Trump brands retiring Nancy Pelosi an “evil woman”

• Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she will retire from Congress in January 2027 at the end of her current term, concluding a four-decade political career.
• President Donald Trump called Pelosi an "evil woman" and a "tremendous liability," stating her retirement was "a great thing for America."

US President Donald Trump on Thursday called leading Democratic opponent Nancy Pelosi an "evil woman" after she announced that she would step down from Congress at the next election.

"I think she was an evil woman who did a poor job, who cost the country a lot in damages and in reputation. I thought she was terrible," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

"I think she did the country a great service by retiring. I think she was a tremendous liability for the country."

Nancy Pelosi, one of the most prominent US political figures of the past four decades and the first woman to serve as House speaker, announced Thursday that she will retire in January 2027 at the end of her current term.

Pelosi, 85, shared the news in a video addressed to her constituents in San Francisco, whom she has represented since 1987, stating on social media, "I have truly loved serving as your voice."

A Leading Foe of Republicans

During the first term of President Donald Trump (2017-2021), the California native became one of the Republicans' most formidable opponents, initially as the House minority leader, and then starting in 2019 as Speaker of the House after Democrats regained the majority.

In this powerful role, often involving work behind the scenes, and which she previously held from 2007 to 2011, Nancy Pelosi became a fundamental leading figure in the American political landscape.

Pelosi, accustomed to battles between rival parties and within her own party, is widely credited with the passage of the health care reform enacted by former President Barack Obama in 2010, as well as President Joe Biden’s massive investment plans in 2021.

The Infamous Paper-Tear

Pelosi left an indelible mark with one of the most famous images of Donald Trump's first presidential term. This occurred during the 2020 State of the Union address when she was seen sitting behind the Republican president with a scowling face, listening to him with clear signs of displeasure.

The moment Trump finished his speech, she tore up a copy of his remarks in full view of the astonished members of the House. She later explained that her action was meant to destroy a "pile of lies."

Capitol Attack Standoff

However, one of the most significant moments in her career was recorded on Jan. 6, 2021, the day of the attack on the US Capitol by supporters of the Republican billionaire.

That day, when her team informed her of Donald Trump's intention to join the rioters who were about to attack the Capitol, a plan the 45th president ultimately abandoned, Pelosi was heard saying aloud: "I want to punch him out. This is my moment. I’ve been waiting for this. For trespassing on the Capitol grounds. I want to punch him out, and I’m going to go to jail, and I’m going to be happy.”

Target of “Crazy Nancy” Attacks

Donald Trump did not hesitate to attack Pelosi, having long called her "Crazy Nancy" and seeking to portray her as the clearest embodiment of the bad politicians he claimed to be fighting.

In January 2022, she was forced to step down as House speaker when Republicans regained control of the chamber. Pelosi also announced that she would relinquish all leadership positions within the minority.

Pelosi will leave Congress permanently in just over a year, concluding four decades of service navigating the halls of the Capitol.