Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House and a towering figure in American politics, is recovering after undergoing a hip replacement surgery. The 84-year-old Democratic leader suffered a fall while in Luxembourg on Friday, where she was attending a commemoration for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
Pelosi’s spokesperson, Ian Krager, confirmed in a statement: “Earlier this morning, Speaker Emerita Pelosi underwent a successful hip replacement and is well on the mend. She is grateful to U.S. military staff at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center at Landstuhl Army Base and medical staff at Hospital Kirchberg in Luxembourg for their excellent care and kindness.”
The statement also expressed Pelosi’s appreciation for the “overwhelming outpouring of prayers and well wishes” and reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Americans. Pelosi’s office had earlier reported that she was “receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals” after being hospitalized.
Pelosi reportedly fractured her hip in the fall, which occurred at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg. According to sources familiar with the incident, the former Speaker tripped on marble stairs, leading to what was described as a “hard fall.”
The accident interrupted Pelosi’s participation in a Congressional delegation (CODEL) honoring the courage and sacrifices of U.S. servicemembers during the Second World War. In her absence, Republican Representative Michael McCaul, who joined Pelosi on the trip, shared his regrets. “I’m disappointed Speaker Emerita Pelosi won’t be able to join the rest of our delegation’s events this weekend as I know how much she looked forward to honoring our veterans,” McCaul wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “But she is strong, and I am confident she will be back on her feet in no time. Praying for a speedy recovery, @SpeakerPelosi!”
A fixture in Congress for 37 years, Pelosi has been a pivotal leader within the Democratic Party, serving as Speaker of the House twice—from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. Representing California’s 11th Congressional District, she was re-elected to office in November 2024, continuing her legacy as one of the nation’s most influential politicians.
Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a common procedure in the U.S., with approximately 350,000 surgeries performed annually. The procedure involves replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial one to restore mobility and reduce pain.
This is not the first time Pelosi has faced personal challenges. Two years ago, her San Francisco home was the site of a violent attack when an intruder, David DePape, broke in and assaulted her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer. The assailant, who was reportedly searching for Nancy Pelosi, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the crime.
Despite the fall, Pelosi remains optimistic about her recovery. Her spokesperson noted that she “looks forward to returning home to the U.S. soon” to resume her duties. As she recuperates, Pelosi’s resilience—honed over decades of public service—continues to inspire admiration and support from colleagues and constituents alike.