A growing wave of ethics scandals is putting corruption back at the center of American politics, raising alarm among voters and strategists ahead of the midterm elections. In a new MSNBC column, political commentator Steve Benen compared the current Republican-controlled Washington to the mid-2000s era, when a string of GOP scandals and an unpopular president helped Democrats sweep Congress.
Mounting Public Concern
Across the U.S., voters from both parties are increasingly worried about the influence of money and corruption in government. Polls show that trust in political institutions continues to erode, with majorities identifying ethics and transparency as top election issues. Analysts say that if these concerns deepen, corruption could become one of the most decisive campaign themes heading into the midterms.
Parallels to Bush Era
Benen drew striking parallels between today’s Republican leadership and the George W. Bush years, when multiple GOP figures were caught in corruption scandals. “GOP officials see evidence of a growing public backlash to the party’s overreach and flailing agenda ahead of the midterm elections,” he wrote, recalling how the scandals of 2005-06 involving Tom DeLay, Duke Cunningham, Bob Ney, and Mark Foley paved the way for Democrats to reclaim both chambers of Congress.
‘Conditions Ripe for a Sequel’
According to Benen, “two decades later, conditions appear ripe for a sequel.” He pointed to a growing list of controversies surrounding Republican lawmakers and officials, from allegations of cash bribes to ethics violations and restraining orders. The recurring pattern, he argued, mirrors the pre-2006 atmosphere of fatigue and frustration that ultimately led to a voter backlash against Republican dominance.
Fresh Ethics Controversies
Among the most notable cases, Benen cited White House border czar Tom Homan, accused of taking $50,000 in cash; a Florida congressman hit with a restraining order; and a Pennsylvania representative investigated for questionable stock trades. He also mentioned ethics troubles tied to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is under Pentagon inspector general review, alongside a federal probe into Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN).
Judicial Scandals Add Pressure
The controversy extends to the judiciary, where Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has faced a series of ethics allegations over undisclosed gifts and financial ties. “He has faced so many ethics allegations that it became challenging to keep up with all of them,” Benen wrote. Critics say such scandals further erode faith in the Supreme Court’s impartiality, deepening the perception of systemic corruption across branches of government.
Trump at the Center
Benen argued that no figure embodies this culture of corruption more than former President Donald Trump. “He is practically a pioneer when it comes to corruption,” Benen observed, accusing Trump of “abusing government agencies and processes” while enriching himself and his family. Trump, now a convicted felon, continues to dominate Republican politics, making corruption a volatile and unavoidable campaign issue.
A Defining Election Issue
Although many accused officials have denied wrongdoing, Benen noted that Americans remain deeply skeptical of government ethics. While the phrase “culture of corruption” is not as widely used as it was two decades ago, surveys show it resonates strongly with voters. As the midterm elections approach, strategists on both sides expect corruption, and how each party handles it, to shape the political battlefield once again.