Major Controversies Surrounding Nancy Pelosi: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Nancy Pelosi—discover key moments of controversy.

Nancy Pelosi is a prominent American politician best known for serving as the 52nd Speaker of the House, from 2007-2011 and 2019-2023. As a Democrat representing California's 11th district since 1987, she made history as the first female Speaker of the House. Pelosi also holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of Congress, leading House Democrats for two decades. Her leadership tenure is one of the longest in history. She is considered the dean of California's congressional delegation.

Sections (7)

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

1989: Pelosi Criticizes Bush's China Policy

In 1989, Nancy Pelosi criticized President George H.W. Bush's approach to China after the Tiananmen Square protests. She believed Congress should oppose waiving the Jackson-Vanik Amendment for China, arguing that economic hardship would lead to democratic reforms.

1991: Pelosi Unfurls Banner in Tiananmen Square

In 1991, Nancy Pelosi, as part of a Congressional delegation, unfurled a banner in Tiananmen Square, leading to a confrontation with Chinese police. She also advocated for allowing Chinese political prisoners and dissidents to immigrate to the U.S.

1996: Voted against the Defense of Marriage Act

In 1996, Nancy Pelosi voted against the Defense of Marriage Act.

1998: Abortion Funding Amendment Vote

In 1998, Nancy Pelosi voted in favor of the Abortion Funding Amendment, which would have permitted the use of district funds for abortion-related activities while prohibiting the use of federal funds.

1999: Voted against displaying the Ten Commandments in public buildings

In 1999, Nancy Pelosi voted against displaying the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including schools.

2001: CIA Allegedly misled Congress

According to a letter signed on June 26, 2009, CIA Director Leon Panetta had asserted that the CIA misled Congress for a "number of years" spanning back to 2001, although the letter provided no details.

2002: Briefed on the use of enhanced interrogation techniques

In 2002, as the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, Nancy Pelosi was briefed on the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques," including waterboarding, on a captured terrorist, Abu Zubaydah. She was assured the methods were legal at the time and did not raise substantial objections, according to unnamed former Bush administration officials.

2003: Voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003

In 2003, Nancy Pelosi voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003.

2003: Concurred with objections to CIA interrogation techniques

In early 2003, Nancy Pelosi concurred with objections raised by Democratic colleague Jane Harman in a letter to the CIA regarding interrogation techniques.

2004: Voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment

In 2004, Nancy Pelosi voted against the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which aimed to define marriage federally as between one man and one woman, overriding states' rights to legalize same-sex marriage.

2004: House Democrats Consider Impeachment Proceedings Against Bush

In 2004, after Bush's reelection, several leading House Democrats considered impeachment proceedings against him, asserting that he had misled Congress about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and violated Americans' civil liberties by authorizing warrantless wiretaps.

2004: Criticism of Bush Administration

In 2004, as minority leader, Nancy Pelosi criticized the handling of the Iraq War by President Bush and his administration, saying Bush had demonstrated areas of "incompetence".

November 2005: Endorsed Murtha's Proposal

In November 2005, Nancy Pelosi held a press conference in which she endorsed John Murtha's proposal for the U.S. to begin a withdrawal of troops from Iraq at the "earliest predictable date".

2006: Republican Advertisements Assailing Pelosi

Before the 2006 elections, Republicans made a concerted effort to taint public perception of Nancy Pelosi, running advertisements assailing her.

2006: Voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment

In 2006, Nancy Pelosi voted against the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which aimed to define marriage federally as between one man and one woman, overriding states' rights to legalize same-sex marriage.

March 13, 2007: Pelosi Removes Iran Resolution from Military Spending Bill

On March 13, 2007, Nancy Pelosi removed a resolution from a military spending bill for the war in Iraq. The resolution would have required the president to consult with Congress before using military force against Iran.

April 2007: Visit to Syria

In April 2007, Pelosi visited Syria and met with Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa, and President Bashar al-Assad, despite President Bush's efforts to isolate Syria.

May 2007: Pelosi Scolds Colombian President 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. She also opposed the Colombian free-trade agreement.

2007: Pelosi's office stated she protested enhanced interrogation techniques

In 2007, Nancy Pelosi's office stated that she had protested the use of enhanced interrogation techniques at the time they were being used.

2008: Rebuked by Archbishop Donald Wuerl

In 2008, Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., rebuked Nancy Pelosi for her remarks to Tom Brokaw on Meet the Press regarding Church teaching on abortion and the commencement of human life, stating that the Church has not been able to define when life begins.

February 2009: Meeting with Archbishop and Pope Benedict XVI

In February 2009, Nancy Pelosi met with Archbishop George Hugh Niederauer of San Francisco and Pope Benedict XVI to address the controversy surrounding her statements on Church teaching regarding abortion.

March 2009: Controversy over Use of USAF Aircraft

In March 2009, emails obtained by Judicial Watch revealed Nancy Pelosi's staff requested a Boeing 757 from the United States Air Force for taxpayer-funded travel. Pelosi stated the policy was initiated by President Bush due to post-9/11 security concerns and was initially provided for the previous Speaker Dennis Hastert.

April 2009: Pelosi's Press Conference on Interrogation Techniques

In an April 2009 press conference, Nancy Pelosi stated that she and others were not told that waterboarding or other enhanced interrogation techniques were used, but were informed that the Office of Legislative Counsel had opinions that they could be used.

June 26, 2009: Democratic lawmakers alleged the CIA misled Congress

On June 26, 2009, several leading Democratic lawmakers in the House signed a letter alleging that CIA Director Leon Panetta had asserted that the CIA misled Congress for a "number of years" spanning back to 2001, casting doubts on the controversy surrounding interrogation techniques.

November 2010: Pelosi's Record as Speaker Called "Mixed"

In November 2010, after Democrats lost their House majority, Pelosi's record as speaker was described as "mixed", wielding "an iron fist in a Gucci glove" but having a "horrible approval rating with the rest of America". The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was cited as an example of legislation that hurt the Democrats electorally in 2010.

2010: Republicans Use "Fire Pelosi" Slogan

Before the 2010 House elections, the Republican National Committee used a "Fire Pelosi" slogan in its efforts to recapture the House majority, after the House passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Republicans spent $65 million on anti-Pelosi advertisements.

2010: Republican Ads against Pelosi

In the 2010 election cycle, Republicans spent more than $65 million on ads that negatively characterized or invoked Nancy Pelosi.

November 2011: 60 Minutes Alleges Pelosi Used Inside Information for Stock Trades

In November 2011, 60 Minutes alleged that Pelosi and other members of Congress used information from closed sessions to profit in the stock market, citing her purchase of Visa Inc. stock. Pelosi denied the allegations. She later voted for the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act).

2012: Expressed views on LGBT rights based on Catholic faith

In 2012, Nancy Pelosi stated that her support for LGBT rights, including same-sex marriage, stems from her Catholic faith, putting her at odds with Catholic doctrine. She considered the ban on gay marriage a form of unconstitutional discrimination.

2012: Committees created to investigate Planned Parenthood and Benghazi

In February 2018, Pelosi stated Republicans had previously created committees to investigate Planned Parenthood and the 2012 Benghazi attack.

2014: Supported the Bush/Obama NSA surveillance program PRISM

As of 2014, Nancy Pelosi supported the Bush/Obama NSA surveillance program PRISM.

August 2016: Pelosi's Contact Information Posted Online After Cyberattack

In August 2016, Pelosi reported that her personal contact information was posted online following a cyberattack. This resulted in obscene and sick calls, voice mails, and text messages, leading her to warn members of Congress to avoid letting children or family members answer phone calls or read text messages.

November 2017: Pelosi Calls for Conyers' Resignation and Convenes Meeting on Workplace Policies

In November 2017, after Pelosi called for John Conyers's resignation over allegations of harassment, she convened the first in a series of planned meetings on strategies to address reforming workplace policies in the wake of national attention to sexual harassment.

December 2017: Opposed the Trump tax reform

In December 2017, Nancy Pelosi opposed the tax reform signed by President Trump, describing it as detrimental to working middle-class families and increasing the debt.

2017: Criticized artworks depicting Confederate supporters in the Capitol

In 2017, Nancy Pelosi repeatedly criticized the presence of artworks in the United States Capitol that depicted individuals who supported the Confederacy during the American Civil War, including at least 10 statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection.

January 2018: Called tax cut bonuses "crumbs"

In January 2018, Nancy Pelosi responded to companies crediting tax cuts with wage increases and bonuses by stating that the benefits workers received were "crumbs" compared to what corporations gained.

February 2018: Pelosi criticizes Nunes and Republicans over memo release

In February 2018, Pelosi sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan regarding the proposed public release of a memo prepared by Republican staff. She stated the FBI and DOJ warned that the memo was inaccurate and its release could threaten national security. Pelosi accused Republicans of a "cover-up campaign" to protect Trump and called for Nunes' removal due to "deliberately dishonest actions".

February 2018: Response to Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting

In February 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Nancy Pelosi criticized Republicans for "cowering" to the gun lobby and requested action from House Speaker Ryan to consider legislation expanding background checks and authorizing research on gun violence. She also called for a special committee on gun violence.

June 2018: Pelosi visits migrant detention facility and calls for Nielsen's resignation

In June 2018, Pelosi visited a federal facility used to detain migrant children separated from their parents and subsequently called for the resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.

August 2018: Pelosi calls for Duncan D. Hunter's resignation

In August 2018, Pelosi called for Duncan D. Hunter's resignation after his indictment on charges of misusing at least $250,000 in campaign funds. She stated that the charges were "evidence of the rampant culture of corruption among Republicans in Washington today".

May 2019: Accusations of Obstruction of Justice

In May 2019, Nancy Pelosi described Trump's interference regarding Don McGahn's records as an obstruction of justice, saying that "Trump is goading us to impeach him." Later that month, Pelosi declared "we believe that the president of the United States is engaged in a cover-up".

June 5, 2019: Pelosi's desire to see Trump in prison

On June 5, 2019, during a meeting with senior Democrats about whether the House should launch impeachment proceeding against Trump, Pelosi said, "I don't want to see him impeached, I want to see him in prison."

July 2019: Trump's Request to Investigate Biden

In July 2019, The House impeachment inquiry focused on efforts by Trump and Trump administration officials to pressure the government of Ukraine to smear former Vice President Joe Biden.

September 2019: Pelosi Meets with Hong Kong Activist Joshua Wong

In September 2019, Nancy Pelosi met with Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong on Capitol Hill, prompting criticism from Chinese media who accused her of supporting radical activists.

September 2019: Announcement of House Impeachment Inquiry

In September 2019, following revelations of the Trump–Ukraine scandal, Nancy Pelosi announced the beginning of a formal House impeachment inquiry, citing violations of the Constitution and asserting that "no one is above the law."

December 2019: First Impeachment of President Donald Trump

In December 2019, the House impeached President Donald Trump for the first time.

December 18, 2019: House Votes to Impeach Trump

On December 18, 2019, the House voted nearly along party lines to impeach Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, making him the third president in U.S. history to be impeached. Pelosi described Trump's actions as reckless and stated that impeachment was necessary.

2019: Spoke in Congress in favor of the Equality Act

In 2019, Nancy Pelosi spoke in Congress in favor of the Equality Act and called for an end to discrimination against LGBT people. She also opposed Trump's transgender military ban.

January 15, 2020: House Transmits Articles of Impeachment to the Senate

On January 15, 2020, the House transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, with Pelosi naming seven Democratic Representatives, led by Representative Adam Schiff, as the House managers to argue the impeachment case against Trump in the Senate.

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 of it, stating it was "because it was a courteous thing to do considering the alternatives. It was a such a dirty speech". This action was criticized by Trump and other Republicans.

September 2020: Pelosi's hair salon visit controversy

In early September 2020, footage emerged of Pelosi visiting a hair salon in San Francisco, violating regulations preventing indoor service at the time. Criticized for hypocrisy, she described it as a "setup".

October 8, 2020: Introduction of Legislation on 25th Amendment

On October 8, 2020, Nancy Pelosi announced that legislation was being introduced in the House of Representatives to advance the creation of a commission to allow the use of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution to intervene and remove Trump from executive duties.

2020: Desire to see Trump lose to a Democrat in the 2020 election

In May 2019, Pelosi wanted to see Trump lose to a Democrat in the 2020 election, following which he could be prosecuted.

January 2021: Second Impeachment of President Donald Trump

In January 2021, the House impeached President Donald Trump for the second time.

April 2021: Republicans criticize Pelosi's immigration stance

In April 2021, after southern border crossings peaked, House Republicans criticized Pelosi for saying that immigration under the Biden administration was "on a good path".

June 2021: Husband's Stock Purchases

In May and June 2021, Pelosi's husband purchased stocks in tech companies such as Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple, netting a gain of $5.3 million, while Speaker Pelosi was working on anti-trust legislation to regulate the tech industry, leading to controversy.

April 7, 2022: Concerns communicated by Salvatore Cordileone

On April 7, 2022, Salvatore Cordileone communicated his concerns to Nancy Pelosi regarding her support of pro-choice abortion policies.

May 20, 2022: Barred from Receiving Holy Communion

On May 20, 2022, Salvatore Cordileone, the archbishop of San Francisco, announced that Pelosi would be barred from receiving Holy Communion because of her support of pro-choice abortion policies.

August 2, 2022: Pelosi Visits Taiwan

On August 2, 2022, Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, becoming the highest-ranking U.S. official to do so in 25 years. The visit, despite discouragement from President Biden, was supported by some Republicans and triggered retaliatory measures from China. Pelosi affirmed the U.S. Congress's commitment to Taiwan and met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen, calling Taiwan one of the "freest societies in the world".

August 5, 2022: China Sanctions Pelosi

On August 5, 2022, the Chinese government sanctioned Nancy Pelosi for her visit to Taiwan, accusing her of interfering in China's internal affairs, undermining its sovereignty, and threatening peace in the Taiwan Strait.

2022: Republican Ads against Pelosi

During the 2022 election cycle, Republicans ran more than $50 million in ads that negatively characterized or invoked Nancy Pelosi.

2022: Pelosi Opposes Overturning of Roe v. Wade

In 2022, Nancy Pelosi opposed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, describing it as "cruel", "outrageous", and "heart-wrenching".

January 28, 2024: Pelosi Suggests Possible Russia Connection to Pro-Palestinian Protests

On January 28, 2024, Nancy Pelosi suggested that some pro-Palestinian protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war could be connected to Russia and called on the FBI to investigate the possible connection.

July 2024: Paul Pelosi's Visa stock sale draws scrutiny

In July 2024, Pelosi's husband, Paul Pelosi, sold between $500,000 and $1 million worth of Visa stock shortly before the Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against the company, drawing allegations of potential insider trading.

2024: Pelosi urges Biden to withdraw candidacy

Amid concerns about President Biden's reelection prospects in the 2024 presidential election, Pelosi and other Democratic officials urged him to withdraw his candidacy before the party's National Convention. Pelosi feared his faltering candidacy might result in a Republican government trifecta. After Biden withdrew from the race, Pelosi endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

2024: Scrutiny over family's stock trading activities

Pelosi has faced scrutiny over her family's stock trading activities, particularly after reports indicated that her investment portfolio achieved a 54% return in 2024. Critics argue that members of Congress may have access to non-public information.