In a significant political development, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi revealed on Thursday her intention to retire following the completion of her current congressional term. This announcement has elicited a wave of appreciation from California officials and fellow politicians, acknowledging her long-standing service.
At 85, Pelosi made history as the first female Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and broke ground as the first woman to helm a major political party within the legislative branch.
RELATED: Nancy Pelosi to step down from Congress at the conclusion of her term in 2027
Here’s how prominent figures are responding to the news:
President Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump didn’t hold back when commenting on Pelosi’s retirement, labeling her as “an evil woman.” He stated:
“I consider her an evil woman, and I’m relieved to see her stepping down. Her retirement is, in my view, a favor to the country. I believe she was a significant burden, causing both reputational and material damage. Her tenure, I thought, was detrimental.”
Former Pres. Joe Biden
Former President Joe Biden took to X to express her gratitude to Pelosi, saying she has “devoted much of her life to this country, and America will always be grateful.”
“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.”
Former Pres. Barack Obama
Former President Barack Obama posted a series of photos on Instagram of his time with Pelosi during his presidency, saying, “She made us proud to be Democrats, and will go down in history as one of the best speakers the House of Representatives has ever had. Nancy, thank you for your leadership and your friendship.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gov. Gavin Newsom posted to X Thursday morning, saying Pelosi inspired a generation.
“Nancy Pelosi has inspired generations. Her courage and conviction to San Francisco, California, and our nation has set the standard for what public service should be. Her impact on this nation is unmatched. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Wishing you the best in this new chapter-you’ve more than earned it,” said Newsom.
State Senator Scott Wiener
State Senator Scott Wiener, who announced last week he would be running to fill Pelosi’s seat, called her “an icon of American politics.”
“In her years of public service, Nancy Pelosi made every day count and moved mountains for San Francisco and our nation. Her example is a guiding light to me and millions of others as we face the extreme challenges ahead,” said Wiener.
Sen. Adam Schiff
Sen. Adam Schiff released a statement saying Pelosi will go down as the “greatest Speaker in American history” saying her work in Congress delivered “affordable health care to millions, created countless jobs, raised families out of poverty, cleaned up pollution, brought LGBTQ+ rights into the mainstream, and pulled our economy back from the brink of destruction not once, but twice.”
“Despite that steadfast advocacy on the world stage, there was never any question as to the Speaker’s commitment to her home: San Francisco. Today, no visitor to the City will be able to miss the enduring mark that her work has made: from the restored and beautified Presidio, the expanded Golden Gate National Park, improvements to BART and the construction of the Transbay Transit Center, and a cleaner San Francisco Bay that is better protected from the ravages of climate change,” said Schiff.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee
Former congresswoman and Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, who spent decades alongside Pelosi in Congress, said in a statement that the former speakers’ “bold leadership paved the way for so many women and so much progress.”
“For decades, I had the privilege of serving alongside Nancy as her congressional neighbor, working together on our shared values for San Francisco, the State of California, our Country and the World. As the first woman Speaker of the House, Nancy shattered barriers and opened doors for women across the country,” said Mayor Lee. “She never let us forget the work we were doing was for the children and our future. As she prepares for her final year in Congress, she leaves a standard of principled leadership that will endure. I know this next chapter of her life will continue to be filled with joy and more time with her husband Paul and her beautiful family.”
Former Congresswoman Gabby Gifford’s
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords called Pelosi a “steadfast gun safety champion for decades” and her support of gun legislation was crucial in the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
“Our nation is stronger and safer because of Nancy Pelosi’s decades of leadership, and I have been fortunate to call her a mentor and friend,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “She guided us through historic times, from the passage of the Affordable Care Act to the first federal legislation in almost 30 years to tackle the gun violence epidemic. Speaker Pelosi established the nation’s first gun violence prevention task force following the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, fought tirelessly for lifesaving background check legislation and never shied away from criticizing the corrupt gun lobby.”
San Mateo County Board of Supervisor and former Congresswoman Jackie Speier
“She will go down in history as the most significant speaker of the House ever. I enjoyed it so much just sitting back and watching her magic. She would say things like we don’t agonize; we organize. She would say things like policy is our purpose, children are our mission, and politics is how we get there. I would write these down on a pad of paper and remember them,” said Jackie Speier, San Mateo County Board of Supervisor and former congresswoman.
Former Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
“Incredible leadership in the house of representatives and simply put there is no one like her. I don’t think that we will see the likes of her really for generations to come,” said Anna Eshoo, former California Congresswoman.
Former Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is one of Pelosi’s closest friends; she remembers meeting Pelosi at a dinner party in the Bay Area almost five decades ago, way before they even thought about running for public office.
“My beautiful friend, my sister friend. Well, she is remarkable. I remember so many years ago when we were young mothers, I told her ‘Nancy you are destined for something great,’ and she kind of mocked me, ‘you have direct line to upstairs,’ and I said ‘no I feel that I see that for you,”‘ said Eshoo.
Pelosi was first elected in 1987. Becoming a force for the Democratic party.
“She reshaped the democratic caucus in the house of representatives. It was Nancy Pelosi who said we need to have more women at the table. She raised the fund and went around the country to encourage women to run,” said Eshoo.
One of her biggest political accomplishments: The Affordable Care Act.
“You could ask every single member who was the most responsible for that happening? Was it the president, was it this one? It was Nancy Pelosi,” said Eshoo.
Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown
Former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown said Pelosi will continue to be an influential powerhouse.
“Barack Obama was the first Black person to be elected to the presidency. Who orchestrated his nomination and the democratic caucus and the democratic convention? Nancy Pelosi. Nancy Pelosi did that and she carried with her Kamala Harris who ended up becoming the vice president many years later,” said Brown.
Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.
