Major Controversies Surrounding Tom Emmer: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Tom Emmer.

Tom Emmer is an American attorney, lobbyist, and politician currently serving as the Majority Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2023. A Republican, he has represented Minnesota's 6th congressional district since 2015. Emmer is recognized for his strong support of the cryptocurrency industry during his time in Congress.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1981: DUI-Related Ticket

At age 20, Tom Emmer received a driving under the influence-related ticket in 1981.

1991: Pleaded Guilty to Careless Driving

In 1991, Tom Emmer, at age 30, pleaded guilty to careless driving; charges for DWI and a license-plate violation were dropped.

2007: Introduced Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage

In 2007, Tom Emmer introduced HF 1847, an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution defining marriage as solely between one man and one woman.

2007: Called climate science "Al Gore's climate porn"

In 2007, as a state representative, Tom Emmer called climate science "Al Gore's climate porn", referring to Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth.

2009: Sponsored DUI Bill

In 2009, Tom Emmer sponsored a bill that proposed shortening the license revocation period for driving under the influence and refusing field sobriety tests, delaying revocations until after conviction. This bill was opposed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving due to concerns it would allow arrested drivers to continue driving during the time between their arrest and hearing.

2009: Voted against Bisphenol-A legislation

In 2009, Tom Emmer voted against legislation to prohibit sales of any children's product containing Bisphenol-A (except for used children's products).

October 9, 2010: Opposed anti-bullying legislation

During an October 9, 2010, televised debate, Tom Emmer said he would oppose legislation to combat school bullying against gay and lesbian young people.

2010: Sponsored Amendment to Nullify Federal Laws

In 2010, Tom Emmer sponsored an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution allowing the state to nullify federal laws.

2012: Voters Rejected Amendment 1

In 2012, voters rejected Minnesota Amendment 1, which Tom Emmer supported, that would have banned civil recognition of same-sex marriage or its legal equivalent.

2019: Antisemitic canards

In 2019, Tom Emmer sent a fundraising letter that critics alleged included antisemitic canards.

October 2020: Violation of airline rules

In October 2020, Tom Emmer flew on a Delta flight in violation of the airline's rules, potentially exposing passengers to coronavirus.

2020: Doubts on 2020 U.S. presidential election results

In 2020, Tom Emmer initially cast doubt on the 2020 U.S. presidential election results, citing "questionable" practices, but later voted to certify the Electoral College vote count.

January 6, 2021: Attack on the United States Capitol Complex

On January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol Complex was attacked.

May 19, 2021: Voted against establishing a national commission to investigate the January 6 attack

On May 19, 2021, Tom Emmer voted against establishing a national commission to investigate the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol Complex.

August 2021: Statement on Jennifer Carnahan's resignation

In August 2021, Tom Emmer released a statement about the resignation of Minnesota Republican Party chair Jennifer Carnahan after her ties with Anton Lazzaro became a national news story. Emmer donated Lazzaro's donation to charity.

October 2022: Posted Controversial Twitter Video

In October 2022, Tom Emmer faced criticism for posting a video on Twitter showing him firing a fully automatic machine gun, accompanied by the caption "#FIREPELOSI". This occurred shortly before the attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband. He was leading efforts as chair of the NRCC to replace Nancy Pelosi as House speaker.

June 2023: Cosponsored SEC Stabilization Act

In June 2023, Tom Emmer cosponsored the SEC Stabilization Act, intended to remove Gary Gensler from his position as chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This legislative action followed the SEC's lawsuits against Coinbase and Binance, alleging they failed to register as required.