After nearly four decades shaping American politics, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), the former House Speaker, has dropped the gavel for good with her retirement announcement.

On Thursday morning, via a video statement, Pelosi revealed she will not seek reelection, closing a chapter marked by towering influence and deep division in Congress, Breitbart News reported.

Since her entry into the House of Representatives in 1987, Pelosi has been a fixture in Washington, climbing the ranks to become one of the most powerful Democrats in modern history. Her journey included two stints as House Speaker, from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. Between those terms, she led as House Minority Leader from 2011 to 2019, wielding significant sway over party strategy.

Pelosi's Long Tenure and Leadership Legacy

Her announcement comes after stepping back from leadership roles following the Democrats’ loss of the House in 2023. “I want you, my fellow San Franciscans, to be the first to know I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” Pelosi declared in her video statement. And while she bids farewell, one wonders if the nation will miss her brand of back-room politicking or breathe a sigh of relief.

“With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative as we go forward,” she added. Yet, gratitude might not be the word many conservatives associate with a career that often seemed to prioritize partisan wins over national unity.

Pelosi’s legacy is a lightning rod, credited with shaping the so-called “Trump Era” through strategic maneuvers that some view as underhanded. Her role in two impeachments of former President Donald Trump cemented her as a fierce adversary to the right.

Controversial Actions During the Trump Era

Then there’s the January 6 Committee, which critics argue was orchestrated for a predetermined outcome under her influence. As Speaker, Pelosi was tasked with Capitol security, yet reportedly turned down Trump’s request for National Guard presence that fateful day—a decision that still fuels heated debate.

Speculation also swirls around her potential involvement in multiple state-level indictments against Trump, though hard evidence remains elusive. Such whispers only add to the perception of Pelosi as a master of political chess, often playing several moves ahead of her opponents.

Her policy stances, too, have drawn sharp criticism from the right, particularly her support for Joe Biden’s agenda. From open-border policies to vaccine mandates and economic choices blamed for record inflation, conservatives argue she backed measures that harmed American families.

Policy Decisions Spark Conservative Criticism

Perhaps most galling to some was her apparent role in masking Biden’s cognitive struggles, only to swiftly endorse Kamala Harris as a replacement without a proper primary process. This move, critics say, epitomized the elitism and disregard for democratic norms that defined much of her tenure.

Pelosi’s polarizing presence isn’t just anecdotal; she’s consistently ranked among the least popular politicians on the national stage since becoming Speaker in 2007. Her ability to galvanize opposition inadvertently became a fundraising boon for the GOP, which capitalized on her image as a symbol of progressive overreach.

Financially, Pelosi exits with a reported net worth of around $120 million, much of it tied to her husband, Paul. While not inherently a scandal, this wealth raises eyebrows among those who question how public servants amass such fortunes while claiming to champion the working class.

Divisive Figure Leaves Mixed Legacy

As she prepares for her final year in office, the nation reflects on a career that reshaped Congress for better or worse. Was she a trailblazer for her party, or a symbol of everything conservatives stand against—centralized power, divisive tactics, and questionable priorities?

Her departure marks the end of an era, but the debates over her impact will linger far longer than her time in office. For conservatives, it’s a chance to push for leaders who prioritize unity over partisanship, though skepticism remains about who might fill her shoes.

Ultimately, Nancy Pelosi’s retirement is less a farewell and more a pivot point for America’s political future. Her nearly 40-year run leaves a complex legacy—one that will be dissected by both sides of the aisle for years to come.