Nancy Pelosi

On Profile this week, Mark Coles looks at the most powerful woman in American politics – the veteran Democratic congresswoman and new Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.

It’s a remarkable comeback for her…it puts her third in line to the Presidency itself.

Having first done the job back in 2007 when George W Bush was Commander in Chief – now 78, many thought Pelosi was too old this time round. But only a week into the role, she’s already engaged in a bitter war of words with President Trump over his demand for Congress to fund his Mexico border wall. For many, with the Democrats now controlling Congress, Nancy Pelosi is set to become the face of opposition to the President for the next two years.

We hear from childhood friends, former colleagues and those who’ve followed her career down the decades.

From campaigning for her dad when he was Mayor of Baltimore back in the 1940s to helping President Obama reform American health care, we examine Nancy Pelosi’s life and career and – in these turbulent times – look at the challenges that lie ahead for her.

Producer: Smita Patel Researcher: Darin Graham Editor: Penny Murphy