After finishing her yearly health checkup at Walter Reed Medical Center, President Donald Trump returned to the White House on October 10, 2025, waving to reporters. Just two days later, another major political event shook Washington: Nancy Pelosi, at age 85, announced her retirement from Congress after nearly four decades of service.
For many Americans, Pelosi’s departure marks the end of an era. She was not only a political powerhouse but also a symbol of strength, perseverance, and groundbreaking leadership. After raising five children, she entered politics and served in Congress for 38 years, eventually becoming the first woman in U.S. history to be elected Speaker of the House. Her rise to power inspired countless women and girls to believe that they, too, could lead at the highest levels of government.
Even her political opponents recognized her influence. Former Republican Speaker John Boehner once admitted that Pelosi had unmatched instincts for power and strategy, calling her perhaps the most powerful Speaker in American history. She knew how to lead, when to push, and how to win — often without leaving any trace of how she did it.
Pelosi’s leadership first transformed Washington in 2006, when Democrats regained control of Congress after years of Republican rule under President George W. Bush. At that time, the country was struggling through the Iraq War and sliding toward a major financial collapse. Pelosi’s Democratic majority moved swiftly to stabilize the economy, bring accountability to government, and push back against what many saw as corruption and chaos.
Her time as Speaker from 2007 to 2011 is remembered as one of the most productive periods in modern American politics. Pelosi helped steer through major reforms, including Wall Street regulations after the financial crisis, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” new investments in clean energy, and of course, the Affordable Care Act — a massive expansion of healthcare coverage that became the defining domestic achievement of President Barack Obama’s administration.
After Democrats lost control of the House in 2010 to the Tea Party movement, Pelosi stayed in Congress, even as her party struggled to recover. When Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016, many Democrats were shaken, but Pelosi remained steady. She guided her party through one of the most divisive and turbulent political periods in American history.
In 2018, under her leadership, Democrats once again took back the House in a sweeping victory. Pelosi reclaimed the Speaker’s gavel and became Trump’s most formidable opponent in Washington. She rebuilt committees, restored oversight, and wasn’t afraid to confront the president directly — famously tearing up his State of the Union speech in front of the nation. Trump, who often bullied his critics, could never overpower her.
Pelosi’s leadership extended into the chaos of January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election. As rioters hunted lawmakers, Pelosi remained calm and determined, coordinating with officials to protect democracy. Later, she oversaw Trump’s second impeachment, showing that accountability still mattered.
Under President Biden, Pelosi once again delivered historic results. She helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS Act to boost American manufacturing, and a major bipartisan infrastructure bill — all of which have reshaped the economy and positioned the country for the future.
When Republicans narrowly regained the House in 2022, Pelosi stepped down from leadership and passed the torch to a new generation, led by Hakeem Jeffries. Her replacement as Speaker, Republican Mike Johnson, has been criticized as weak and overly influenced by wealthy donors, a stark contrast to Pelosi’s reputation for toughness and skill.
For her supporters, Pelosi stands among the giants of American political history — someone who dedicated her life to public service, defended democracy, and fought for progress even in the most difficult times. They believe she deserves the same kind of recognition given to Washington, Lincoln, and other historic figures.
To honor Nancy Pelosi, her admirers say, the country should thank her, remember her accomplishments, and perhaps even build monuments in her name — not just to celebrate her as a person, but to recognize what she represented: courage, leadership, and unwavering service to the United States.
