Political scandals
The 1980s and 1990s witnessed a number of political scandals against the backdrop of competing political ideas, ideologies, and ambitions. There were several bitter rivalries, personal attacks, corruption scandals and ethical breaches. In this photo gallery, we uncover some of the most troubling political moments through the decades.
Aware of the details
During his election campaign, President George H. W. Bush claimed he was “out of the loop” regarding the Iran–Contra affair, despite his diaries indicating he was well aware of the details.
Obstruction of justice
The Treasurer of the United States, Catalina Vasquez Villalpando, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and tax evasion, becoming the only US Treasurer to be sent to prison, receiving a 4-month sentence.
Granted clemency
On December 24, 1992, Bush granted clemency to several convicted officials involved in the Iran-Contra affair, including: Caspar Weinberger (Secretary of Defense), Robert C. McFarlane (National Security Advisor, guilty of withholding information), Elliott Abrams (Assistant Secretary of State, guilty of withholding information), Clair George (CIA Chief of Covert Ops, guilty of perjury), and several others.
Accepting bribes
Democrat Congressman Albert Bustamante of Texas was convicted of accepting bribes.
Tax fraud
Congressman Lawrence J. Smith (D-FL) pleaded guilty to tax fraud and lying to federal election officials, resulting in three months in jail, a $5,000 fine, two years’ probation, and back taxes of $40,000.
Receiving probation
Senator David Durenberger (R-MN) was denounced by the Senate and disbarred for unethical financial transactions and later pleaded guilty to misuse of public funds, receiving probation and a fine.
Delinquency of a minor
Congressman Donald E. “Buz” Lukens (R-OH) was convicted for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and was sentenced to 30 days in jail with a $500 fine.
Supreme Court nominee
Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas faced sexual harassment allegations from eight former employees, including Anita Hill, but was confirmed to the Supreme Court regardless of the accusations.
Was impeached
In the 90s, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice related to lying under oath about his consensual relationship with Monica Lewinsky. He was acquitted by the Senate and completed his term in office.
For perjury
Ronald Blackley, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy, was sentenced to 27 months for perjury in a case involving improper gifts, while Secretary Espy was acquitted.
White House helicopter
David Watkins, Director of the Office of Administration, resigned after using the White House helicopter to fly for personal leisure, which he initially claimed was for security checks.
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Washington DC. 1993 “Marine One” takes of from the South Lawn of the White House. The Marine Corps aircraft carryies the President of the United States. It usually denotes a helicopter operated by the HMX-1 “Nighthawks” squadron, either the large VH-3D Sea King or the newer, smaller VH-60N “WhiteHawk”. Credit: Mark Reinstein (Photo by Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images)
Pleaded guilty
Darleen A. Druyun, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, pleaded guilty to corruption by inflating contract prices to benefit her future employer, Boeing, and was later sentenced to nine months in jail.
Resignation from office
Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House, faced $300,000 in sanctions for an unethical book deal, leading to his resignation from office.
Campaign donations
U.S. Representative Jay C. Kim pled guilty to accepting $230,000 in illegal foreign and corporate campaign donations, receiving house arrest and a fine along with losing re-election.
Multiple charges
U.S. Representative Mel Reynolds faced multiple charges, including sexual misconduct and obstruction of justice relating to a minor. He resigned and was sentenced to five years in prison.