Major Controversies Surrounding Sarah Palin: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Sarah Palin—discover key moments of controversy.

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

October 1996: Discussed Book Removal with Library Director

In October 1996, Sarah Palin discussed the potential removal of a book from the library with the library director, although no books were ultimately removed during her tenure.

November 2003: Ethics Complaints Filed

In November 2003, Sarah Palin filed nonpublic ethics complaints against a fellow commission member, Randy Ruedrich, leading to his resignation.

2003: Alaska Department of Fish and Game policy allowing aerial wolf hunting

In 2003, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game introduced a policy allowing the hunting of wolves from the air as part of a predator control program intended to increase moose and caribou populations.

January 2004: Resignation from Commission and Public Complaint

In January 2004, Sarah Palin resigned from the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and filed a public complaint against Randy Ruedrich.

2005: Sexual harassment complaint against Chuck Kopp

In 2005, Chuck Kopp, the former Kenai chief of police, received a sexual harassment complaint and letter of reprimand.

February 2007: Monegan's discussion with Palin about Wooten

In February 2007, Walt Monegan, then Public Safety Commissioner, discussed Sarah Palin's former brother-in-law, Trooper Wooten, with Palin during a birthday party for state senator Lyman Hoffman. Monegan stated he needed to keep Palin at arm's length regarding the issue.

March 2007: Alaska offers bounty for wolf hunting

In March 2007, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game offered a bounty of $150 per wolf to volunteer pilots and gunners in five areas of Alaska to offset fuel costs, as part of a predator control program.

April 2007: State biologists set wolf kill target

In April 2007, state biologists aimed to kill 382 to 664 wolves by the end of the predator-control season.

September 2007: Palin cancels Gravina Island Bridge

In September 2007, Sarah Palin canceled the Gravina Island Bridge project, citing a lack of interest from Congress due to inaccurate portrayals of the project. Alaska did not return the $442 million in federal transportation funds.

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 1, 2008: Alaska Legislature hires investigator to review Monegan dismissal

On August 1, 2008, the Alaska Legislature hired an investigator, Stephen Branchflower, to review the dismissal of Walt Monegan. The legislators wanted to determine whether Palin's action had been motivated by anger at Monegan for not firing Trooper Wooten. Palin pledged to cooperate.

August 26, 2008: Alaskans vote against ending predator control program

On August 26, 2008, Alaskans voted against ending the state's predator control program, which included aerial wolf hunting.

September 2008: Controversy Over Campaign Spending on Clothing

In September 2008, controversy arose after it was reported that the Republican National Committee (RNC) spent $150,000 of campaign contributions on clothing, hair styling, and makeup for Sarah Palin and her family.

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: Views on Climate Change

During the 2008 campaign, Sarah Palin stated that she and John McCain agreed on the need to reduce pollution, addressing the issue of climate change.

2008: Palin's characterization of her position on the Gravina Island Bridge

In 2008, as a vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin stated that she had told Congress "thanks, but no thanks, on that bridge to nowhere." Ketchikan residents claimed that this was false and a betrayal of Palin's previous support for their community.

2008: Public Opinion and Scrutiny During Campaign

In 2008, during her campaign for Vice President, Sarah Palin faced scrutiny regarding her religious views, social conservatism, perceived lack of experience, and intelligence. She became more popular than John McCain among Republicans.

July 2009: Legal Defense Fund Collection

By mid-July 2009, a legal defense fund was set up to help Palin challenge ethics complaints, and it had collected approximately $250,000.

August 2009: Palin coins the phrase 'death panel'

In August 2009, Sarah Palin coined the phrase "death panel" to describe rationing of care as part of the proposed health care reform. She stated it would require Americans to stand in front of a panel to decide if they are worthy of health care.

2009: Department of Interior Hearing on Greenhouse Gases

In a 2009 Department of Interior hearing, Sarah Palin acknowledged the belief that a global effort to reduce greenhouse gases is needed, while also warning against stopping domestic energy production.

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.

2010: Opposition to Health Care Reform

In 2010, Sarah Palin opposed the health care reform package, specifically the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, raising concerns about the rationing of health care and using the term "death panels."

2010: Palin's Endorsement of Christine O'Donnell

In 2010, Sarah Palin's endorsement of Christine O'Donnell, who was running for Joe Biden's former Senate seat in Delaware, increased tensions between Palin and the Republican establishment.

2010: Climate Change Comments at Logging Conference

In 2010, at a California logging conference, Sarah Palin attacked studies supporting the scientific consensus on climate change, calling them "snake oil science."

January 8, 2011: Criticism Following Giffords Shooting

In the wake of the January 8, 2011, shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Sarah Palin faced criticism for her SarahPAC website's inclusion of a political graphic that included a crosshair over Giffords's district.

2011: Gabrielle Giffords Shooting

In 2011, Democratic congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot.

2013: Opposition to Intervention in Syrian Civil War

In 2013, Sarah Palin opposed the Obama administration's proposed military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, suggesting to "let Allah sort it out."

September 9, 2015: Criticism of Iran Nuclear Deal

On September 9, 2015, Sarah Palin criticized the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Iran nuclear deal, deeming it insufficiently strict, and referenced a fantastical image to describe Obama's view of the treaty.

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.

2017: Support for Julian Assange

In 2017, Palin spoke out in support of Julian Assange.

August 2019: Reinstatement of Lawsuit

In August 2019, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated Sarah Palin's defamation suit against The New York Times.

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.

2020: Calls for Julian Assange's pardon

In 2020, Palin publicly called for Julian Assange to be pardoned, acknowledging her previous mistake in not supporting him.

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.

2022: Criticism of U.S. Involvement in Ukraine

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sarah Palin advocated for a reduction in U.S. military aid to Ukraine and criticized U.S. involvement in the conflict.

August 2024: Revival of Defamation Case

In August 2024, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan revived Sarah Palin's defamation case citing mistakes by the judge, particularly his announcement during jury deliberations that he would dismiss the case.