In one of Washington’s most unexpected (and audible) farewells, Nancy Pelosi—long‑time U.S. Representative from California and the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House—announced that she will not seek re‑election in 2026 and will leave Congress at the end of her term in early 2027. Her departure marks the end of an era. But if Pelosi’s exit draws predictable praise and reflection, the reaction from conservative firebrand Greg Gutfeld sounded more like the bell tolling for a long‑standing partisan duel.

The Announcement and Political Context

At age 85 and after nearly four decades in Congress, Pelosi’s declaration came via a video message to her San Francisco constituents: “With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service.” Her tenure spanned pivotal chapters in U.S. politics—first elected in 1987, rising to Democratic leadership, shaping major legislation (including health care reform), and steering impeachments of former President Donald Trump.

Her exit has been widely framed as a generational shift. As Reuters reported, “Her departure signals the end of an era for Democrats and opens the path for younger leadership.” On the other side of the aisle, however, the response ranged from rancour to relief. Trump welcomed her retirement with relish, calling it “a great thing for America” and labelling her “evil, corrupt” and a “highly overrated politician.”

Greg Gutfeld’s View: Mockery, Irony, and an Old Rivalry

While Pelosi’s retirement has prompted solemn tributes and historical analyses, Gutfeld’s reaction has been rooted in his long‑standing critique of Pelosi’s style, age, messaging and political purpose. On his show and in past segments, he has mocked what he calls Pelosi’s obsession with “the children, the children, the children”—quoting her repeated rhetorical refrain about children being the “why” of her service. Gutfeld asked pointedly: “But what is this obsession with children? And why won’t she just call it quits?”

In one clip, Gutfeld skewered what he characterised as Pelosi’s political theatrics: “She first went to Congress in 1987 — the year I was born — and … has been the top Dem in the House since 2003.” He mocked the video announcement: “‘Our children… our children… our children,’” he repeated, then quipped: “The last time I heard that was from a parent filing the police report outside CNN.”

Why the Bell‑Ringing Tone?

Gutfeld’s reaction is not just about historical animus. It touches three themes that align with his broader commentary:

Age & tenure fatigue: Gutfeld and other conservative commentators have increasingly questioned long‑tenured politicians—especially those in their 80s—remaining in Congress. His jibes at Pelosi’s age‑and‑length of service reflect this framing.

Messaging & style over substance: Gutfeld has criticised Pelosi for what he views as performative messaging (e.g., the repeated “children” mantra) rather than concrete outcomes, arguing that such rhetoric masks deeper concerns about effectiveness.

Partisan theatre: Given Pelosi’s role in orchestrating major confrontations with Republican leadership, including the Trump era impeachments, Gutfeld frames her departure as more than personal: it represents the exit of a chief partisan foil. His previous comment about impeachment as a “ceremony” during Pelosi’s leadership showcases the tone.

Thus, the “ding, dong” metaphor works: it signals the metaphorical bell tolling for a long‑standing adversary of Gutfeld’s political universe.

Is There a Nuanced Take Beneath the Mockery?

Despite the mocking tone, Gutfeld’s commentary contains an implicit acknowledgement of Pelosi’s significance. By devoting airtime to her retirement, and by framing her career as a subject worthy of parody, he acknowledges that she held power and influence worth reacting to. In some sense, mockery is a form of recognition.

Yet Gutfeld also underscores what he sees as a closing of a cycle. In his worldview, Pelosi’s career embodied a style of politics rooted more in partisan control and spectacle than adaptation. Her retirement opens the door (in Gutfeld’s telling) for new iterations of the political drama—potentially less burdened by what he casts as “staged” politics.

What It Means for the Political Landscape

Pelosi’s departure carries several practical implications:

Democratic leadership vacuum: With Pelosi gone in 2027, the Democrats lose a veteran operator with deep institutional memory. The next generation (among them Hakeem Jeffries) must fill big shoes.Republican narrative shift: Conservatives have long used Pelosi as a symbol of liberal elite power. Her exit may require a recalibration of that narrative. Gutfeld’s commentary may pre‑empt that shift by treating her exit as a triumph.

Media theatricality spotlighted: Gutfeld’s mocking of Pelosi’s rhetorical framing (“the children”) and media announcements foreshadows a larger critique of how politicians package public service into soundbites. If nothing else, his commentary invites viewers to consider not just what politicians say but how and why.

Criticisms & Counterpoints

Critics might argue that Gutfeld’s tone undercuts an otherwise historic moment. Pelosi was a trailblazer—the first female Speaker and one of the most consequential legislators of her time. Dismissing her legacy with snark may diminish her achievements. Many on the left have already voiced such concerns: for example, the hosts of The View praised Pelosi’s career, noting she “fought her behind off” and mastered political timing.

Additionally, the mockery reflects a broader media phenomenon: commentators like Gutfeld are less focused on policy detail and more on personality and spectacle, which may exacerbate the cynicism many voters feel toward politics.

The Final Ding

So here we are: Nancy Pelosi ringing out of Congress; Greg Gutfeld ringing in the commentary. Whether the bell chime is elegiac or triumphant depends on your vantage point. For Gutfeld and his viewers, it’s the closing of a chapter he long viewed as emblematic of what is wrong in Washington: long tenure, heavy messaging, partisan theatre.