Challenges in the Life of Sarah Palin in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Sarah Palin. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Sarah Palin is an American politician best known for serving as the ninth governor of Alaska from 2006 to 2009 and as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2008, running alongside John McCain. A conservative commentator and author, Palin's rise to national prominence was marked by her populist appeal and strong stance on social issues. Since leaving office, she has remained active in the political sphere, primarily as a commentator and media personality, often expressing views aligned with the conservative wing of the Republican party.

Sections (6)

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

June 2007: Palin signs $6.6 billion operating budget and vetoes capital budget cuts

In June 2007, Sarah Palin signed a $6.6 billion operating budget into law as governor of Alaska. At the same time, she utilized her veto power to implement the second-largest cuts to the capital budget in the state's history, reducing it by $237 million, affecting over 300 local projects and bringing the total capital budget down to $1.6 billion.

July 11, 2008: Palin dismisses Walt Monegan

On July 11, 2008, Sarah Palin dismissed Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan, citing performance-related issues such as not being a team player on budgeting issues and egregious rogue behavior.

August 2008: Start of increased scrutiny and legal challenges

Sarah Palin stated that since August 2008, both she and the state had been spending an "insane" amount of time and money ($2.5 million) responding to "opposition research", 150 FOIA requests and 15 "frivolous" legal ethics complaints filed by "political operatives" against her.

October 10, 2008: Release of the Branchflower Report

On October 10, 2008, the Alaska Legislative Council released the Branchflower Report, which found that firing Walt Monegan was lawful, but that Sarah Palin abused her power as governor and violated the state's Executive Branch Ethics Act by pressuring Monegan to fire Trooper Wooten.

2008: Palin vetoes funding for 350 projects

In 2008, Sarah Palin vetoed $286 million, which cut or reduced funding for 350 projects from the FY09 capital budget in Alaska.

February 2009: Change in tax policy for per diems

In February 2009, the State of Alaska reversed its tax policy and decided that per diems paid to state employees for stays in their own homes would be treated as taxable income and included in employees' gross income on their W-2 forms. Sarah Palin had ordered the review of the tax policy.

May 2009: Palin's job approval rating reaches low

In May 2009, Sarah Palin's job approval rating as governor of Alaska reached a low of 54%.

July 3, 2009: Palin announces resignation as governor

On July 3, 2009, Sarah Palin announced that she would not run for reelection in the 2010 Alaska gubernatorial election and would resign before the end of the month. Palin cited the significant amount of time and money spent responding to "opposition research", FOIA requests, and legal ethics complaints as a contributing factor.

2009: Palin requests federal earmarks

Despite increased state revenues, for the 2009 state budget, Sarah Palin requested $197 million in federal earmarks or requests for funding, which was a major decrease from earlier years. Palin cited decreasing support for federal funding as a source of friction between her and the state's congressional delegation.

June 2010: Palin's Defense Fund Ruled Illegal

In June 2010, Sarah Palin's defense fund was ruled illegal and was required to pay back $386,856 it collected in donations because it used Palin's position as governor to raise money for her personal gain. Palin subsequently set up a new defense fund.

November 2010: Considering a White House Run

In November 2010, Sarah Palin confirmed she was considering a run for the White House, acknowledging that her experience level could hinder her nomination, and she criticized the media's focus on her personal life.

December 8, 2010: SarahPAC and Palin's Credit Card Information Compromised

On December 8, 2010, it was reported that SarahPAC and Sarah Palin's personal credit card information were compromised through cyber attacks, believed by Palin's team to be executed by Anonymous during Operation Payback.

2010: Palin's decision not to run for reelection

In 2010, Sarah Palin decided not to run for reelection in the Alaska gubernatorial election.

August 2014: Support for Referendum to Repeal Tax Cuts

In August 2014, Sarah Palin supported a referendum to repeal oil-and-gas industry tax cuts, but it was narrowly defeated.

May 2016: Opposition to Paul Ryan

In May 2016, Sarah Palin stated she would work to defeat Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan due to his reluctance to support Donald Trump.

June 2017: Defamation Lawsuit Against The New York Times

In June 2017, Sarah Palin filed a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times for an editorial that linked her political action committee's advertisement to the 2011 shooting of Gabrielle Giffords, claiming "political incitement".

August 2017: Dismissal of Lawsuit

In August 2017, the U.S. District Court dismissed Sarah Palin's defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, ruling that she failed to prove actual malice.

August 29, 2019: Todd Palin Files for Divorce

On August 29, 2019, Todd Palin filed for divorce from Sarah Palin, citing "incompatibility of temperament".

August 2020: Denial of Summary Judgment and Order for Jury Trial

In August 2020, the judge denied both sides' motions for summary judgment in Sarah Palin's defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and ordered a jury trial.

February 15, 2022: Jury Verdict Favors The New York Times

On February 15, 2022, the jury reached a unanimous verdict in favor of The New York Times in Sarah Palin's defamation case, finding that Palin had not proven actual malice.