Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Steve Ballmer

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 4, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Steve Ballmer.

Steve Ballmer is an American businessman best known for his tenure as CEO of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014. During his leadership, Microsoft navigated the dot-com bubble burst and shifted towards cloud computing. He is recognized for his energetic and passionate presentations. Beyond Microsoft, Ballmer owns the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team. He is also a co-founder of Ballmer Group, a philanthropic organization focusing on social mobility and community development.

Sections (5)

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

July 2000: Called Linux "communism"

In July 2000, Steve Ballmer referred to the free software Linux kernel as "communism" and claimed it infringed on Microsoft's intellectual property.

June 2001: Called Linux a "cancer"

In June 2001, Steve Ballmer described Linux as a "cancer that attaches itself in an intellectual property sense to everything it touches."

April 2003: Plead with Mayor of Munich not to switch to Linux

In April 2003, Steve Ballmer interrupted his skiing holiday in Switzerland to personally plead with the mayor of Munich not to switch to Linux, but he did not succeed.

2004: Chair-throwing incident after Lucovsky leaves for Google

In 2004, Mark Lucovsky reported that Steve Ballmer threw a chair across his office and vowed to "kill Google" after Lucovsky announced he was leaving Microsoft for Google.

2005: Microsoft sued Google for hiring Kai-Fu Lee

In 2005, Microsoft sued Google for hiring its former vice president, Kai-Fu Lee, alleging violation of his non-compete clause.

May 2012: Call for Ballmer to Step Down

In May 2012, hedge fund manager David Einhorn called on Steve Ballmer to step down as CEO of Microsoft.

2013: Called Google a "monopoly"

In 2013, Steve Ballmer referred to Google as a "monopoly" and suggested it should face pressure from market competition authorities.

2013: Ballmer Named One of the Worst CEOs

In 2013, Steve Ballmer was named one of the worst CEOs by the BBC.

December 24, 2014: IRS Sues Ballmer and others over Microsoft's tax audit

On December 24, 2014, the Seattle Times reported that the IRS sued Steve Ballmer, along with other executives, in an effort to compel them to testify in Microsoft's corporate tax audit, which was looking into transfer pricing.

2021: ProPublica documented tax strategies

In 2021, ProPublica reported that Steve Ballmer is using his ownership of various sports teams as a means to lower his federal income tax, compared to around 35% for the athletes playing in the team.

2023: Report on Tax Advantaged Loss Harvesting

In 2023, ProPublica reported on Steve Ballmer's usage of wash sales helped by Goldman Sachs, under the label "Tax Advantaged Loss Harvesting", resulting in tax savings of more than half a billion dollars over 5 years