Moments after Nancy Pelosi announced her retirement from politics, Donald Trump wasted no time responding — and his brutal four-word remark has already sent shockwaves through Washington. The former president’s reaction, shared on Truth Social, immediately trended across X, with supporters cheering and critics calling it “another low blow” in his long-running feud with the outgoing House Speaker.
Pelosi, 84, made the emotional announcement during a press conference at the Capitol on Friday morning, confirming she would not seek reelection after nearly four decades in Congress. “The time has come for new leadership and a new chapter,” she told reporters. “I leave with gratitude, hope, and faith in the next generation.”
Within minutes, Trump posted his now-viral response: “Good riddance, about time.” The post racked up over half a million shares in its first hour, sparking immediate backlash — and sparring matches across both political aisles.
“Donald Trump’s ‘good riddance’ jab at Pelosi shows exactly why the country feels divided.” @CNNPolitics
The remark came as no surprise to those familiar with their long, bitter rivalry. The two political heavyweights have clashed publicly for years — from the infamous State of the Union speech where Pelosi tore up Trump’s address on live television, to her leading the House impeachment against him in 2019 and again in 2021. Each confrontation has left deep scars in American politics — and this final exchange may be their last.
“It was classic Trump,” one insider told Politico. “Pelosi bows out with grace. He responds with venom. That dynamic between them has defined an era.”
Pelosi’s office has not publicly responded to the remark, though one aide told Axios the former Speaker “won’t dignify it with a reply.” Still, those close to her reportedly found the comment “deeply disrespectful,” considering Pelosi’s decades of public service and historic role as the first woman ever to hold the Speaker’s gavel.
Trump, meanwhile, doubled down later in the evening, telling supporters at a rally in Ohio that Pelosi “was the worst Speaker in history” and claiming “America’s better off without her.” He added with a grin, “She finally did something right.”
“Trump mocks Pelosi at Ohio rally: ‘She finally did something right — by quitting.’” @Reuters
The crowd erupted into chants of “Lock her up,” echoing Trump’s familiar campaign rhetoric. One rally attendee told NBC News, “He says what people think. We’re tired of Pelosi and her corruption.” But others — including some conservatives — said the tone was “unnecessarily cruel.”
Political analyst Dr. Karen Elliott told reporters that Trump’s four-word jab could further polarize an already fractured electorate. “For years, Pelosi was his foil — his mirror opposite,” she said. “Her departure removes that contrast. But his instinct is to insult rather than reflect.”
Social media quickly exploded with reaction. One post on X read, “Say what you want about Pelosi — she’s endured decades of hate with class. Trump can’t even say goodbye without spitting venom.” Others applauded the remark, calling it “the perfect Trump mic drop.”
Even some of Trump’s Republican rivals appeared caught off guard. A GOP strategist told Bloomberg that many within the party “wish he’d just take the win” rather than reignite old battles. “Pelosi stepping aside is symbolic,” the strategist said. “He could have claimed victory gracefully — but Trump doesn’t do grace.”
“Good riddance, about time.” — Donald Trump reacts to Pelosi’s retirement @nytimes
In contrast, Pelosi’s announcement was marked by emotional tributes from both sides of the aisle. President Joe Biden praised her as “a once-in-a-generation leader who moved mountains for the American people.” Former President Barack Obama called her “the definition of resilience and courage.”
Still, Trump’s response overshadowed the moment, dominating news cycles within hours. On cable networks and social platforms alike, his four words became a headline — a reminder of how his political instincts, however controversial, continue to command attention.
Journalist Janelle Wong wrote, “Pelosi’s farewell speech was about legacy and leadership. Trump’s was about dominance. It’s the perfect snapshot of how they’ll both be remembered.”
As speculation mounts about Pelosi’s post-political future — including possible writing or diplomatic roles — Trump appears eager to cement his narrative first. “Good riddance” may sound dismissive, but as one former aide told Rolling Stone, “For Trump, Pelosi was more than a rival. She was an obsession.”
And with 2024 looming, it’s clear the former president has no plans to turn the page. “She’s gone,” he told his audience that night, pausing for effect. “But I’m not.”
