3 Instances of Nancy Pelosi’s Notable Hypocrisy Throughout Her Congressional Career

Rep. Nancy Pelosi Announces Retirement

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is stepping away from Congress after nearly 40 years, a move she announced on Thursday. The 85-year-old former House speaker has had a lengthy and often dramatic political career.

“I want San Franciscans to be the first to know that I am not seeking re-election to Congress,” Pelosi stated in a video. “I am grateful and look forward to my final year as a proud representative of your company.”

Pelosi’s time in Congress, which began in 1987, has been marked by notable moments and controversies. Here are three recent examples of her controversial actions during her long tenure.

1. Salon Incident

During the coronavirus pandemic, Pelosi was part of a group of Democratic leaders and health officials who stressed the importance of masks, vaccines, and social distancing. Ironically, she was caught getting a wash and blow-dry at a San Francisco hair salon while local restrictions were in place.

According to reports, security footage showed her visiting the salon without a mask on August 31st, even though salons had been closed in the city for several months. The salon’s owner, Erica Kious, expressed her frustration, calling Pelosi’s visit a “slap in the face” given that she couldn’t operate her business under those restrictions.

Kious mentioned, “It was a slap in the face for her to come in. I can’t work because she thinks she can just go and do her own thing while no one else can come in.” Pelosi later tried to deflect blame, claiming she was misled by the salon about the visit’s legality.

Ultimately, she concluded, “So I am responsible for the setup.”

2. Removal of Confederate Statues

In response to demands for the removal of Confederate statues, particularly in the wake of the George Floyd protests, Pelosi called for the “immediate” removal of several statues in Congress, stating that they celebrate a history of “violent bigotry.” She asserted that statues should reflect the ideals Americans aspire to, while conveniently overlooking her father’s own history with Confederate memorials in Baltimore.

At that time, her father had overseen the dedication of the Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee monument in 1948. Interestingly, Pelosi’s office did not respond to inquiries regarding this history.

3. Climate Change Advocacy

Pelosi is a strong advocate for combating climate change, stating it is, in some ways, a “religious thing” for her. However, reports revealed she had spent over $500,000 on private jet travel since 2020, which starkly contrasts her public stance on reducing emissions.

Federal Election Commission reports showed significant spending on private air travel, which is known to produce more emissions than commercial flying. It’s worth noting that she attended the COP25 climate change conference via a large delegation, flying across the Atlantic.