Trump calls Pelosi retirement “great thing for America”

US President Donald Trump praised Nancy Pelosi’s decision to retire from Congress, calling it “a great thing for America” in comments to Fox News, while also criticising the former House Speaker as “corrupt” and focused on negative agendas.

Pelosi, 85, announced on November 6 that she will not seek re-election after completing her current term, concluding a political career that has spanned nearly four decades.

In a video statement, she reflected on her service, saying: “There has been no greater honor for me than to stand on the House floor and say, ‘I speak for the people of San Francisco.’ I have truly loved serving as your voice in Congress.”

First elected to Congress in 1987 in a special election to replace the late Rep. Sala Burton, Pelosi later served as House Speaker from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. Her leadership included frequent clashes with President Trump, most notably during his first term, which earned her the nickname “Crazy Nancy”.

Pelosi’s spokesperson, Ian Krager, noted that she had withheld decisions on her political future until after California voters approved Proposition 50, a referendum enabling Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional map. The measure passed overwhelmingly on November 4.

During her retirement announcement, Pelosi focused on her legislative achievements, including reforms in San Francisco and initiatives on climate change, without mentioning political adversaries.

Pelosi’s departure follows a wave of Democratic retirements ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, one of the party’s most vulnerable members, also announced he would not seek re-election, citing rising political extremism and threats against elected officials.

By Aghakazim Guliyev