In a controversial video, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced her return to Washington Thursday for her 20th congressional term following hip replacement surgery in Germany while on board a private jet.
As Democrats gather for a crucial Speaker vote amid social media controversy over her fitness for office — and the video of her return had critics wondering outloud of Pelosi was drunk and slurring her words, or on medication that had otherwise impaired her.
“I’m on my way to Washington to proudly represent the people of San Francisco in Congress,” Pelosi, 84, said in a video posted to X while traveling. “I’m honored to do so to share our San Francisco values.”
Was she drunk?
The career politician’s return follows a December 13 hospitalization while in Europe, where she fell down a set of stairs and broke her hip during a commemoration of the Battle of the Bulge’s 80th anniversary.
Rep. Mike McCaul, R-T.X., who witnessed the incident, described Pelosi losing her footing on a marble staircase without railings while wearing stiletto heels.
“She was still on the last step when she went down,” McCaul told reporters in Washington. After initial treatment in Luxembourg, Pelosi underwent what her spokesperson called “successful” hip replacement surgery at Germany’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
The timing of the fall — and Pelosi’s capacity to govern — carries significant political weight as House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a tenuous leadership vote Friday.
With Rep. Thomas Massie, R-K.Y., already declaring opposition, Johnson can only afford one more Republican defection if all Democrats attend, according to the Democratic whip’s office.
During her recovery, Pelosi had limited her public appearances, only joining colleagues once by phone for a tribute to former President Jimmy Carter.
She also released a brief Christmas message to followers. “Now more than ever I am determined that health care is available to all Americans,” she said in the holiday video.
Her video announcing her return quickly sparked debate on social media, with critics questioning her fitness for office.
“How many drinks did she have before recording this video?” one user wrote on X, while others speculated he was still recovering from plastic surgery.
The former Speaker has served San Francisco in Congress since 1987 and won re-election in California’s 11th district last November.
Take a look at the controversial video and decide for yourself —
Bitch is plowed 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Zs641wLGLC
— Sara Rose 🇺🇸🌹 (@saras76) January 2, 2025
Nancy Pelosi just released a video, where she appears to be absolutely hammered…
— American AF 🇺🇸 (@iAnonPatriot) January 2, 2025
🚨Nancy Pelosi just posted new DRUNK video on her way to Washington. pic.twitter.com/4bTZEAKZ8R
— Jack (@jackunheard) January 2, 2025