Frontline Season 17 Episode 5 Washington's Other Scandal

In season 17, episode 5 of Frontline titled "Washington's Other Scandal," the episode reveals how money and politics are intertwined in Washington D.C. With a 2010 Supreme Court ruling that allowed for corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money in political campaigns, the dark money era of politics began. This episode uncovers how wealthy donors have circumvented the transparency laws and exploited loopholes to finance political campaigns and candidates of their choice.

The episode highlights the influence of a secretive group called Americans for Job Security, which spent millions of dollars to support political candidates aligned with their interests, all while hiding their donors. Through interviews with former members and a trail of documents found, the episode reveals how this shadowy organization operated under the radar for years.

The story also delves into the scandal of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, who served as the Secretary of Transportation under President Trump. Frontline looks at how Chao leveraged her position to benefit her family's shipping business and sheds light on the ethical rules surrounding even the most high-ranking officials.

Furthermore, the episode investigates the revolving door between government and lobbying firms, where former government officials join private firms to use their connections to push their clients' interests. Frontline reveals how K Street, a popular nickname for the lobbying industry, has become a sought-after destination for former politicians and staffers, who land multimillion-dollar salaries in the private sector.

Washington's Other Scandal is a powerful indictment of the influence of money in politics and the murky world of dark money. Through interviews with key players and insistent reporting that follows the money trail, Frontline reveals how the nexus of power in Washington has shifted and how it's affecting our democracy. The episode is essential viewing for anyone wanting to understand the inner workings of Washington and the corrupting influence of money.