Major Controversies Surrounding Matt Bevin: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Matt Bevin.

Matt Bevin is an American businessman and politician. He served as the 62nd Governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019 as a Republican. He lost his re-election bid in 2019 to Democrat Andy Beshear. Currently, Bevin is the CEO of Neuronetrix Solutions, LLC.

Sections (5)

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

2007: Late Tax Payment on Vacation Home

In 2007, Bevin was late on a tax payment on his $1.2 million vacation home in Greenwood, Maine.

October 2008: Signed Report Praising TARP

In October 2008, Bevin signed a report for his investment fund that praised the federal Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

2008: Delinquent Taxes Incurred

In 2008, Bevin Brothers incurred delinquent taxes.

February 2009: Vacation Home Taxes Paid

By February 2009, town records show that the taxes on Bevin's vacation home were paid.

March 2013: MIT Affiliation Clarified

In March 2013, The Hill reported that Bevin falsely claimed on his LinkedIn page that he attended a seminar affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this discrepancy was clarified on his LinkedIn page at that time.

February 2014: Politico Reported on TARP Report

In February 2014, Politico reported that in October 2008, Bevin had signed a report for his investment fund that praised the federal Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

February 2014: Critical of Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

In February 2014, both Bevin and McConnell were critical of a ruling that held that an amendment to the Kentucky Constitution banning same-sex marriage violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

April 2, 2014: Bevin speaks at pro-cockfighting rally

On April 2, 2014, Matt Bevin attended a pro-cockfighting rally in Corbin, Kentucky. He stated that he believed the rally was focused on states' rights and that he supports the rights of Kentuckians to decide their heritage without federal interference. He referenced the Agricultural Act of 2014, which criminalized spectators at cockfighting events.

April 25, 2014: Bevin apologizes for attending cockfighting event

On April 25, 2014, Matt Bevin apologized for attending an event that primarily involved a discussion of cockfighting. He stated that he is not a supporter of cockfighting or any other forms of animal cruelty. Political analysts speculated that this event could negatively impact Bevin's campaign.

June 19, 2015: Conway and Bevin clash on early childhood education funding

During their first public appearance together on June 19, 2015, Jack Conway and Matt Bevin debated funding for early childhood education. Conway promised to increase funding, while Bevin cited studies suggesting that educational gains from programs like Head Start are lost by the third grade and stated that the state could not afford additional funding.

September 8, 2015: Bevin meets with Kim Davis in jail

On September 8, 2015, Matt Bevin met with Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis in jail after she was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. He later attended a rally celebrating her release, saying that social issues had redefined the governor race.

September 28, 2015: Comer campaign denies allegations

On September 28, 2015, the Comer campaign leaked emails showing that the husband of K. C. Crosbie had been in contact with a blogger, denying the allegations of abuse that had been circulating for months.

December 2015: Bevin Issues Executive Orders

In December 2015, Matt Bevin issued executive orders to remove county clerks' names from state marriage licenses, reverse Beshear's orders on restoring voting rights for non-violent felons, and raise the minimum wage for some state workers to $10.10 per hour.

March 7, 2016: Bevin Releases Video on Social Media

On March 7, 2016, Matt Bevin released a video on social media claiming that House Democrats were not following through on their obligations to help craft the state budget, sparking controversy.

July 2018: Bevin Cuts Medicaid Dental and Vision Coverage

In July 2018, Matt Bevin cut Medicaid dental and vision coverage for up to 460,000 Kentuckians after a federal judge rejected his plan to overhaul the program. The cuts impacted children, disabled adults, and pregnant women.

December 13, 2019: Stivers Condemns Bevin's Pardons

On December 13, 2019, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, representing the Republican majority, condemned the pardons issued by Matt Bevin. He called for an investigation by the U.S. Attorneys Office into potential violations of the Hobbs Act and requested that Attorney General-elect Daniel Cameron appoint a special prosecutor to examine Bevin's actions.

December 23, 2019: FBI Questioned Chris Harris

On December 23, 2019, it was reported that the FBI had questioned state representative Chris Harris about Bevin's pardons.

January 2, 2020: Attorney General Asked FBI to Investigate Pardons

On January 2, 2020, Attorney General Daniel Cameron asked the FBI to investigate Bevin's pardons.

February 8, 2024: Atlantis Leadership Academy Shut Down

On February 8, 2024, the Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica, where Matt Bevin's adopted son was sent, was shut down following an unannounced inspection due to possible abuse and neglect. The facility was found to have primitive conditions, and the children were removed and placed into the custody of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

May 1, 2024: Judge Limits Matt Bevin's Access to Residence

On May 1, 2024, a Jefferson Circuit Judge granted Glenna Bevin's motion to limit Matt Bevin's access to their residence and property after his wife labeled his conduct "aggressive and unsettling."

March 7, 2025: Protective Order Issued Against Matt Bevin

On March 7, 2025, a Jefferson County, Kentucky judge issued a temporary protective order against Matt Bevin, restricting him from contacting Jonah Bevin and requiring him to relinquish all firearms in his possession until a March 19, 2025, hearing.

March 2025: Protective Order Deal Reached and Divorce Finalized

In March 2025, a deal was reached to keep the protective order against Matt Bevin in place for six months. Also in March 2025, Matt and Glenna Bevin's divorce was finalized. Both adoptive parents are also required to provide Jonah with "any information or documents related to [his biological] family, whether they're alive or not".