Major Controversies Surrounding Michael Steele: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 9, 2025

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

Michael Steele is an American politician, attorney, and political commentator. He notably served as the seventh Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 2003 to 2007. He also held the position of Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) from 2009 to 2011. Steele is notable for being the first African-American to hold both of these offices.

Sections (4)

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

February 2006: Compared embryonic stem cell research to Nazi experiments

In February 2006, Steele compared embryonic stem cell research to medical experiments performed by the Nazis during the Holocaust, remarks for which he later apologized.

November 7, 2006: Loses Senate Election to Ben Cardin

On November 7, 2006, Michael Steele lost the general election for U.S. Senate to Ben Cardin, receiving 44% of the vote to Cardin's 54%. Allegations of campaign finance improprieties later surfaced, which Steele denied.

2006: Commented on gun control

In a 2006 interview with The Washington Post, Steele commented on gun control, questioning the need for assault weapons for hunting and emphasizing the importance of enforcing existing gun laws.

2008: Opposed to abortion and thought Roe v. Wade was "wrongly decided"

In 2008, Steele said he was opposed to abortion and thought Roe v. Wade was "wrongly decided".

2008: Opposed a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage

In 2008, Steele said that he personally opposes a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, saying that he believes states should decide the issue for themselves.

2008: Comments on Steele's Afghanistan statement

In 2008, Steele's comments drew criticism, with neoconservative commentator William Kristol calling for Steele's resignation and former George W. Bush adviser Karl Rove calling Steele's comment "boneheaded."

March 1, 2009: Rahm Emanuel States Limbaugh Speaks for Republican Party

On March 1, 2009, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel stated on CBS's Face the Nation that Rush Limbaugh spoke for the Republican Party, asserting Republicans had to apologize to Limbaugh for criticizing him. This sparked debate about the party's leadership and direction.

March 2, 2009: Controversy with Rush Limbaugh

On March 2, 2009, a controversy arose when Rush Limbaugh criticized Michael Steele's fitness to lead the Republican Party after Steele's remarks on CNN's D.L. Hughley Breaks the News. Steele apologized to Limbaugh, acknowledging him as a national conservative leader.

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March 2009: Suggested abortion restrictions should be left to state governments

In March 2009, Steele suggested that abortion restrictions should be left to state governments, and stated that he "absolutely" believed there was room for a "pro-choice" candidate in the GOP. This statement prompted criticism from socially conservative Republicans.

2009: Opposed same-sex civil unions

In 2009, Steele opposed same-sex civil unions.

2009: Claimed Earth is "cooling"

In 2009, Steele rejected the scientific consensus on climate change, claiming that the Earth is "cooling" rather than "the supposed warming".

2009: Called for securing the U.S. borders

In 2009, speaking on illegal immigration, Steele called for the U.S. to "secure our borders first", saying that the concerns of people already in the country cannot be addressed until the borders are secured.

July 2010: Stated Afghan war was "a war of Obama's choosing"

In July 2010, video footage of Steele was released in which he stated that the Afghan war was "a war of Obama's choosing".

2012: Said that LGBT couples deserve full privileges and benefits under the law

In 2012, Steele said that LGBT couples deserve full privileges and benefits under the law.

January 2018: Called President Trump "racist"

In January 2018, in response to an accusation that President Trump had referred to El Salvador and Haiti as "shithole countries", Steele expressed his belief that the President was "racist" during an interview on MSNBC.