Nancy Pelosi is an American politician notable for being the 52nd Speaker of the House, serving from 2007-2011 and 2019-2023. As a Democrat, she was the first woman to hold the Speakership and lead a major party in Congress, heading House Democrats from 2003-2023. Representing California's 11th district since 1987, encompassing much of San Francisco, she holds the distinction of being the dean of California's congressional delegation.
1912: Mother's Immigration to the U.S.
In 1912, Nancy Pelosi's mother emigrated to the U.S.
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March 26, 1940: Nancy Pelosi's Birth
On March 26, 1940, Nancy Patricia Pelosi, née D'Alesandro, was born. She would later become the 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
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1949: Democratic Representation in the House
Since 1949, the area of San Francisco that Nancy Pelosi has represented has been represented in the House by Democrats uninterruptedly.
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1955: Sam Rayburn Reclaimed the Gavel
In 1955, Sam Rayburn reclaimed the gavel as speaker.
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1958: Graduation from the Institute of Notre Dame
In 1958, Nancy Pelosi graduated from the Institute of Notre Dame, an all-girls Catholic high school in Baltimore.
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January 1961: Attended Kennedy's Inaugural Address
In January 1961, Nancy Pelosi attended President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address.
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1962: Graduation from Trinity College
In 1962, Nancy Pelosi graduated from Trinity College (now Trinity Washington University) in Washington, D.C., with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.
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1962: Graduation from Trinity College
In 1962, Nancy Pelosi graduated from Trinity College, Washington.
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September 7, 1963: Nancy D'Alesandro marries Paul Francis Pelosi
On September 7, 1963, Nancy D'Alesandro married Paul Francis Pelosi in Baltimore at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. This marked the beginning of their lifelong relationship.
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1964: Reference to the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Pelosi supports the Equality Act, a bill that would expand the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
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1967: Brother Thomas D'Alesandro III Elected Baltimore City Council President
In 1967, Nancy Pelosi's brother, Thomas D'Alesandro III, was elected Baltimore City Council president.
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1971: Brother Thomas D'Alesandro III Served as Mayor
From 1967 to 1971, Nancy Pelosi's brother, Thomas D'Alesandro III, served as mayor.
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1974: Trade Act of 1974
In 1974, Pelosi viewed that the trade act amendment could influence China.
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1974: Largest House Seat Gain
The 2006 elections picked up 30 seats, the party's largest House seat gain since the 1974 elections held in the wake of the Watergate scandal.
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1974: Reference to 1974 Post-Watergate Elections
The 2018 Democratic House gain was noted as the party's largest since the 1974 post-Watergate elections.
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1976: Elected as Democratic National Committee Member
In 1976, Nancy Pelosi was elected as a Democratic National Committee member from California.
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1977: Elected as Party Chair for Northern California
In 1977, Nancy Pelosi was elected as party chair for Northern California.
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1983: End of Leadership of the California Democratic Party
In 1983, Nancy Pelosi's role as head of the California Democratic Party ended.
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1984: Chairwoman of the Democratic National Convention Host Committee
In 1984, Nancy Pelosi served as the San Francisco Democratic National Convention Host Committee chairwoman.
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1985: Chair of Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Finance
From 1985 to 1986, Nancy Pelosi served as Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee finance chair.
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1986: Chair of Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Finance
From 1985 to 1986, Nancy Pelosi served as Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee finance chair.
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1986: Sala Burton's Illness
In late 1986, Sala Burton became ill with cancer.
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February 1, 1987: Death of Sala Burton
On February 1, 1987, Sala Burton died one month after being sworn in for a second full term.
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April 7, 1987: Won Special Election to Succeed Sala Burton
On April 7, 1987, Nancy Pelosi won the special election to succeed Sala Burton, defeating Democratic San Francisco supervisor Harry Britt.
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1987: Became a Member of the House
In 1987, Nancy Pelosi became a member of the House, representing California's 11th congressional district.
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1987: First Elected to Congress
In 1987, Nancy Pelosi was first elected to Congress in a special election.
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1987: Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987
In March 1988, Nancy Pelosi voted for the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (as well as to override President Ronald Reagan's veto).
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1987: Pelosi's 1987 Campaign
Unlike in her 1987 campaign, Pelosi has not participated in candidates' debates in her reelection campaigns.
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March 1988: Voted for the Civil Rights Restoration Act
In March 1988, Nancy Pelosi voted for the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987.
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1988: Sala Burton Decided Not to Run for Reelection
In 1988, Sala Burton decided not to run for reelection.
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1988: Pelosi's First Reelection Campaign
In her first reelection campaign in 1988, Pelosi won an average of 80% of the vote.
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1989: Pelosi calls on Clinton and Gore to address Tiananmen Square protests
In 1989, Pelosi called on President Clinton and Vice President Gore to ask Zhu to recognize the 1989 protests as a pro-democracy effort.
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1989: Pelosi takes a harsher position toward China
In 1989, after the Tiananmen Square protests, Pelosi sought to take a harsher position toward China than President George H.W. Bush.
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December 1990: Ryan White CARE Act Signed into Law
In December 1990, the Ryan White CARE Act, co-authored by Nancy Pelosi, was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush. The act allocated funding dedicated to providing treatment and services for those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
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1991: Pelosi opposes U.S. intervention in the Gulf War
In 1991, Nancy Pelosi opposed the U.S. intervention in the Gulf War, marking an early stance on foreign policy.
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1991: Pelosi unfurls banner in Tiananmen Square
In 1991, Pelosi unfurled a banner in Tiananmen Square as part of a Congressional delegation, provoking a confrontation with Chinese police.
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1994: Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act Became Law
In 1994, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which Nancy Pelosi helped shape, became law.
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1995: Pelosi voted in favor of the Jerusalem Embassy Act
In 1995, Nancy Pelosi voted in favor of the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which urged the federal government to relocate the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
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1995: Pelosi Voted Against Balanced Budget Amendment
In 1995, Pelosi voted against the 1995 Balanced Budget Proposed Constitutional Amendment, which passed the House but failed in the Senate.
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1996: End of Term as Democratic National Committee Member
In 1996, Nancy Pelosi's term as Democratic National Committee member from California ended.
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1996: Vote Against Defense of Marriage Act
In 1996, Pelosi voted against the Defense of Marriage Act.
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1998: Pelosi Voted in Favor of Abortion Funding Amendment
In 1998, Pelosi voted in favor of the Abortion Funding Amendment, which would have allowed the use of district funds to promote abortion-related activities, but would have prohibited the use of federal funds.
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1999: Pelosi co-sponsored legislation to omit American Samoa from a raise in the minimum wage
As early as 1999, Pelosi co-sponsored legislation that omitted American Samoa from a raise in the minimum wage.
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1999: Pelosi calls on Clinton and Gore to address Tiananmen Square protests
In 1999, Pelosi called on President Clinton and Vice President Gore to ask Zhu to recognize the 1989 protests as a pro-democracy effort.
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1999: Pelosi Voted Against Displaying Ten Commandments in Public Buildings
In 1999, Pelosi voted against displaying the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including schools.
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2000: Top Contributor to Congressional Campaigns
During the 2000 election cycle, Pelosi contributed the most money to other congressional campaigns among members of Congress.
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2001: Beginning of CIA Misleading Congress
In 2001, Allegations arose that CIA began misleading Congress regarding interrogation techniques.
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2001: Elected House Minority Whip
In 2001, Nancy Pelosi was elected House minority whip.
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2001: Elected House Minority Whip
In 2001, Nancy Pelosi was elected the House minority whip, becoming the first woman in U.S. history to hold that post.
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2001: Vote on the USA Patriot Act
In 2001, Pelosi voted in favor of the USA Patriot Act.
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November 15, 2002: Defeated Ford for House Democratic Caucus Leader
On November 15, 2002, Nancy Pelosi defeated Harold Ford Jr. 117-29 in a closed-door vote of caucus members to become the House Democratic Caucus's leader.
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November 2002: Elected House Minority Leader
In November 2002, Nancy Pelosi was elected House minority leader, becoming the first woman to lead a major party in either chamber of Congress.
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2002: Top Contributor to Congressional Campaigns
During the 2002 election cycle, Pelosi contributed the most money to other congressional campaigns among members of Congress.
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2002: Del Monte Acquires StarKist Tuna
In 2002, Del Monte acquired StarKist Tuna, which was a major employer in American Samoa, a territory initially excluded from the Fair Minimum Wage Act.
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2002: Pelosi opposes Iraq Resolution
In 2002, Nancy Pelosi opposed the Iraq Resolution authorizing President George W. Bush to use military force against Iraq, citing concerns about unilateral action without exhausting diplomatic remedies and respecting the UN and a multilateral approach.
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2002: Opposed the Iraq Resolution
In 2002, Nancy Pelosi opposed the Iraq Resolution authorizing President George W. Bush to use military force against Iraq.
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2002: Pelosi Briefed on Enhanced Interrogation Techniques
In 2002, as ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, Pelosi was briefed on the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques," including waterboarding, on Abu Zubaydah. Pelosi stated she was assured the methods were legal at the time.
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2003: Fundraising Successes
From 2003, Pelosi raised more than $400 million in campaign funds.
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2003: Leading the House Democrats
In 2003, Nancy Pelosi started leading the House Democrats.
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2003: Left Congressional Progressive Caucus
In 2003, Pelosi left the Congressional Progressive Caucus after being elected House minority leader.
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2003: Pelosi Voted Against Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003
In 2003, Pelosi voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003.
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2003: Support of Objections Raised By Democratic Colleague Jane Harman
In early 2003, Pelosi concurred with objections raised by Democratic colleague Jane Harman in a letter to the CIA.
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2003: Hoyer as Pelosi's Second-in-Command
Since 2003, Steny Hoyer had been Pelosi's second-in-command.
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2004: Vote Against Federal Marriage Amendment
In 2004, Pelosi voted against the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment.
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2004: Gephardt Resigned as House Minority Leader
In November 2002, after Gephardt resigned as House minority leader to seek the Democratic nomination in the 2004 presidential election, Pelosi was elected to replace him, becoming the first woman to lead a major party in either chamber of Congress.
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2004: Pelosi's Seventh Reelection Campaign
In her seventh reelection campaign in 2004, Pelosi won an average of 80% of the vote.
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2004: Democratic Party Lost Three Seats in the House Elections
In the 2004 House elections, which coincided with Bush's reelection as president, the Democratic Party lost three seats.
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November 2005: Pelosi Endorsed Murtha's Proposal
In November 2005, Nancy Pelosi held a press conference in which she endorsed Murtha's proposal that the U.S. begin a withdrawal of troops from Iraq at the "earliest predictable date".
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2005: Vote on Patriot Act Reauthorization
In 2005, Pelosi voted against reauthorization of certain provisions of the USA Patriot Act.
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2005: Pelosi speech at AIPAC annual conference
In a speech at the AIPAC 2005 annual conference, Nancy Pelosi stated that "for too long, leaders from both parties haven't done enough" to put pressure on Russia and China who are providing Iran with technological information on nuclear issues and missiles.
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November 16, 2006: Nominated for Speaker
On November 16, 2006, the Democratic caucus unanimously nominated Nancy Pelosi for speaker.
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2006: Voter Registration in Pelosi's District
As of 2006, 13% of registered voters in the boundaries of Pelosi's district were Republican.
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2006: Pelosi's vote against Hamas participation in Palestinian Authority elections
Before the 2006 elections in the Palestinian Authority, Nancy Pelosi voted for a Congressional initiative that disapproved of participation in the elections by Hamas and other organizations the legislation defined as terrorist.
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2006: Republican Efforts to Taint Public Perception
Before the 2006 elections, Republicans made a concerted effort to taint public perception of Nancy Pelosi, running advertisements assailing her.
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2006: Focused on Retaking the House Majority
In 2006, Nancy Pelosi focused on retaking the House majority.
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2006: Vote Against Secure Fence Act
In 2006, Pelosi voted against the Secure Fence Act.
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2006: Vote Against Federal Marriage Amendment
In 2006, Pelosi voted against the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment.
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2006: Third-Largest Democratic Party Fundraiser
In 2006, Pelosi was the Democratic Party's third-largest fundraiser, behind Bill and Hillary Clinton.
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2006: Pelosi uses dog tags of captured Israeli soldiers as a symbol
In September 2008, during a reception with the Israeli Speaker of the Knesset, Nancy Pelosi held up replica dog tags of the three Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah and Hamas in 2006 as a "symbol of the sacrifices made" by the people of Israel.
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2006: Democrats Regain House Majority
In the 2006 midterm elections, Nancy Pelosi led the Democrats to a majority in the House for the first time in 12 years and was subsequently elected Speaker.
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January 12, 2007: Resolution introduced regarding military force against Iran
On January 12, 2007, Congressman Walter B. Jones introduced a resolution requiring congressional consultation and authorization before the president could use military force against Iran, absent an attack or imminent attack by Iran on the U.S. or its armed forces.
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February 15, 2007: Pelosi supports diplomatic resolution with Iran
On February 15, 2007, Nancy Pelosi stated that President Bush supported a diplomatic resolution to differences with Iran and expressed the need for Congress to assert its authority regarding the use of military force against Iran.
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March 13, 2007: Resolution on Iran removed from spending bill
On March 13, 2007, Nancy Pelosi removed a resolution from a military spending bill for the war in Iraq, a resolution that would have required congressional consultation and authorization before the president could use military force against Iran.
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April 2007: Pelosi visits Syria and meets with President Assad
In April 2007, Nancy Pelosi visited Syria, meeting with Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa, and President Bashar al-Assad, conveying a message for peace from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert despite President Bush's efforts to isolate Syria.
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May 2007: Pelosi scolds Colombian President Álvaro Uribe
In May 2007, Nancy Pelosi publicly scolded Colombian President Álvaro Uribe during his state visit to America, expressing concerns about alleged links between paramilitary groups and Colombian government officials and opposing the Colombian free-trade agreement.
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2007: First Speakership
In 2007, Nancy Pelosi became the 52nd speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
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2007: Pelosi's Office Claims Protest Against Interrogation Techniques
In 2007, Pelosi's office stated she had protested the use of controversial interrogation techniques at the time of their use.
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2007: Spearheaded the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007
In 2007, as Speaker of the House, Pelosi spearheaded the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 as part of the 100-Hour Plan.
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September 2008: Pelosi hosts reception with Israeli Speaker
In September 2008, Nancy Pelosi hosted a reception in Washington with Israeli Speaker of the Knesset Dalia Itzik, where they celebrated the strong friendship between Israel and the United States.
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2008: Archbishop Rebukes Pelosi on Abortion Comments
In 2008, Archbishop Donald Wuerl rebuked Pelosi for comments on Church teaching about abortion and when life begins.
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2008: Pelosi opposes the embargo on Cuba
In 2008, Nancy Pelosi stated her opposition to the embargo on Cuba, advocating for the removal of travel bans and increased people-to-people exchanges.
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2008: Pelosi criticizes China's handling of unrest in Tibet
In 2008, Pelosi criticized the People's Republic of China for its handling of the unrest in Tibet and called on "freedom-loving people" worldwide to denounce China for its human rights abuses in Tibet.
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2008: Statement on California Same-Sex Marriage Ruling
In 2008, Pelosi welcomed the Supreme Court of California's decision overturning the state's ban on marriage between same-sex couples and opposed Proposition 8.
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January 25, 2009: Pelosi Supported Family Planning Services for Cost Reduction
In a January 25, 2009 interview, Pelosi stated that one of the reasons she supported family planning services was to reduce costs to states and the federal government.
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February 2009: Pelosi Met with Archbishop and Pope Regarding Controversy
In February 2009, Pelosi met with Archbishop George Hugh Niederauer and Pope Benedict XVI regarding the abortion controversy.
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March 2009: Judicial Watch obtains emails regarding Pelosi's travel requests
In March 2009, Judicial Watch obtained emails from Pelosi's staff requesting a specific aircraft for taxpayer-funded travel. Pelosi responded by stating the policy originated from President Bush due to post-9/11 concerns.
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April 2009: Pelosi's Press Conference on Interrogation Briefings
In April 2009, Pelosi stated in a press conference that during briefings, she was not informed that waterboarding or other enhanced interrogation techniques were used, but rather that legislative counsel opinions existed for their potential use.
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June 26, 2009: Lawmakers Allege CIA Misled Congress
On June 26, 2009, Democratic lawmakers alleged that CIA Director Leon Panetta asserted the CIA misled Congress for years regarding interrogation techniques.
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December 2009: House Majority of 81 Seats
In December 2009, Pelosi worked with a House majority as large as 81 seats (258–177).
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2009: Passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
In 2009, Nancy Pelosi participated in the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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2010: Republican Advertising in 2010 Cycle
During the 2010 election cycle, Republicans spent more than $65 million on ads that negatively characterized or invoked Pelosi.
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2010: Pelosi backs bill naming China a currency manipulator
In 2010, Pelosi backed a bill naming China a currency manipulator, which would appease exporters.
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2010: Instrumental in Passing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
In 2010, Pelosi was instrumental in passing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. She played a key role in convincing Obama to continue pushing for health-care reform.
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2010: Republican Party Retook the Majority
In the 2010 midterm elections, the Republican Party retook the majority, Nancy Pelosi lost the speakership, but retained her role as leader of the House Democrats and became House minority leader for a second time.
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2011: End of First Speakership
In 2011, Nancy Pelosi's first term as speaker of the House ended.
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2012: Pelosi on LGBT Rights and Catholic Faith
In 2012, Pelosi explained that her support for LGBT rights stemmed from her Catholic faith, even though it contrasted with Catholic doctrine.
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2012: Committees Investigated Planned Parenthood and Benghazi Attack
In 2012, Pelosi noted Republicans had previously created committees to investigate Planned Parenthood and the 2012 Benghazi attack.
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2012: Pelosi's Gun Control Ratings
In 2012, Pelosi received a 0% rating from Gun Owners of America and a 7% rating from the National Rifle Association of America for her stances on gun control.
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February 2013: Pelosi Called for the "Boldest possible move" on Gun Control
In February 2013, Pelosi called for the "Boldest possible move" on gun control.
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2014: Support for NSA Surveillance Program PRISM
As of 2014, Pelosi supported the Bush/Obama NSA surveillance program PRISM.
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2014: Pelosi supports Israel in 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict
In 2014, Nancy Pelosi supported Israel during the Israel-Gaza conflict, demonstrating her consistent support for the country.
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2014: Fundraising Successes
Until 2014, Pelosi raised more than $400 million in campaign funds.
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July 2015: Pelosi supports Iran nuclear deal
In July 2015, Nancy Pelosi expressed confidence that President Obama would secure enough votes for the Iran nuclear deal, praising his presentation and calling the deal "a diplomatic masterpiece."
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2015: Pelosi supports Obama's Cuban Thaw and visits Havana
In 2015, Nancy Pelosi supported President Obama's Cuban Thaw and visited Havana for meetings with high-level officials, signaling a shift in U.S.-Cuba relations.
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2016: Pelosi argues against bills blocking Iran's dollar access
In 2016, Nancy Pelosi argued against two bills that would block Iran's access to the dollar and impose sanctions for its ballistic missile program, stating that the JCPOA was the best way to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon.
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2016: Pelosi praises Obama's defense assistance memorandum
In 2016, Nancy Pelosi voiced heavy criticism over Israel's plan to annex parts of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Pelosi said that Democrats are taking "a great pride" in Barack Obama's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that Israel signed with the Obama administration in 2016, for a guarantee of $38 billion in defense assistance over a decade.
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2016: Pelosi speaks about possible Trump impeachment
In 2016, Pelosi spoke about Democrats possibly beginning impeachment if they won the 2018 elections.
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2016: Pelosi calls for Russia investigation due to 2016 election interference
In December 2017, Nancy Pelosi wrote a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan advocating for the continued House investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
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January 27, 2017: Pelosi opposes UN Security Council Resolution 2334
In January 2017, Nancy Pelosi voted against a House resolution that would condemn the UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which criticized Israeli settlement building. She also condemned the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel.
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March 10, 2017: Pelosi on ACA Repeal Efforts and Compromise
On March 10, 2017, Pelosi stated Democrats would continue battling Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act but were open to compromise.
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June 9, 2017: Pelosi comments on Trump's tweets and fitness for office
On June 9, 2017, Pelosi stated that no one at the White House seemed courageous enough to tell Trump his tweets were beneath the dignity of the presidency and expressed concerns about his fitness for office.
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August 2017: Pelosi criticizes Trump's warning to North Korea
In August 2017, Nancy Pelosi criticized President Trump's warning to North Korea, calling it "recklessly belligerent" and demonstrating a "grave lack of appreciation" for the situation.
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August 2017: Pelosi Supports Removal of Confederate Monuments
In August 2017, Nancy Pelosi supported Senator Cory Booker's initiative to remove Confederate monuments and memorials from the Capitol Building through legislation.
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August 2017: Pelosi criticizes imprisonment of Hong Kong democracy activists
In August 2017, Pelosi criticized the imprisonment of Hong Kong democracy activists, calling the ruling an injustice.
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November 2017: Pelosi calls for exhausting remedies with North Korea
In November 2017, after the Pentagon suggested a ground invasion might be necessary to destroy North Korea's nuclear weapons, Nancy Pelosi expressed concern about Pyongyang's selling nuclear technology and called for the United States to "exhaust every other remedy".
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December 2017: Pelosi advocates for continued Russia investigation
In December 2017, Nancy Pelosi wrote a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan advocating for the continued House investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, citing concerns about American democracy and national security.
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December 2017: Pelosi Opposes Trump's Tax Reform
In December 2017, Pelosi opposed the tax reform signed by Trump, calling it "probably one of the worst bills in the history of the United States of America".
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2017: Criticism of Confederate Artworks at the Capitol
In 2017, Pelosi repeatedly criticized the presence of artworks depicting Confederate figures at the United States Capitol.
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January 2018: Pelosi criticizes Trump's State of the Union Address and Russia sanctions refusal
In January 2018, Pelosi criticized Trump's State of the Union Address and questioned his refusal to implement Russian sanctions.
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January 2018: Pelosi Calls Tax Cut Benefits "Crumbs"
In January 2018, Pelosi responded to companies crediting tax cuts with wage increases and bonuses by saying the benefits workers received were "crumbs".
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February 2018: Pelosi accuses Trump of siding with Putin
In February 2018, after the release of a Republican report alleging surveillance abuses by the Justice Department, Nancy Pelosi accused President Trump of siding with Russian president Vladimir Putin at the expense of preserving intelligence sources and methods.
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February 2018: Pelosi on Gun Lobby and Stoneman Douglas Shooting
In February 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Pelosi criticized Republicans' "cowering" to the gun lobby and called for action on gun control.
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March 2018: Pelosi on establishment of Israel
In March 2018, Nancy Pelosi said, "There is no greater political accomplishment in the 20th Century than the establishment of the State of Israel."
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March 2018: Pelosi urges Trump to take action against China
In March 2018, Pelosi urged Trump to focus more on China and impose real punishments for unfair trade practices.
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April 2018: Pelosi Recognized as Effective Leader
In April 2018, Peter Beinart wrote in The Atlantic that Pelosi had been "the most effective congressional leader of modern times—and, not coincidentally, the most vilified."
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May 2018: Call for Bipartisan Briefing on FBI Informant
In May 2018, Pelosi and Schumer requested a bipartisan briefing involving congressional leadership from both chambers after the White House invited only Republicans to a Department of Justice briefing about an FBI informant linked to the Trump campaign.
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May 2018: Pelosi criticizes Trump's withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal
In May 2018, after President Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, Nancy Pelosi called the decision an abdication of American leadership and described it as "particularly senseless, disturbing & dangerous."
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June 2018: Visit to Migrant Detention Facility and Call for Nielsen's Resignation
In June 2018, Pelosi visited a federal facility detaining migrant children and called for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.
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June 2018: Pelosi criticizes Trump's praise of Kim Jong-un
In June 2018, after President Trump praised North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Nancy Pelosi stated that Trump had elevated North Korea while preserving the regime's status quo.
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July 2018: Pelosi on Expanding Healthcare Coverage
In July 2018, Pelosi discussed Democrats' goals to expand healthcare coverage and address affordability issues.
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August 2018: Call for Duncan D. Hunter's Resignation
In August 2018, Pelosi called for Duncan D. Hunter's resignation following his indictment on charges of misusing campaign funds, citing a "rampant culture of corruption among Republicans".
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August 2018: Pelosi Responds to Emergency Declaration for Carr Fire
In August 2018, after Trump's emergency declaration for the Carr Fire, Pelosi called it "an important first step" but requested further aid and action on climate change.
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November 2018: Pelosi Discusses Infrastructure Development with Trump
In November 2018, Pelosi discussed infrastructure development with Trump, mentioning potential bipartisan legislative initiatives.
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November 2018: Pelosi Stays as Speaker to Protect ACA
In November 2018, after Democrats gained a House majority, Pelosi said she was staying as Speaker to protect the Affordable Care Act.
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November 2018: Pelosi Pledged Gun Control Priority After Thousand Oaks Shooting
In November 2018, after the Thousand Oaks shooting, Pelosi released a statement pledging that gun control would be a priority for House Democrats in the 116th United States Congress.
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November 2018: Democrats gain control of the House, Pelosi becomes Speaker
In November 2018, the Democrats gained control of the House, and Pelosi took office as Speaker.
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December 2018: Pelosi and Schumer meet with Trump and Pence
In December 2018, Pelosi and Charles E. Schumer met with Trump and Pence to discuss changes to be made when the new Democratic representatives take office in 2019.
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2018: Pelosi Opposed Trump's Border Wall Efforts
At the start of the 116th Congress, Pelosi opposed Trump's attempts to use the 2018–2019 federal government shutdown to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, calling it a "hostage-taking".
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2018: Democrats Regain Majority
In 2018 midterm elections, the Democrats regained majority control of the House, and Pelosi was again elected Speaker.
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2018: Agreement not to stay on as speaker beyond January 2023
In 2018, Pelosi agreed not to stay on as speaker beyond January 2023.
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2018: Pelosi speaks about possible Trump impeachment
In 2018, Pelosi spoke about Democrats possibly beginning impeachment if they won the 2018 elections.
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2018: Democrats Recapture House Majority
In the 2018 elections, the Democrats gained 41 seats, recapturing a House majority. This was the party's largest gain since 1974.
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January 3, 2019: Pelosi Reelected as Speaker of the House
On January 3, 2019, Pelosi was reelected as Speaker of the House at the start of the 116th Congress, agreeing to serve no more than four years in the role.
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January 2019: Pelosi supports Trump's decision to back Juan Guaidó in Venezuela
In January 2019, Pelosi supported President Trump in his decision to back the leader of the opposition Juan Guaidó during the Venezuelan protests.
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January 25, 2019: Trump Signs Bill to Reopen Government
On January 25, 2019, Trump signed a stopgap bill to reopen the government for three weeks without border wall concessions, after Pelosi opposed his attempts to leverage the shutdown for wall funding.
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March 2019: Pelosi on US-Israel relationship
In March 2019, Nancy Pelosi stated, "Israel and America are connected now and forever. We will never allow anyone to make Israel a wedge issue."
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April 2019: Trump vows to defy House subpoenas
In April 2019, Trump vowed to defy "all" subpoenas from the House and to refuse to allow officials to testify before House committees.
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May 1, 2019: Pelosi and Schumer Meet with Trump on Infrastructure Funding
On May 1, 2019, Pelosi and Schumer met with Trump to discuss infrastructure funding.
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May 2019: Pelosi accuses Trump of obstruction of justice
In May 2019, Pelosi accused Trump of obstruction of justice after the White House intervened to halt Don McGahn from complying with a subpoena.
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June 5, 2019: Pelosi states she wants to see Trump in prison
On June 5, 2019, Pelosi said that she wanted to see Trump in prison during a meeting with senior Democrats about whether the House should launch impeachment proceeding against Trump.
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June 2019: Recognition as an Effective Speaker
In June 2019, Brent Budowsky opined in The Hill that Pelosi had been "the most important, consequential and effective Speaker since Tip O'Neill".
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September 2019: Pelosi meets with Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong
In September 2019, Pelosi met with Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong on Capitol Hill, leading to criticism from Chinese media.
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September 2019: Pelosi announces formal House impeachment inquiry against Trump
In September 2019, following revelations of the Trump-Ukraine scandal, Pelosi announced the beginning of a formal House impeachment inquiry against Trump.
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September 29, 2019: Pelosi Announces Impeachment Inquiry Against Trump
On September 29, 2019, Pelosi announced the launch of an impeachment inquiry against Trump.
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December 5, 2019: Pelosi Authorizes Drafting of Impeachment Articles
On December 5, 2019, Pelosi authorized the Judiciary Committee to begin drafting articles of impeachment against Trump, following an impeachment inquiry.
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December 2019: First Impeachment of Donald Trump
In December 2019, the House impeached President Donald Trump for the first time.
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December 18, 2019: House impeaches Trump
On December 18, 2019, the House voted to impeach Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, making him the third president to be impeached.
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2019: Second Speakership
In 2019, Nancy Pelosi became speaker of the United States House of Representatives for a second time.
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2019: Pelosi Calls Climate Change "Existential Threat"
In 2019, Pelosi called climate change "the existential threat of our time" and supported action to curb it, along with developing new technologies and conservation programs.
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2019: Support for the Equality Act
In 2019, Pelosi spoke in Congress in favor of the Equality Act and called for an end to discrimination against LGBT people.
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January 15, 2020: House transmits articles of impeachment to Senate
On January 15, 2020, the House transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Republican-controlled Senate for trial, with Pelosi naming the House managers.
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January 2020: Pelosi Compared to Sam Rayburn
In January 2020, on the eve of Trump's first impeachment trial, Paul Kane of the Washington Post called Pelosi the most powerful House speaker in at least 25 years, noting that some historians were comparing her influence to that of former speaker Sam Rayburn.
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February 4, 2020: Pelosi Tears Up Trump's State of the Union Address
On February 4, 2020, at the conclusion of Trump's State of the Union address, Pelosi tore up her official copy, calling it "a such a dirty speech".
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June 2020: Pelosi Pushes for Removal of Confederate Statues and Paintings
In June 2020, following protests over George Floyd's murder, Pelosi advocated for the removal of all Confederate statues from the Capitol. On June 18, 2020, she ordered the removal of four paintings of former Confederates from the Capitol Speaker's Gallery.
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September 2020: Pelosi Hair Salon Controversy
In early September 2020, footage emerged of Pelosi visiting a hair salon in San Francisco, violating indoor service regulations. She described it as a "setup".
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October 8, 2020: Pelosi announces legislation to allow use of 25th Amendment
On October 8, 2020, Pelosi announced legislation in the House to advance the creation of a commission to allow the use of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from executive duties.
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2020: Agreement not to stay on as speaker beyond January 2023
In 2020, Pelosi agreed again not to stay on as speaker beyond January 2023.
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2020: Pelosi prefers to defeat Trump in the 2020 election rather than impeach him
In 2020, Pelosi preferred to see Trump lose to a Democrat in the 2020 election, following which he could be prosecuted, rather than impeached.
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January 2021: Second Impeachment of Donald Trump
In January 2021, the House impeached President Donald Trump for the second time.
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April 2021: Criticism for Immigration Stance
In April 2021, House Republicans criticized Pelosi for saying that immigration under the Biden administration was "on a good path", despite high numbers of unaccompanied minors arriving at the border.
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May 2021: House Majority of 6 Seats
From April to May 2021, Pelosi worked with a House majority as small as 6 seats (218–212).
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June 2021: Paul Pelosi Purchases Tech Stocks
In May and June 2021, Paul Pelosi purchased stocks in tech companies such as Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple, netting a gain of $5.3 million. This occurred while Speaker Pelosi was working on anti-trust legislation to better regulate the tech industry, leading to ethical concerns.
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December 2021: Pelosi Announces Reelection Candidacy
In December 2021, Pelosi announced her candidacy for reelection to the House in 2022, despite prior agreements not to stay on as speaker beyond January 2023.
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2021: Key Role in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Passage
In 2021, Pelosi played a key role in the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
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2021: John Boehner on Pelosi's Influence
In 2021, former Republican speaker John Boehner opined that Pelosi had been the most powerful House speaker in U.S. history.
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2021: Kamala Harris Becomes Vice President
In 2021, until Kamala Harris became vice president, Nancy Pelosi was the highest-ranking woman in the presidential line of succession in U.S. history.
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August 2, 2022: Pelosi visits Taiwan
On August 2, 2022, Nancy Pelosi became the highest-ranking U.S. government official to visit Taiwan in 25 years, a move that heightened tensions between the U.S. and China. Despite discouragement from President Biden, Pelosi's visit was supported by some Republicans and included a meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen.
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August 5, 2022: China sanctions Pelosi
On August 5, 2022, the Chinese government sanctioned Nancy Pelosi in response to her visit to Taiwan, citing her actions as "seriously interfering in China's internal affairs, undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, trampling on the one-China policy, and threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait".
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October 2022: Pelosi's voting record aligns with Biden's position
As of October 2022, Pelosi had voted in line with Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time.
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October 2022: Paul Pelosi Attacked at Home
In October 2022, while Pelosi was in Washington, D.C., an intruder entered her San Francisco home demanding to know her whereabouts, and attacked her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer. The assailant, David DePape, was convicted on federal and state charges and sentenced to life without parole.
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November 2022: Recognition as "Most Effective Speaker Ever"
In November 2022, several commentators, including Chris Cillizza, Johnathan Bernstein, Jackie Calmes and Sarah Ferris, described Pelosi as the "most effective speaker ever" or one of the greatest and most powerful speakers in history.
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November 29, 2022: Named Speaker Emerita
On November 29, 2022, the Steering and Policy Committee of the House Democratic Caucus named Pelosi "Speaker Emerita".
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2022: Passage of Key Legislation During 117th Congress
During the 117th Congress, the CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (PACT Act) were passed.
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2022: Republican Advertising in 2022 Cycle
During the 2022 election cycle, Republicans ran more than $50 million in ads that negatively characterized or invoked Pelosi.
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2022: Pelosi Opposed Overturning of Roe v. Wade
In 2022, Pelosi opposed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, calling it "cruel", "outrageous" and "heart-wrenching".
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2022: Pelosi Reelected, Democrats Lose House Majority
In 2022, Pelosi was reelected to the House, but the Democratic Party lost the House majority.
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2022: Pelosi advises athletes competing in Beijing Olympics
In 2022, on the eve of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, Pelosi advised American athletes competing to avoid incurring the anger of the Chinese government.
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January 3, 2023: End of Pelosi's Second Speakership
On January 3, 2023, Pelosi's second speakership and participation in the House Democratic Party leadership concluded at the end of the 117th Congress.
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January 2023: Pelosi Steps Down from Leadership
Ten days after being reelected in 2022, and with the Democrats losing the House, Pelosi announced in January 2023 that she would not seek a Democratic leadership post in the next Congress.
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2023: End of Second Speakership
In 2023, Nancy Pelosi's second term as speaker of the House ended, as well as her role leading House Democrats.
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January 28, 2024: Pelosi suggests connection between pro-Palestinian protesters and Russia
On January 28, 2024, Nancy Pelosi suggested that some pro-Palestinian protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Israel–Hamas war could be connected to Russia and called on the FBI to investigate the possible connection.
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December 2024: Pelosi Hospitalized After Hip Fracture
In December 2024, Pelosi was hospitalized after fracturing her hip while falling down stairs in high heels during an official trip to Luxembourg. She underwent hip replacement surgery on December 14 at a U.S. military hospital in Germany.
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2024: Effort to Pressure Biden to Withdraw from Presidential Race
In 2024, Pelosi played a role in pressuring President Biden to withdraw his candidacy due to concerns about his reelection prospects. She initially warned Biden, advised members to "speak their conscience", and eventually supported Kamala Harris after Biden's withdrawal.
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