WASHINGTON, U.S. — Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid a glowing tribute to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi following her announcement that she will retire from Congress after nearly four decades in public service.
In a post on X on Thursday, Obama hailed Pelosi as a transformative leader and master legislator whose legacy will “go down in history as one of the best speakers the House of Representatives has ever had.”
“For almost four decades, Nancy Pelosi has served the American people and worked to make our country better. No one was more skilled at bringing people together and getting legislation passed – and I will always be grateful for her support of the Affordable Care Act,” Obama wrote.
The former president credited Pelosi with securing key Democratic legislative victories during his administration, including the landmark Affordable Care Act — one of the most consequential health reforms in U.S. history.
“She made us proud to be Democrats,” he added, extending warm wishes to Pelosi and her husband, Paul, on behalf of himself and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Pelosi, 85, announced her decision to step down from Congress on Thursday, marking the end of a political career that began in 1987. She made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, leading the chamber twice — from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.
Her tenure was defined by fierce legislative battles, two impeachments of former President Donald Trump, and a consistent push for healthcare reform, civil rights, and climate policy.
Former President Joe Biden also praised Pelosi earlier, describing her as “the best Speaker in American history” and crediting her with shaping some of the most significant laws of the 21st century.
Pelosi said she will not seek reelection in 2026, thanking her San Francisco constituents and vowing to continue supporting Democratic causes outside of Congress.
