James Richard Perry is a prominent American politician who held significant positions in both state and federal government. He served as the 47th Governor of Texas for an impressive 14 years, from 2000 to 2015. Following his time as governor, he transitioned to the national stage as the 14th United States Secretary of Energy under President Donald Trump, a position he held from 2017 to 2019. Perry's political aspirations extended to the highest office in the country, as he launched unsuccessful bids for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in both the 2012 and 2016 elections.
1925: Birth of Rick Perry's Father
A fifth-generation Texan, Perry was born on March 4, 1950, in Haskell, Texas, and raised in Paint Creek, Texas, the son of dryland cotton farmers Joseph Ray Perry (1925–2017) and Amelia June Holt Perry (born 1929).
1929: Birth of Rick Perry's Mother
A fifth-generation Texan, Perry was born on March 4, 1950, in Haskell, Texas, and raised in Paint Creek, Texas, the son of dryland cotton farmers Joseph Ray Perry (1925–2017) and Amelia June Holt Perry (born 1929).
March 4, 1950: Birth of Rick Perry
Rick Perry was born on March 4, 1950, in Haskell, Texas.
November 1961: Rick Perry Attends Funeral of Sam Rayburn
Perry has said that his interest in politics probably began in November 1961, when his father took him to the funeral of U.S. Representative Sam Rayburn.
1972: Rick Perry Graduates from Texas A&M University
Born into a family of cotton farmers in Haskell, Texas, Perry graduated from Texas A&M University in 1972.
1972: Rick Perry Graduates with a Degree in Animal Science
He graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science.
1972: Rick Perry Joins the US Air Force
Upon graduation from college in 1972, Perry was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and completed pilot training in February 1974.
February 1974: Rick Perry Completes Pilot Training
Upon graduation from college in 1972, Perry was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and completed pilot training in February 1974.
1976: Rick Perry Participates in Earthquake Relief in Guatemala
His missions included a 1974 U.S. State Department drought relief effort in Mali, Mauritania and Chad, and, in 1976, earthquake relief in Guatemala.
1977: Rick Perry Leaves the US Air Force
After leaving the Air Force in 1977, Perry returned to Texas and entered politics.
1977: Rick Perry Leaves the US Air Force
He left the Air Force in 1977 at the rank of captain, returned to Texas, and went into farming cotton with his father.
1982: Perry Marries Childhood Sweetheart
Rick Perry married Mary Anita Thigpen, his childhood sweetheart, in 1982.
1984: Rick Perry Elected to the Texas House of Representatives
In 1984, Perry was elected to the Texas House of Representatives as a Democrat from district 64, which included his home county of Haskell.
1985: Rick Perry Elected to the Texas House of Representatives
Perry returned to Texas and entered politics, serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1985 to 1991.
1987: Rick Perry Votes for Tax Increase
In 1987, Perry voted for a $5.7 billion tax increase proposed by Republican Governor Bill Clements.
September 29, 1989: Rick Perry Announces Switch to the Republican Party
On September 29, 1989, Perry announced that he was switching parties, becoming a Republican.
1989: Rick Perry Switches to the Republican Party
Initially a Democrat, Perry switched parties in 1989 and became a Republican.
1989: Rick Perry Reflects on his College Experience
In 1989, he said, "I was probably a bit of a free spirit, not particularly structured real well for life outside of a military regime, I would have not lasted at Texas Tech or the University of Texas. I would have hit the fraternity scene and lasted about one semester."
March 13, 1990: Republican Primary for Agriculture Commissioner
In the Republican primary on March 13, 1990, Perry polled 276,558 votes (47%), with Richard McIver garnering 176,976 votes (30%) and Gene L. Duke, who placed third, polling 132,497 votes (23%). Since Perry fell shy of the necessary 50% to win outright, a runoff was held between Perry and McIver set on April 10, 1990.
April 10, 1990: Runoff Election for Agriculture Commissioner
In the runoff, he emerged victorious, garnering 96,649 votes (69%) to McIver's 43,921 votes (31%).
November 1990: Rick Perry Defeats Jim Hightower for Agriculture Commissioner
Perry narrowly defeated Hightower in November 1990, garnering 1,864,463 votes (49%) to Hightower's 1,820,145 votes (48%).
1990: Rick Perry Challenges Jim Hightower for Agriculture Commissioner
In 1990, as a newly minted Republican, Perry challenged Jim Hightower, the incumbent Democratic Agriculture Commissioner. Karl Rove was Perry's campaign manager.
1991: Rick Perry Leaves the Texas House of Representatives
Perry returned to Texas and entered politics, serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1985 to 1991.
April 1993: Perry Supports Healthcare Reform
In April 1993, while serving as Texas agriculture commissioner, Rick Perry expressed support for the national healthcare reform effort, calling it "most commendable."
1993: FBI Investigation into Corruption in Agriculture Commissioner's Office
During 1990, Hightower's office was embroiled in an FBI investigation into corruption and bribery. Three aides were convicted in 1993 of using public funds for political fundraising, although Hightower himself was not found to be involved in the wrongdoings.
1994: Perry Re-elected as Texas Agriculture Commissioner
Rick Perry secured a second term as Texas Agriculture Commissioner in 1994, defeating Democrat Marvin Gregory and Libertarian Clyde L. Garland with 62% of the vote.
1998: Rick Perry Becomes Lieutenant Governor of Texas
In 1998, Perry was elected Lieutenant Governor of Texas, becoming the state's first Republican Lieutenant Governor since Reconstruction.
1998: Perry Elected as Lieutenant Governor of Texas
In 1998, Rick Perry won the election for lieutenant governor of Texas, defeating Democrat John Sharp with 50.04% of the vote. This election marked the beginning of a reported rivalry between the Bush and Perry camps.
January 19, 1999: Perry Becomes First Republican Lieutenant Governor Since Reconstruction
Rick Perry assumed the office of lieutenant governor on January 19, 1999, becoming the first Republican to hold the position in Texas since Reconstruction.
December 2000: Rick Perry Becomes Governor of Texas
Perry assumed the governorship of Texas in December 2000, after Governor George W. Bush resigned following his election as President.
December 21, 2000: Perry Assumes Governorship
Rick Perry became the governor of Texas on December 21, 2000, after George W. Bush resigned to become President of the United States.
2000: Rick Perry Becomes Governor of Texas
Rick Perry previously served as the 47th governor of Texas from 2000 to 2015.
June 2001: Perry Vetoes Ban on Executing Mentally Disabled Inmates
In a controversial move, Rick Perry, in June 2001, vetoed a bill that would have prohibited the execution of mentally disabled inmates in Texas.
2001: Merck PAC Contributes to Perry's Campaigns
Starting in 2001, the political action committee of Merck, the manufacturer of the HPV vaccine, contributed $28,500 to Rick Perry's campaigns.
2001: Perry Sets Veto Record
In 2001, Rick Perry set a record for the most vetoes issued in a single legislative session in Texas history, rejecting 82 bills.
2001: Texas Enacts In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants
In 2001, under then-Governor Rick Perry's leadership, Texas passed a law allowing undocumented immigrants who met specific residency criteria to access in-state tuition rates, contingent upon a pledge to seek permanent residency or citizenship when feasible. Perry expressed his support for the legislation.
2001: Texas State Debt at $13.4 Billion
In 2001, the total state debt in Texas stood at $13.4 billion.
2002: Perry Supports Texas Anti-Sodomy Law
In 2002, Rick Perry defended the Texas law prohibiting same-sex intimacy, deeming it "appropriate." This law was later deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case Lawrence v. Texas the following year.
2002: Perry Wins First Full Term as Governor
Rick Perry won his first full term as governor of Texas in 2002, securing 58% of the vote against Democrat Tony Sanchez.
2002: Perry Proposes Trans-Texas Corridor
Rick Perry, in 2002, unveiled plans for the ambitious Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) project. The proposed $175 billion transportation network aimed to construct a 4,000-mile system of highways, rail lines, and utility corridors, funded through private investment.
2002: Perry Declines to Rule Out Tax Increases
While known for his fiscal conservatism, Rick Perry refused to promise not to raise taxes if elected governor in 2002.
2003: Perry Signs Medical Malpractice Tort Reform Bill
In 2003, Rick Perry signed a bill into law that placed limits on non-economic damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
2003: Texas Begins Borrowing for Roads
In 2003, under Perry's leadership, Texas began borrowing money to fund road construction. This borrowing was projected to reach $17.3 billion by 2012.
2003: Perry Creates Texas Enterprise Fund
Rick Perry signed legislation establishing the Texas Enterprise Fund in 2003, which provided grants to businesses.
2004: Perry Denies Stay of Execution in Cameron Todd Willingham Case
In 2004, Rick Perry refused to grant a stay of execution for Cameron Todd Willingham, who was convicted of murdering his children. Perry's decision was met with significant controversy, as doubts about Willingham's guilt persisted.
2005: Perry Launches Operation Linebacker to Address Border Security
Citing concerns about potential terrorist threats, Rick Perry initiated Operation Linebacker in 2005. The program sought to enhance security measures along the Texas-Mexico border and prevent terrorist exploitation of the region, despite a lack of evidence suggesting such activity.
2005: Perry Advocates for Education Funding
In 2005, Rick Perry publicly opposed budget cuts that would negatively impact teacher salaries, learning resources, and educational advancements in Texas. He emphasized the importance of directing funds towards improving classroom experiences.
2005: Perry Explains 1993 Healthcare Reform Stance
In 2005, facing questions from a potential opponent in the Republican governor primary, Rick Perry claimed that he only voiced support for the 1993 healthcare reform effort to get President Clinton to focus more on rural healthcare.
2005: Perry Supports Texas Proposition 2
Rick Perry expressed support for Texas Proposition 2, a ballot measure to amend the state constitution to define marriage solely as a union between a man and a woman. The proposition aimed to prevent the establishment or recognition of any legal status similar to marriage, such as civil unions.
2006: Trans-Texas Corridor Becomes Campaign Issue
The controversial Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) project, championed by Rick Perry, became a central point of contention during the 2006 Texas gubernatorial race. Opponents, including rural landowners, environmental groups, and some labor organizations, criticized the project's potential impact on private property rights, the environment, and public spending.
2006: Perry Affirms Belief in Biblical Inerrancy
In 2006, Rick Perry publicly stated his belief in the inerrancy of the Bible and the concept that individuals who don't accept Jesus as their savior would go to hell. He later clarified that he couldn't definitively interpret God's judgment.
2006: Perry Wins Re-Election Against Three Opponents
In 2006, Rick Perry won his second full term as governor, receiving 39% of the vote against opponents Chris Bell, Carole Keeton Strayhorn, and Kinky Friedman.
2006: Lena Guerrero Endorses Rick Perry's Reelection Bid
He befriended fellow freshman state representative Lena Guerrero, a staunch liberal Democrat who endorsed Perry's reelection bid in 2006.
February 2007: Perry Mandates HPV Vaccine for Texas Girls
Rick Perry issued an executive order in February 2007 requiring girls in Texas to receive the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer.
May 2007: Texas Legislature Overturns HPV Vaccine Mandate
The Texas Legislature passed a bill in May 2007 overturning Rick Perry's executive order that mandated the HPV vaccine for girls.
2007: Perry Signs Law Decriminalizing Cannabis Possession
In 2007, Rick Perry signed legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis in Texas. The law replaced mandatory arrests with citations for minor marijuana offenses.
2008: Perry's Book Sparks Controversy with Comparison of Homosexuality to Alcoholism
In his 2008 book "On My Honor," Rick Perry ignited significant controversy by comparing homosexuality to alcoholism. He suggested that while he wasn't an expert on the nature versus nurture debate, gay individuals should choose abstinence. These comments sparked outrage and condemnation from LGBT rights organizations.
2008: Emergence as a Potential Presidential Candidate
Rick Perry began to be considered a potential candidate for the U.S. presidency as early as the 2008 election cycle, marking his early presence in national politics.
2008: Perry Outlines Views on Religion and Government
Rick Perry expressed his views on the separation of church and state in his 2008 book, "On My Honor," arguing against government endorsement of a specific faith while also opposing efforts to remove religious references from public discourse.
2008: Perry Becomes Chairman of the Republican Governors Association
Rick Perry was elected chairman of the Republican Governors Association in 2008.
2009: Trans-Texas Corridor Project Abandoned
After facing significant opposition from various groups, including rural Texans, labor unions, and environmental activists, the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) project was ultimately dropped in 2009. The decision reflected a shift towards smaller-scale road improvements instead of the massive infrastructure overhaul initially envisioned.
2009: Perry Dismisses Concerns over Willingham Case, Replaces Science Commission Members
In 2009, Rick Perry dismissed concerns surrounding the Cameron Todd Willingham execution, maintaining Willingham's guilt and labeling him a "monster." He replaced members of the Texas Forensic Science Commission prior to their meeting on the case, raising concerns about potential political interference in the investigation.
2009: Perry Signs Norquist Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Rick Perry signed Grover Norquist's "Taxpayer Protection Pledge" in 2009, promising to oppose any efforts to increase taxes.
October 2010: Texas Federal Borrowing Exceeds $1.6 Billion
By October 2010, Texas' federal borrowing had surpassed $1.6 billion.
2010: Perry Makes History with Third Gubernatorial Term
Rick Perry became the first Texas governor to be elected to three four-year terms in 2010, defeating Democrat Bill White with 55% of the vote.
2010: Perry Criticizes Supreme Court in Book
In his 2010 book, Rick Perry openly criticized the Supreme Court's decision in Lawrence v. Texas, which struck down Texas's anti-sodomy law. His comments sparked controversy for their perceived disrespect towards the judicial process.
2010: Perry Switches Churches
In 2010, Rick Perry and his family switched from Tarrytown United Methodist Church to Lake Hills Church, a non-denominational evangelical megachurch.
2010: Rick Perry Discusses Formative Experiences
"I count my time working for Dortch Oldham [then president of the Southwestern family of companies] as one of the most important formative experiences of my life", Perry said in 2010.
June 2011: Perry Declares Day of Prayer and Fasting
In June 2011, Rick Perry proclaimed August 6 as a Day of Prayer and Fasting, inviting other governors to a prayer meeting in Houston hosted by the American Family Association. The event drew criticism for appearing to be linked to the launch of his presidential campaign.
August 13, 2011: Formal Launch of 2011 Presidential Campaign
On August 13, 2011, Rick Perry formally announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president in the 2012 election. The announcement took place in Charleston, South Carolina.
August 2011: Rick Perry Announces Candidacy for President
Long considered a potential presidential candidate, Perry officially announced his candidacy for the 2012 Republican nomination for President in August 2011.
December 2011: Perry Changes Stance on Abortion
Rick Perry announced a shift in his stance on abortion in December 2011, stating he now opposed the procedure even in cases of rape or incest, with the exception of cases where the mother's life is at risk.
2011: Texas State Debt Reaches $37.8 Billion
By 2011, Texas' total state debt had risen to $37.8 billion.
2011: Perry Admits Unawareness of Lawrence v. Texas
During his 2011 presidential campaign, Rick Perry acknowledged his lack of familiarity with the Supreme Court case Lawrence v. Texas. Despite being informed that the ruling overturned Texas's anti-sodomy law, he maintained his stance against same-sex marriage, emphasizing his commitment to "traditional marriage."
2011: Perry Elected Chairman of RGA for a Second Time
In 2011, Rick Perry was elected for a second term as chairman of the Republican Governors Association.
2011: Perry Acknowledges States' Rights on Same-Sex Marriage While Supporting Federal Ban
In 2011, following the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York, Rick Perry acknowledged the state's right to enact such a law under the Tenth Amendment. However, he maintained his support for a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, arguing that such an amendment, requiring ratification by three-quarters of the states, would not contradict the principle of states' rights.
2011: Perry Voices Opposition to Open Gay Service in the Military
In 2011, while campaigning for president, Rick Perry aired an ad stating, "there's something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military." He defended his stance, arguing that he was "very comfortable" with the ad's message. Perry's comments ignited controversy for their perceived opposition to LGBT rights.
2011: Perry's Comments on Executions Spark Controversy
During a televised debate for presidential candidates in 2011, Rick Perry asserted that he had never questioned the possibility of innocence in any of the 234 executions carried out during his tenure as governor. His remarks drew criticism and raised concerns about his approach to capital punishment.
January 3, 2012: Fifth Place Finish in Iowa Caucuses
On January 3, 2012, Rick Perry's performance in the Iowa caucuses led to a fifth-place finish, prompting considerations of withdrawing from the presidential race.
January 2012: Rick Perry Withdraws from Presidential Race
However, his support declined following debates and early primaries, and he withdrew from the race in January 2012.
January 19, 2012: Suspension of 2012 Presidential Campaign
After a series of poor performances in early primaries, Rick Perry formally announced the suspension of his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination on January 19, 2012.
2012: Previous Call to Abolish Department of Energy
During his 2012 presidential campaign, Rick Perry had advocated for the elimination of the Department of Energy. This stance became a point of contention during his nomination process for Secretary of Energy.
2012: Rick Perry's First Presidential Run
Rick Perry ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in the 2012 and 2016 elections.
2012: Post-Election Speculation for 2016 Presidency
Immediately following the 2012 presidential election, Rick Perry was already being mentioned as a potential candidate for the 2016 election, indicating continued interest in his presidential aspirations.
2012: Texas Projected to Owe $17.3 Billion for Road Construction
By the end of 2012, Texas was projected to owe $17.3 billion in borrowed funds for road construction.
2012: Perry Criticizes Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
During his 2012 presidential campaign, Rick Perry criticized the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which had prevented openly gay individuals from serving in the U.S. military.
June 2013: Leading in Gubernatorial Polls
In June 2013, a University of Texas at Austin–Texas Tribune poll showed Perry with a substantial lead over potential challengers for the Texas gubernatorial race, suggesting strong public support for his potential fourth term.
July 8, 2013: Announcement of Retirement from Texas Governorship
On July 8, 2013, Rick Perry announced his decision not to seek re-election for a fourth term as the Governor of Texas, marking the end of his 14-year tenure.
July 2013: Speculation as Potential 2016 Presidential Candidate
By July 2013, Rick Perry was already being considered a potential frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2016 presidential election, as suggested by a Time magazine article.
2013: Perry Supports Boy Scouts' Ban on Homosexuality
In 2013, Rick Perry, an Eagle Scout himself, voiced his support for the Boy Scouts of America's policy prohibiting gay individuals from membership. His stance drew criticism from those advocating for inclusion and equality within the organization.
July 21, 2014: Perry Deploys National Guard to Address Border Surge
Amidst a surge in illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border in the summer of 2014, Rick Perry publicly criticized President Barack Obama's handling of the situation. Perry characterized it as a "humanitarian crisis" and, on July 21, 2014, ordered the deployment of 1,000 Texas National Guard troops to bolster border security. While illegal immigration numbers did decrease after the deployment, fact-checkers disputed Perry's claim that the decline was solely due to his actions.
August 15, 2014: Indictment on Abuse of Official Capacity and Coercion of a Public Servant
On August 15, 2014, a Travis County grand jury indicted Rick Perry on charges of abuse of official capacity and coercion of a public servant. The charges stemmed from Perry's threats to veto funding for the Public Integrity Unit and his call for the resignation of Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg.
September 2014: Perry Reaffirms Support for In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
During a debate in September 2014, Governor Rick Perry reiterated his ongoing support for the Texas law granting in-state tuition rates to undocumented immigrants who fulfill residency requirements and commit to pursuing permanent residency or citizenship when possible.
January 20, 2015: Retirement and Record-Breaking Tenure
On January 20, 2015, Rick Perry officially retired from his position as the Governor of Texas. He left office with the record for the longest-serving governor in Texas history, with his tenure being the 10th longest in U.S. history.
February 2015: Perry Joins Energy Company Boards
In February 2015, Rick Perry assumed board positions at Energy Transfer Partners, a major player in the U.S. energy sector, and Sunoco Partners, a prominent Dallas-based energy firm.
June 4, 2015: Official Launch of 2016 Presidential Campaign
On June 4, 2015, Rick Perry officially announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2016 election at an event in Addison, Texas.
September 11, 2015: Withdrawal from 2016 Presidential Race
On September 11, 2015, Rick Perry withdrew from the Republican presidential primary race following a series of low poll numbers and financial struggles. His withdrawal made him the first major candidate to drop out of the race.
2015: Rick Perry Leaves Office as Governor of Texas
Rick Perry previously served as the 47th governor of Texas from 2000 to 2015.
2015: Perry Condemns Obergefell v. Hodges Decision
Following the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, Rick Perry expressed his disapproval. While reiterating his belief in "traditional marriage," he argued that the decision should have been left to individual states under the Tenth Amendment.
2015: Rick Perry Launches Second Presidential Campaign
Perry declined to seek re-election to a fourth term as Governor and left office in 2015, launching a second presidential campaign shortly thereafter.
February 2016: Charges Cleared
In February 2016, all charges against Rick Perry related to the indictment were cleared.
May 5, 2016: Endorsement of Donald Trump
Following Ted Cruz's withdrawal from the Republican presidential race, Rick Perry shifted his endorsement to Donald Trump on May 5, 2016.
December 14, 2016: Nomination for Secretary of Energy
On December 14, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Rick Perry to serve as the United States Secretary of Energy. This nomination faced immediate criticism due to Perry's previous calls to eliminate the department.
December 31, 2016: Perry Resigns from Energy Company Boards
Rick Perry stepped down from his positions on the boards of Energy Transfer Partners and Sunoco Partners on December 31, 2016, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
2016: Mention of the 2016 Election in Trump-Zelenskyy Call
The July 25, 2019 call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, which Rick Perry was involved in, included a discussion about the 2016 U.S. presidential election, a topic that became central to the impeachment inquiry against Trump.
2016: Speculation as Potential 2016 Presidential Candidate
Rick Perry's name was being circulated as a potential contender for the 2016 presidential election, signifying early interest in his potential candidacy.
2016: Rick Perry's Second Presidential Run
Rick Perry ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in the 2012 and 2016 elections.
2016: Official Launch of 2016 Presidential Campaign
Rick Perry officially entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, marking his second attempt to secure the party's nomination.
2016: Rick Perry Ends Second Presidential Campaign and Endorses Trump
Perry's second presidential campaign failed to garner substantial polling support, fundraising or media attention, leading him to withdraw from the race after only three months. Perry was initially a vocal opponent of Donald Trump's 2016 campaign for President, however, he later endorsed Trump after he secured the Republican nomination.
2016: Perry Shifts Stance, Embraces Trump's Border Wall Proposal
Although Rick Perry had previously expressed opposition to constructing a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, his stance shifted in 2016 following Donald Trump's victory in the Republican presidential primaries. Perry aligned himself with Trump's signature campaign promise of building a border wall.
January 31, 2017: Confirmation as Secretary of Energy
On January 31, 2017, the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted 16-7 to confirm Rick Perry as the Secretary of Energy.
March 2, 2017: Rick Perry Confirmed as Secretary of Energy
After winning the presidency, Trump appointed Perry as Secretary of Energy, and he was confirmed by the United States Senate in a 62–37 vote on March 2, 2017.
June 19, 2017: Acknowledgment of Human Impact on Climate Change
In a CNBC interview on June 19, 2017, Rick Perry acknowledged the role of human activity in climate change, stating that the debate should focus on the extent of human impact and appropriate policy responses.
July 2017: Support for Transgender Military Ban
In July 2017, Rick Perry expressed support for President Trump's proposed ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military. He cited economic reasons for his stance, sparking controversy and criticism.
November 2017: Controversial Remarks on Fossil Fuels and Sexual Assault
In November 2017, Rick Perry drew criticism for suggesting that increased use of fossil fuels in Africa could reduce sexual assault. His comments were condemned by environmental groups as insensitive and exploitative.
2017: Rick Perry's Appointment as Secretary of Energy
Rick Perry served as the 14th United States secretary of energy from 2017 to 2019.
2017: Death of Rick Perry's Father
A fifth-generation Texan, Perry was born on March 4, 1950, in Haskell, Texas, and raised in Paint Creek, Texas, the son of dryland cotton farmers Joseph Ray Perry (1925–2017) and Amelia June Holt Perry (born 1929).
November 2018: U.S. Becomes Net Oil Exporter
In November 2018, the United States achieved a significant milestone by becoming a net exporter of oil. This shift, although temporary, marked the end of nearly 75 years of continuous dependence on foreign oil.
May 2019: Ukrainian Energy Contract Controversy
In May 2019, Rick Perry attended the inauguration of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Shortly after, a company linked to Perry's supporters was awarded a lucrative energy contract in Ukraine, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
July 25, 2019: Involvement in Trump-Zelenskyy Call
Rick Perry's involvement in the July 25, 2019 phone call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy became a point of interest during the impeachment inquiry against Trump. Perry's role in encouraging the call and his subsequent actions related to Ukraine were scrutinized.
October 4, 2019: Reports of Impending Resignation
Reports emerged on October 4, 2019, citing anonymous sources, that Rick Perry was expected to resign as Secretary of Energy by the end of the year.
October 2019: Perry Named in Ukraine Scandal
In October 2019, former U.S. officials alleged that Rick Perry was involved in a plan to replace a board member at Naftogaz, Ukraine's state-owned energy company, with someone aligned with Republican interests. Perry denied these allegations.
October 17, 2019: Rick Perry Informs Trump of Intention to Resign
On October 17, 2019, Perry reported to Trump that he intended to resign as Secretary of Energy at the end of the year.
November 2019: Testimony Implicates Perry in Ukraine Campaign
During the November 2019 impeachment inquiry, U.S. officials, including David Holmes, testified that Rick Perry had a significant role in the Trump administration's dealings with Ukraine. Holmes identified Perry, Sondland, and Volker as the "Three Amigos" who directly aided Trump and Giuliani's efforts.
December 1, 2019: Rick Perry Resigns as Secretary of Energy
He left office on December 1, 2019.
2019: Rick Perry's Resignation as Secretary of Energy
Rick Perry served as the 14th United States secretary of energy from 2017 to 2019.
January 2020: Perry Joins LE GP Board
Rick Perry joined the board of LE GP, the general partner of Energy Transfer, in early January 2020.
February 2020: Perry Returns to MCNA Dental
Rick Perry rejoined the board of directors at MCNA Dental in February 2020, assuming the roles of chief strategy officer and vice chairman.
2022: Report Questions Effectiveness of Texas Border Security Efforts
An investigative report published by The Texas Tribune in 2022 raised questions about the long-term efficacy of Texas's border security initiatives, which were significantly expanded under Rick Perry's governorship. The report highlighted inconsistencies in measuring success and a lack of comprehensive data on the costs and outcomes of these operations.