Major Controversies Surrounding Michael Savage: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Michael Savage.

Michael Savage, born Michael Alan Weiner, is an American author, political commentator, activist, and former radio host. He is renowned for hosting "The Savage Nation," a nationally syndicated talk show that was highly popular. Savage holds advanced degrees in fields like medical botany, medical anthropology, and nutritional ethnomedicine. As Michael Weiner, he authored books on health-related topics. Under the name Michael Savage, he has written politically charged books, some of which became New York Times bestsellers. He is known for his conservative views and controversial statements.

Sections (5)

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

1996: Failed Dean Application and Lawsuit

In 1996, Michael Savage applied to become the Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley but was rejected; he later sued the university for discrimination but eventually dropped the lawsuit.

January 2003: Publication of "The Savage Nation"

In January 2003, Savage published "The Savage Nation: Saving America from the Liberal Assault on Our Borders, Language and Culture" under the pseudonym Michael Savage, attacking liberal media bias, gay activists, and liberals.

July 7, 2003: Fired from MSNBC

On July 7, 2003, Michael Savage was fired from his MSNBC show after controversial remarks made in response to a caller.

April 12, 2005: Release of "Liberalism Is a Mental Disorder"

On April 12, 2005, Savage released his book "Liberalism Is a Mental Disorder", which, unlike his previous work, cited sources for controversial claims.

July 2005: Savage Ranked as "Screwing Up America"

In July 2005, former CBS reporter Bernard Goldberg ranked Savage as number 61 in his book 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America.

March 2006: Savage Criticizes Catholic Assistance to Illegal Immigrants

In March 2006, Savage criticized Roman Catholic assistance to illegal immigrants, leading to Bill Donohue of the Catholic League canceling an appearance on his show.

March 28, 2006: Encouraged Burning of Mexican Flags

On March 28, 2006, following pro-immigration rallies in California, Michael Savage encouraged his listeners to burn Mexican flags as an act of American nationalism to protest illegal immigration from Mexico.

April 2006: Release of "The Political Zoo"

In April 2006, Savage released "The Political Zoo", featuring satirical profiles and cartoons of public figures, mainly liberal, depicted as animals.

April 17, 2006: Savage Makes Controversial Remarks About Muslims

On April 17, 2006, Savage made controversial remarks about Muslims, suggesting killing 100 million of them.

November 5, 2007: Citrix Systems Pulls Advertisements from Savage's Show

On November 5, 2007, Citrix Systems, Inc. pulled its advertisements from Savage's show following a campaign by CAIR.

November 2007: CAIR Calls for Boycott of Savage's Program

In early November 2007, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called on listeners to contact companies advertising on Savage's program to express concerns about his comments concerning Muslims.

July 2008: Savage Claims Autism Diagnoses are a "Racket"

In July 2008, Savage claimed that the increasing rate of autism diagnoses was the result of "a racket" designed to get disability payments.

July 2008: Advertisers Drop Savage's Program After Autism Comments

In July 2008, following Savage's comments on autism, advertisers such as Aflac, RadioShack, Sears, The Home Depot, and DirectBuy discontinued their support for Savage's show.

July 16, 2008: Savage Speaks on Autism Diagnoses

On his July 16, 2008, show, Savage returned to the subject of autism diagnoses and made further remarks.

July 25, 2008: Savage's Lawsuit Against CAIR Dismissed

On July 25, 2008, a United States district court Judge Susan Illston dismissed Savage's copyright infringement lawsuit against CAIR, holding that posting audio clips of his show was protected under fair use.

August 14, 2008: Savage Drops Lawsuit Against CAIR

On August 14, 2008, Savage's lawyer announced that Savage would not file an amended complaint and would drop the case against CAIR.

May 5, 2009: Savage Banned from Entering the UK

On May 5, 2009, Savage was placed on a list of people banned from entering the United Kingdom due to "unacceptable behaviour."

2009: Michael Savage Banned from the UK

In 2009, Michael Savage was permanently banned from entering the United Kingdom for "seeking to provoke others to serious criminal acts and fostering hatred."

June 2010: Playboy Publishes Interview

In June 2010, Playboy published the interview with Michael Savage, which he found to be lacking journalistic objectivity.

October 2010: Release of "Trickle Up Poverty"

In October 2010, Savage released "Trickle Up Poverty: Stopping Obama's Attack on Our Borders, Economy, and Security", arguing against Obama's economic policies.

January 15, 2013: Savage Outlines Reasons for Opposing Flu Vaccine

On January 15, 2013, Savage outlined his reasons for opposing the flu vaccine, arguing that the CDC has to guess what the vaccine should be made of and might guess wrong.

October 14, 2014: Savage Criticizes Veteran Sufferers of PTSD

On October 14, 2014, Savage criticized veteran sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder, accusing them of "weakness".

2014: Release of "Stop the Coming Civil War"

In 2014, Savage released "Stop the Coming Civil War: My Savage Truth", discussing threats to the country from within and without.

2015: Release of "Government Zero"

In 2015, Savage released "Government Zero: No Borders, No Language, No Culture", criticizing the state of the country and the Obama presidency.

October 2018: Publication of "Stop Mass Hysteria"

In October 2018, Savage published "Stop Mass Hysteria: America's Insanity from the Salem Witch Trials to the Trump Witch Hunt", discussing historical "flashpoints" in American thought and relating them to Trump hatred.