controversy.

Keith Ellison is an American politician and lawyer, currently serving as the 30th attorney general of Minnesota since 2019. Prior to this role, he was the U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district from 2007 to 2019. He also served as Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee (2017-2018) and as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives (2003-2007). He is a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL).

Sections (6)

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

1990: Wrote Columns for Minnesota Daily

In 1990, as a law student, Keith Ellison wrote several columns under the name "Keith E. Hakim" in the student newspaper, the Minnesota Daily, defending Louis Farrakhan and calling affirmative action a "sneaky" form of compensation for slavery.

1992: Failure to Pay Income Taxes

Between 1992 and 2000, Keith Ellison failed to pay all or part of his income taxes in five separate years, which led to the state and Internal Revenue Service to put liens on his home. He later paid over $18,000.

1995: Defended Farrakhan after Million Man March

In 1995, Keith Ellison, under the name "Keith X Ellison," wrote defenses of Louis Farrakhan against accusations of antisemitism after the Million Man March.

1997: Defended Farrakhan again

In 1997, Keith Ellison, under the name "Keith X Ellison," wrote defenses of Louis Farrakhan against accusations of antisemitism.

2000: Failure to Pay Income Taxes

2002: Reprimand by Minnesota State Campaign Finance Board

In early 2006, Keith Ellison was reprimanded by the Minnesota State Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board for events alleged in 2002-04.

2005: Investigation and Fines by Campaign Finance Board

In 2005, the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board opened an investigation into Keith Ellison, resulting in him being subpoenaed and fined repeatedly for late filings. He was also sued twice by the Attorney General of Minnesota and warned about absent or incomplete disclosures.

November 14, 2006: Glenn Beck Interview

On November 14, 2006, Glenn Beck of CNN Headline News questioned Keith Ellison, asking him to prove he was not working with America's enemies. Ellison affirmed his patriotism and love for the country in response.

November 18, 2006: Speech to North American Imams Federation

On November 18, 2006, Keith Ellison gave a speech titled "Imams and Politics" to the North American Imams Federation, addressing the role of Imams in guiding Muslims involved in political activities and the extent of involvement of Islamic centers in politics. He also participated in "Community Night" with other Imams, which later involved participants in the Flying Imams controversy.

2006: Controversy over Nation of Islam Involvement

During Keith Ellison's 2006 campaign, Republican blogger Michael Brodkorb revealed posts about Ellison's Minnesota Daily articles and his involvement with the Nation of Islam, leading Ellison to denounce the Nation of Islam and Farrakhan in a letter to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota & the Dakotas.

2006: Fundraiser Controversy

During the 2006 election, Nihad Awad and James Yee spoke at an August 25 fundraiser for Keith Ellison. Ellison faced criticism for accepting contributions from CAIR leaders, with his Republican opponent Alan Fine alleging CAIR's ties to terrorism. Ellison defended his actions by stating he disclosed all contributions and was supported by individuals, not the organization itself.

2006: Misconduct Allegations

In 2006, environmental activist Amy Alexander alleged that she had been in a romantic relationship with Keith Ellison while he was married and that he had pushed, shoved, and verbally abused her. Ellison denied the accusations.

2006: Reprimand by Minnesota State Campaign Finance Board

In early 2006, Keith Ellison was reprimanded by the Minnesota State Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board for events alleged in 2002-04.

January 2, 2007: Beck's Radio Program

On January 2, 2007, Glenn Beck mentioned on his radio program that Keith Ellison did not take offense at his previous comments and that they had a friendly conversation off-air.

January 4, 2007: Swearing-in Ceremony

On January 4, 2007, Keith Ellison was sworn into the House of Representatives. He received national attention for using an English translation of the Qur'an that once belonged to President Thomas Jefferson for his reenacted swearing-in ceremony.

January 8, 2007: Ellison responds to Iraq War troop surge proposal

On January 8, 2007, when asked by the Associated Press for his reaction to Bush's proposal for an Iraq War troop surge, Ellison stated that it was "way too late, way too little" and advocated for beginning to end the occupation, favoring political, economic, and diplomatic engagement over military solutions.

January 9, 2007: Beck's Clarification

On January 9, 2007, at the Television Critics Association's semiannual press tour, Glenn Beck clarified his question to Keith Ellison, stating it was poorly worded and emphasized the importance of people of all faiths standing up against the hijacking of their religion.

January 10, 2007: Bush announces Iraq War troop surge

On January 10, 2007, President Bush announced his plans for the Iraq War troop surge of 2007. This announcement followed comments from Ellison on January 8, expressing that the surge was "way too late, way too little" and calling for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq.

July 8, 2007: Ellison denounces Bush's commutation of Lewis Libby's sentence

On July 8, 2007, Ellison delivered a speech in Edina, Minnesota, criticizing President Bush's commutation of Lewis Libby's sentence. He suggested that if Libby were pardoned, he should be compelled to testify truthfully. Ellison also criticized the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, calling it a public relations arm for the Bush administration's outreach to the far-right evangelical Christian movement.

July 25, 2007: Ellison votes to issue contempt of Congress citations

On July 25, 2007, Ellison, as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, voted to issue citations of contempt of Congress to White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers for failing to comply with subpoenas related to the firings of several federal prosecutors.

August 8, 2007: Bill Sali's Comments

On August 8, 2007, Representative Bill Sali drew criticism for comments made about a Hindu leading the opening prayer in the Senate, claiming it endangered America. Sali sent Keith Ellison an email saying he "meant no offense".

March 21, 2008: Ellison criticizes China's Tibet policy

On March 21, 2008, Ellison issued a statement criticizing the Chinese government for its Tibet policy and its relationship with Sudan's leaders "as they commit genocide on the citizens of Darfur."

2010: Speech on US Foreign Policy

In 2010, Keith Ellison gave a speech in which he asked why the United States foreign policy in the Middle East "is governed by what is good or bad through a country of 7 million people. A region of 350 million all turns on a country of 7 million. Does that make sense? Is that logic?"

2015: Ellison votes against Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

In 2015, Ellison was one of only five Democrats in Congress who voted against the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. He supported normalizing Iran-United States relations and reopening an interest section or embassy in Tehran, arguing that maintaining contact is beneficial for both countries.

November 2016: Controversy over Foreign Policy Comments and Allegations of Anti-Semitism

In November 2016, a 2010 speech by Keith Ellison was published, raising concerns about his views on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and his stance on Israel. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed concerns, and some donors accused him of anti-Semitism. This led to what some reporters described as a smear campaign, though others defended his record on pro-Israel policies.

2016: CNN Report on Ellison's Involvement

In 2016, CNN referred to Keith Ellison's "decade-long involvement in the Nation of Islam", which added to his controversies.

2016: Opposition to DNC Chair Candidacy

In 2016, some Democrats opposed Keith Ellison's candidacy for DNC chair due to concerns about his ability to devote himself to the position full-time and ideological differences, mirroring the division between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders supporters.

2017: Ellison open to impeachment process against Donald Trump

In 2017, Ellison expressed openness to demands for initiating an impeachment process against President Donald Trump, stating that Trump had already taken actions that legitimately raised the question of impeachment.

2017: Campaign for Democratic National Committee Chairmanship

In 2017, Keith Ellison garnered national attention in his campaign for the Democratic National Committee chairmanship, gaining support from progressive groups and senators Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer. However, his past statements and affiliation with the Nation of Islam drew criticism, and he lost to Tom Perez, who subsequently appointed him deputy chair.

August 2018: Accusations of domestic abuse

In August 2018, Keith Ellison's ex-girlfriend Karen Monahan accused him of domestic abuse, alleging he attempted to drag her off a bed. Ellison denied the allegations. An investigation later concluded the accusations were unsubstantiated.

2019: Lawsuit against Bloomington over filming ban at Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center

In 2019, Bloomington passed an ordinance against filming students at Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in a public park, resulting in a lawsuit that successfully reinstated First Amendment rights in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Ellison had requested the court to drop the case.