Harding & Teapot Dome Scandal
How did Teapot Dome become America’s biggest political scandal?
4.2 (40)
233 mins
Harding’s presidency was engulfed in corruption scandals like Teapot Dome, where officials sold access to federal oil reserves for bribes. Investigations exposed wider fraud across his administration, leaving a legacy of systemic corruption and broken public trust.
Ep 1:
The Ohio Network
Harding becomes president after WWI promising “normalcy,” but appoints close Ohio allies instead of qualified officials. The “Ohio Gang” turns Washington into a system of favors, poker nights, and informal deal-making.
Ep 2:
The $495 Million Secret
In 1922, secret leasing of the Teapot Dome oil reserve is exposed after a complaint reaches Congress. Investigation reveals Albert Fall secretly gave oil rights to Sinclair and Doheny for bribes. The case expands into a major national corruption scandal.
Ep 3:
The Oil Kings on Trial
A hidden $100,000 payment to Albert Fall confirms bribery. The Supreme Court cancels the oil leases in 1927, and Fall is jailed, the first U.S. Cabinet member imprisoned for corruption. Others escape conviction but political trust collapses.
Ep 4:
Death of a Presidency
Corruption spreads beyond oil into the Veterans Bureau under Charles Forbes and the Justice Department under Harry Daugherty. Harding dies in 1923 as scandals deepen, leaving behind an administration remembered for systemic corruption and loss of public trust.
Discussions (5)
Patrick
Level 7 · 5 mo agoSelling federal oil to upgrade your ranch is crazy
Brian
Level 10 · 5 mo agoI agree 💯 percent with you. Florence Harding had the legal right to refuse that autopsy. There were no federal laws requiring a postmortem for presidents in 1923. That choice looks very suspicious.
Ted
Level 6 · 5 mo agoI still think Florence poisoned him. You don't just refuse an autopsy when the president drops dead.
