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, notably serving as the 52nd Speaker of the House, twice holding the position. As a Democrat representing California since 1987, she made history as the first female Speaker and the first woman to lead a major party in Congress. She led House Democrats from 2003 to 2023, marking a significant career in American politics. Her district currently encompasses most of San Francisco.

Sections (7)

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

1989: Tiananmen Square Protests

In 1989, Nancy Pelosi took a harsher stance towards China than President George H.W. Bush, after the Tiananmen Square protests.

1989: Pelosi's Position on China After Tiananmen Square Protests

In 1989, after the Tiananmen Square protests, Nancy Pelosi advocated for a tougher stance against China than President George H.W. Bush. Supported by Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, she criticized Bush's China policy, suggesting Congress should oppose the annual presidential waiver for China under the Jackson-Vanik Amendment.

1991: Pelosi's Protest in Tiananmen Square

In 1991, as part of a Congressional delegation, Nancy Pelosi 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.

1998: 1998 Abortion Funding Amendment Vote

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

1999: Pelosi Calls on Clinton to Address 1989 Protests

In 1999, ahead of Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to the U.S., Nancy Pelosi urged President Clinton and Vice President Gore to ask Zhu to acknowledge the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests as a pro-democracy movement.

2001: CIA Misled Congress

Democratic lawmakers alleged CIA Director Leon Panetta asserted that the CIA misled Congress for a number of years spanning back to 2001 regarding interrogation techniques, casting clouds on the controversy.

2002: Opposed Iraq Resolution

In 2002, Nancy Pelosi opposed the Iraq Resolution authorizing President George W. Bush to use military force against Iraq.

2002: Briefed on "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 Abu Zubaydah, and she was assured by CIA and DOJ lawyers that the methods were legal.

2003: Concurred with objections raised by Jane Harman

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

2004: House Democrats Considered Impeachment Proceedings

In 2004, after Bush's reelection, some House Democrats considered impeachment proceedings against him, claiming he had misled Congress about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and violated Americans' civil liberties.

2004: Pelosi Criticizes Bush's Handling of Iraq War

In 2004, as minority leader, Nancy Pelosi sharply criticized President Bush and his administration's handling of the Iraq War, citing "incompetence".

November 2005: Pelosi Endorses Murtha's Proposal

In November 2005, Nancy Pelosi held a press conference endorsing John Murtha's proposal for a U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq.

2006: Republican Advertisements Assailing Pelosi

In 2006, Republicans started a concerted effort to taint the public perception of Nancy Pelosi by running advertisements assailing her.

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. Pelosi released a statement expressing growing concerns about allegations of links between paramilitary groups and Colombian government officials, and also opposed the Colombian free-trade agreement.

2007: Pelosi's office said she protested use of interrogation techniques

In 2007, Nancy Pelosi's office stated that she had protested the use of enhanced interrogation techniques at the time they were implemented, and she supported concerns raised by Jane Harman in a 2003 letter to the CIA.

2008: Rebuked by Archbishop Donald Wuerl

In 2008, Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., rebuked Nancy Pelosi for comments she made on Meet the Press with Tom Brokaw. Pelosi's comments concerned the Church's teaching on abortion and when human life begins, with the archbishop stating Pelosi was "incorrect".

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2008: Pelosi Criticizes China's Handling of Tibet Unrest

In 2008, after meeting with the Dalai Lama, Nancy Pelosi criticized China for its handling of the unrest in Tibet. Addressing a crowd in Dharamsala, India, she called on "freedom-loving people" to denounce China's human rights abuses in Tibet. She also commended the European Parliament for awarding the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Chinese dissident Hu Jia and demanded his release from prison.

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 regarding the controversy stemming from her comments on abortion.

March 2009: Controversy over USAF Aircraft Use

In March 2009, Judicial Watch obtained emails showing Pelosi's staff requested a Boeing 757 from the United States Air Force (USAF) for taxpayer-funded travel. Pelosi stated the policy was initiated by President Bush for security reasons, and the Sergeant at Arms requested a plane capable of non-stop flight. The Pentagon stated that no judgement had been rendered that Pelosi's use of aircraft was "excessive".

April 2009: Pelosi Denied Being Told About Waterboarding

In April 2009, during a press conference, Nancy Pelosi stated that she was never informed about the use of waterboarding or other enhanced interrogation techniques during briefings, only that the Office of Legislative Counsel had provided opinions that they could be used, but not that they would be.

June 26, 2009: Democratic Lawmakers Allege 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 regarding interrogation techniques.

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

In November 2010, after Democrats lost their House majority, Politico writer John Bresnahan called Nancy Pelosi's record as speaker "mixed", noting her power but also her unpopularity and the negative impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the party's electoral performance.

2010: Republicans Run Anti-Pelosi Advertisements

In 2010, ahead of the House elections, the Republican National Committee used the slogan "Fire Pelosi" after the House passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Republicans spent $65 million on anti-Pelosi advertisements.

November 2011: Allegations of Insider Trading

In November 2011, 60 Minutes alleged that Nancy Pelosi used information from closed sessions to make money on the stock market, citing her purchases of Visa Inc. stock while a bill limiting credit card fees was in the House. Pelosi denied the allegations.

2012: Gun Control Ratings

In 2012, Nancy 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.

2012: Reference to Benghazi attack investigation

In February 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Nancy Pelosi referenced that Republicans had previously created committees to investigate Planned Parenthood and the 2012 Benghazi attack.

February 2013: Call for Bold Gun Control Measures

In February 2013, Nancy Pelosi called for the "Boldest possible move" on gun control.

2014: Supported the PRISM surveillance program

As of 2014, Nancy Pelosi voiced her support for the Bush/Obama NSA surveillance program known as PRISM.

2016: Russian Interference in US Elections

In 2016, Russia interfered in the United States elections, which was the subject of an FBI investigation that was later criticized in a memo prepared by Republican staff under House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes. This memo and the FBI investigation were referenced by Nancy Pelosi in a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan in February 2018.

June 9, 2017: Comments on Trump's Tweets and Fitness for Office

On June 9, 2017, Nancy Pelosi stated that no one at the White House seemed courageous enough to tell President Donald Trump that his tweets were beneath the dignity of the presidency and that she was worried about his fitness for office, following Comey's testimony.

June 2017: Pelosi's Leadership Called into Question

In June 2017, after Democrats lost four consecutive special elections, Nancy Pelosi's leadership was questioned. Some House Democrats discussed potential new leadership, while Pelosi defended her position and leadership.

August 2017: Pelosi Criticizes Imprisonment of Hong Kong Activists

In August 2017, Nancy Pelosi condemned the imprisonment of Hong Kong democracy activists involved in a protest at the Civic Square in front of the Central Government Complex in Hong Kong, calling the ruling an injustice that should "shock the conscience of the world".

December 2017: Called Tax Reform one of the worst bills in US history

In December 2017, Nancy Pelosi criticized the tax reform signed by Trump, calling it "probably one of the worst bills in the history of the United States of America" and arguing it would negatively impact the middle class and increase debt.

2017: Criticized Confederate Artworks in the US 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.

January 2018: Reaction to Trump's State of the Union Address

In January 2018, Nancy Pelosi referred to Trump's 2018 State of the Union Address as a performance without serious policy ideas for collaboration. She also questioned Trump's refusal to implement Russian sanctions.

January 2018: Responded to company statements crediting tax cuts with wage increases and bonuses

In January 2018, Nancy Pelosi responded to company statements crediting the tax cuts with allowing them to raise wages and give bonuses, dismissing the benefits workers received as "crumbs" compared to the benefits corporations got.

February 2018: Pelosi's Letter to Speaker Ryan

In February 2018, Nancy Pelosi addressed a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan concerning the proposed public release of a memo prepared by Republican staff under House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, criticizing the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections. Pelosi noted warnings from the FBI and the Department of Justice that the memo was inaccurate and its release could compromise national security by revealing federal surveillance methods.

February 2018: Response to Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting

In February 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Nancy Pelosi criticized Republicans' "cowering" to the gun lobby and requested action on gun violence, including consideration of legislation expanding background checks and authorizing research on gun violence's public health impact. Pelosi also advocated for the creation of a special committee on gun violence.

August 2018: Call for Duncan D. Hunter's Resignation

In August 2018, Nancy Pelosi urged Duncan D. Hunter to resign from his position following his indictment on charges related to the misuse of at least $250,000 in campaign funds. She described the charges as evidence of a pervasive culture of corruption among Republicans in Washington.

2018: Comments on potential impeachment of Trump

In November 2018, Nancy Pelosi said that beginning the impeachment process against Trump would not be one of their legislative priorities but that the option could be considered if credible evidence appeared during the ongoing investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

April 2019: Trump Vows to Defy House Subpoenas

In April 2019, President Trump vowed to defy "all" subpoenas from the House and to refuse to allow administration officials to testify before House committees.

May 2019: Pelosi Accuses Trump of Obstruction of Justice

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

June 5, 2019: Pelosi states she wants 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: Focus on Trump-Ukraine Scandal

In July 2019, the House impeachment inquiry focused on efforts by President Trump and administration officials to pressure Ukraine to smear Joe Biden, while withholding U.S. military aid and a White House visit.

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. Chinese media criticized Pelosi for supporting radical activists.

September 2019: Announcement of Formal House Impeachment Inquiry

In September 2019, following revelations of the Trump–Ukraine scandal, Nancy Pelosi announced the beginning of a formal House impeachment inquiry, stating that President Trump's actions had seriously violated the Constitution.

September 29, 2019: Pelosi Announces Impeachment Inquiry Against Trump

On September 29, 2019, Nancy Pelosi declared the launch of an impeachment inquiry into President Trump.

December 5, 2019: Authorization to Draft Articles of Impeachment

On December 5, 2019, following the impeachment inquiry, Nancy Pelosi authorized the Judiciary Committee to begin drafting articles of impeachment against President Trump.

December 2019: First Impeachment of President Donald Trump

In December 2019, during her second speakership, 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 to impeach President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, making him the third president in U.S. history to be impeached. Pelosi stated that it was tragic that the president's reckless actions made impeachment necessary.

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

On January 15, 2020, the House transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, with Nancy 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, following Trump's State of the Union address, Nancy Pelosi tore up her official copy. She explained her action as a courteous response considering the alternatives, describing the speech as "such a dirty speech." This act drew criticism from Trump and other Republicans.

September 2020: Hair Salon Visit Controversy

In early September 2020, footage emerged showing Nancy Pelosi visiting a hair salon in San Francisco, violating regulations that prohibited indoor services at the time. Facing criticism for alleged hypocrisy from Trump and the salon owners, Pelosi described the situation as a "setup," while her stylist and other Democrats defended her.

October 8, 2020: Announcement of Legislation on 25th Amendment Commission

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

2020: Preference for defeating Trump in 2020 election

In May 2019, under pressure from an alliance of left-wing Representatives led by Chair of the House Judiciary Committee Jerry Nadler, Pelosi backed an impeachment inquiry. According to multiple sources, rather than impeachment, she 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 during Nancy Pelosi's second speakership.

April 2021: Criticism for Immigration Stance

In April 2021, House Republicans criticized Nancy Pelosi for stating that immigration under the Biden administration was "on a good path" following a peak in southern border crossings.

August 2, 2022: Pelosi Visits Taiwan

On August 2, 2022, Nancy Pelosi became the highest-ranking U.S. government official in 25 years to visit Taiwan, a trip that heightened tensions between the U.S. and China. During her visit, she met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen and affirmed U.S. Congress's commitment to Taiwan's freedom.

August 5, 2022: China Sanctions Pelosi After Taiwan Visit

On August 5, 2022, the Chinese government sanctioned Nancy Pelosi for "seriously interfering" in China's internal affairs and undermining its sovereignty due to her visit to Taiwan.

2022: Opposition to 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 Russian Connection to Pro-Palestinian Protesters

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.

2024: Effort to Pressure Biden to Withdraw Candidacy

Amid concerns about President Biden's reelection prospects in the 2024 presidential election, Nancy Pelosi played a key role in the effort to pressure him to withdraw his candidacy before the Democratic National Convention.