Behind The Curtain Of Power

Every era has its share of shocking headlines, but nothing gets people talking quite like a political scandal. The intrigue, the cover-ups—these stories have all the ingredients of a blockbuster thriller, except they’re all too real. Some scandals have toppled careers, and others have changed the course of history, but all of them have left us wondering just how far those in power will go when they think no one is watching. Keep reading—these 20 scandals will take you back to those days.

Clinton White House on Wikimedia

1. Watergate Break-In And Nixon’s Resignation

What began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters spiraled into a historic scandal, with Nixon’s tapes exposing obstruction, leading to 48 convictions and the only presidential resignation ever. The man who once declared, “I am not a crook,” quit before he could be impeached.

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2. Teapot Dome Oil Lease Scandal

In the 1920s, Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall secretly leased federal Navy petroleum reserves to private companies, then pocketed the bribes. He made history as the first U.S. cabinet member to do prison time.

National Photo Company Collection on Wikimedia

3. Iran-Contra Arms Deal

Picture this: arms sold to Iran (during an embargo), and the profits funneled to rebels in Nicaragua—all behind Congress’s back. The Reagan administration’s covert scheme blew up in televised hearings, turning Marine Lt. Colonel Oliver North into a household name.

Series: Reagan White House Photographs, 1/20/1981 - 1/20/1989 Collection: White House Photographic Collection, 1/20/1981 - 1/20/1989 on Wikimedia

4. Monica Lewinsky Affair And Clinton’s Impeachment

The Monica Lewinsky affair catapulted the scandal into the media spotlight, with a blue dress becoming infamous. President Bill Clinton faced impeachment over lying and obstruction—the first sitting president to face such a trial in over a hundred years.

Rebecca Roth on Wikimedia

5. Chappaquiddick Incident Involving Ted Kennedy

When Ted Kennedy’s car plunged off a bridge, it resulted in the tragic loss of Mary Jo Kopechne. Kennedy escaped but failed to report the accident for over nine hours, fueling outrage and lasting questions about privilege and accountability in American politics.

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6. The Troika Laundromat Money Laundering Scheme

The Troika Laundromat moved $4.8 billion through shell companies and fake loans, with Russian elites and European banks involved. With offshore accounts as their rinse cycle, the operation showcased just how easily dirty money can slip past international regulators.

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7. The D.C. Madam Escort Ring

Washington’s elite scrambled after Deborah Jeane Palfrey’s black book went public. The so-called D.C. Madam ran a high-end adult service with clients in politics, government, and beyond. Convicted of racketeering, she never revealed all the names.

D.C. Madam's Attorney Says His Information Could Affect 2016 Election by Inside Edition

8. The Jack Abramoff Lobbying Scandal

Jack Abramoff’s lobbying scandal was a master class in how influence peddling can go spectacularly off the rails. Convicted of fraud and conspiracy, Abramoff’s web of bribery and exploitation of Native American tribes led to multiple resignations and a major overhaul of lobbying laws. 

Madeleine Ball on Wikimedia

9. The Bridgegate Traffic Jam Scandal

When Fort Lee’s mayor, Mark Sokolich, refused to endorse Governor Chris Christie, his aides allegedly shut down lanes on the George Washington Bridge, creating epic traffic jams. The “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee” email became infamous, and two aides were convicted. 

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10. The Spiro Agnew Bribery Case

Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned after being charged with tax evasion and bribery, becoming the first vice president to leave office over criminal conduct. His acceptance of kickbacks while in office did major damage to public trust.

Seems to be his official VPOTUS portrait, and a small version is licensed as such at Wikipedia. on Wikimedia

11. The Credit Mobilier Railroad Scandal

Union Pacific insiders created fake contracts to siphon off profits, then bribed Congress to ignore them. The scheme, known as the Credit Mobilier scandal, badly tarnished President Grant’s administration. It laid bare the rampant corruption infecting America’s post-Civil War political system.

Andrew J. Russell / Adam Cuerden on Wikimedia

12. The Abscam FBI Sting Operation

The Abscam saw FBI agents pose as Arab businessmen offering bribes to politicians, exposing seven Congressmen on hidden cameras. The sting operation netted seven Congressmen, whose willingness to trade favors for cash was caught on hidden cameras. The scandal’s Hollywood-worthy twists later inspired the film American Hustle. 

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13. The Profumo Affair In Britain

In 1960s Britain, a defense minister’s affair with a showgirl who also had ties to a Soviet spy wasn’t just tabloid fodder—it was a national security nightmare. When John Profumo lied to Parliament about it, his fall helped topple the ruling Conservative Party.

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14. The Fodder Scam In India

In the Indian state of Bihar, nearly $114 million vanished from the state treasury in the name of feeding animals. Then-Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav was at the center of this scandal. He faced decades of courtroom hearings, jail time, and public outrage. 

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15. The Ukrainian Mezhyhirya Estate Scandal

It wasn’t just the $40 billion embezzled—it was how it looked. Ukraine’s President Yanukovych built himself a Versailles-meets-Vegas estate complete with a private zoo and replica Spanish galleon. When protesters stormed the palace, they uncovered financial documents that exposed rampant corruption. Yanukovych fled, and the golden toilets became national symbols of betrayal.

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16. The Panama Papers Leak

Millions of leaked Mossack Fonseca documents exposed the secret offshore accounts of politicians, celebrities, and moguls, ultimately giving the world a shocking front-row seat. The revelations forced several world leaders to resign and launched investigations into tax evasion schemes across continents. 

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17. The Whiskey Ring Tax Evasion Scheme

The Whiskey Ring scandal saw government insiders and distillers steal millions in liquor taxes after the Civil War. Even President Grant’s secretary was implicated. With over 100 convictions, it became a stark warning about corruption in public service and tax misuse.

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18. The 1MDB Malaysian Fund Scandal

$4.5 billion was siphoned from a state development fund, fueling everything from luxury real estate to Hollywood blockbusters. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s conviction for corruption turned the scandal into a national reckoning. The story had it all: lavish parties and international manhunts.

Malaysian government on Wikimedia

19. The Gurtel Corruption Case In Spain

Named after the German word for “belt,” Gurtel wrapped Spain’s ruling party in a scandal of kickbacks and shady contracts. High-ranking officials were accused of lining their pockets in exchange for favors. The heat got so intense that Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy had to resign. 

Partido Popular Comunitat Valenciana on Wikimedia

20. The Lava Jato Operation In Brazil

What began as a car wash probe spiraled into Brazil’s biggest corruption bust. Lava Jato exposed Petrobras bribes, toppled political giants, and jailed former President Lula. With Odebrecht spreading graft across Latin America, investigators finally unplugged a global web of dirty deals.

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