President Donald Trump celebrated the retirement of Representative Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic former House Speaker who oversaw his two impeachments, calling her “evil” and “overrated.”
“The retirement of Nancy Pelosi is a great thing for America,” Trump said in a text message to Fox News journalist Peter Doocy, who read out the president’s reaction on air.
“She was evil, corrupt, and only focused on bad things for our country. She was rapidly losing control of her party, and it was never coming back. I’m very honored that she impeached me twice and failed miserably twice.”
“Nancy Pelosi is a highly overrated politician,” Trump added.
Follow Newsweek’s live blog on Nancy Pelosi’s retirement for the latest updates and reactions.
Why It Matters
Pelosi, 85, was the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, holding the gavel during two nonconsecutive terms and becoming one of the most powerful Democrats in Washington. The California representative’s decision to retire sets off a competitive race for a deep-blue congressional seat and potentially signals the end of an era for a generation of Democratic leadership.
Her relationship with Trump, marked by two impeachment proceedings, made her a symbolic adversary for Republicans and a standard-bearer for liberal priorities. The president’s reaction to her retirement suggests there is no love lost between the two figures.
What To Know
Pelosi announced on Thursday that she would not seek reelection in 2026, effectively bringing to a close a career in the House of Representatives that began in 1987. In a six-minute video posted online, the California Democrat thanked her constituents in San Francisco for their decades of support.
“Thank you, San Francisco, for trusting me to be your voice in Congress. May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America,” she said in the video.
Over nearly four decades, Pelosi rose through the ranks of party leadership, serving as minority whip, minority leader, and twice as speaker. Her leadership was characterized by her ability to marshal votes, navigate internal party divides, and steer major legislation through a deeply polarized Congress.
During her tenure, Pelosi prioritized expanding access to health care, enacting civil rights legislation, and advocating for stricter gun control. She was instrumental in passing the Affordable Care Act during former President Barack Obama’s administration and the Inflation Reduction Act under former President Joe Biden.
Her long career, however, was not without controversy. Critics on both the left and right accused her of embodying what they saw as an out-of-touch liberal elite. Questions about her and her husband, Paul Pelosi’s, lucrative stock investments while she was in office also drew scrutiny and fueled ethical debates.
Pelosi stepped down from her leadership role after the 2022 midterms, with Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York succeeding her as the party’s leader in the House. On Thursday, Jeffries called her the “greatest speaker of all time.”
What People Are Saying
Former President Joe Biden said Thursday on X: “I often said Nancy Pelosi was the best Speaker of the House in American history — it’s why I awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. When I was President, we worked together to grow our economy, create millions of jobs, and make historic investments in our nation’s future. She has devoted much of her life to this country, and America will always be grateful. Jill and I wish Nancy and Paul all the best.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday on X: “During her 20 years leading House Democrats, she fiercely navigated many trials and tribulations, including a once-in-a-century pandemic, a horrific attack on the United States Capitol and a violent attempt on her husband’s life. Through it all, she led with strength and dignity.”
What Happens Next
As she departs from Congress, Pelosi’s exit sets off a competitive race for one of the safest Democratic seats in the House. Potential successors include California State Senator Scott Wiener and San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan.
Update 11/6/25, 11:49 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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