lettersforvivian.org – Warren G. Harding’s presidency, though filled with high hopes and promises of a return to normalcy after World War I, is often remembered for the scandals and corruption that overshadowed his time in office. A critical part of Harding’s administration, and a significant factor in the controversies surrounding it, were the members of his cabinet. While Harding himself campaigned on promises of integrity and honesty, the men he appointed to key positions in his cabinet were embroiled in corruption and scandals that would leave an indelible mark on his legacy.
Harding’s cabinet choices were influenced by his desire to bring together political allies, particularly from his home state of Ohio. He sought to reward loyal supporters and cultivate relationships that would strengthen his political base. Unfortunately, many of the individuals he selected for important positions were either corrupt or unqualified for the roles they held. Some, like Albert Fall and Harry Daugherty, became infamous for their involvement in the scandals that rocked the Harding administration.
This article will explore the key figures in Harding’s cabinet, their backgrounds, their actions while in office, and how their conduct contributed to the legacy of corruption that defined Harding’s presidency. It will also examine Harding’s role in either enabling or failing to address the unethical behavior of these cabinet members and the long-term impact of their actions on public trust in the federal government.
Harding’s Approach to Cabinet Appointments
Harding’s approach to cabinet appointments was rooted in a desire for political harmony. As a politician from Ohio, Harding appointed several men from his home state to key positions, reflecting his belief in loyalty and political friendship. He was not a particularly strong executive when it came to holding his cabinet accountable for their actions, and this would come back to haunt him as numerous scandals unfolded during his presidency.
While Harding did make some appointments based on merit, such as Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover, who later became president, many of his other cabinet picks were more motivated by political loyalty and connections. This created an environment where personal ambition and corruption flourished, and where many of Harding’s appointees exploited their positions for personal gain.
Harding’s inability to assert control over his cabinet, or to demand higher standards of ethics from his closest advisors, ultimately contributed to the series of scandals that stained his administration. The following are some of the most important and controversial figures in Harding’s cabinet.
Albert Fall: The Corrupt Secretary of the Interior and the Teapot Dome Scandal
Perhaps the most infamous figure in Harding’s cabinet was Albert Fall, the Secretary of the Interior who became the focal point of the Teapot Dome scandal. Fall was a trusted political ally of Harding, and his appointment to the Cabinet reflected the president’s desire to reward loyal supporters. However, Fall’s tenure as Secretary of the Interior would become one of the most egregious examples of government corruption in American history.
Fall was responsible for managing public lands, including valuable oil reserves in Teapot Dome, Wyoming, and Elk Hills, California. In a secretive and unethical arrangement, Fall leased these oil reserves to private companies without competitive bidding, in exchange for bribes and personal loans. Fall’s actions were an outright betrayal of the public trust, and when the scandal broke, it shook the nation to its core.
The Teapot Dome scandal, named after the oil reserves at the center of the controversy, became a symbol of government corruption during Harding’s presidency. Fall was eventually convicted of bribery and became the first cabinet member in U.S. history to be sent to prison. Harding, though personally shocked by the scandal, was criticized for failing to vet Fall and for allowing such corruption to flourish in his administration.
Fall’s actions had a lasting impact on Harding’s presidency. While Harding was not personally involved in the bribes, his association with Fall and his failure to act decisively against corruption contributed to the public perception of an administration mired in scandal.
Harry Daugherty: The Attorney General Enmeshed in Corruption
Another key figure in Harding’s cabinet who became embroiled in scandal was Harry Daugherty, the Attorney General of the United States. Daugherty, like Fall, was a close ally of Harding from Ohio, and his appointment to the role of Attorney General was a reflection of the president’s political loyalty. However, Daugherty’s tenure in office was marked by multiple allegations of corruption and unethical behavior.
Daugherty was accused of involvement in a number of shady deals, including taking bribes to prevent investigations into illegal activities. He was also suspected of using his position to protect criminals, including bootleggers and other criminals engaged in organized crime. His failure to act on allegations of corruption within the Department of Justice led to accusations of political favoritism and a lack of accountability.
In the aftermath of the Teapot Dome scandal, Daugherty came under increasing scrutiny for his own actions. While he was never convicted of a crime, his association with Fall and his role in protecting corrupt individuals further tarnished Harding’s administration. Daugherty’s involvement in scandal demonstrated the deep level of corruption that had taken root within Harding’s cabinet.
Charles R. Forbes: The Director of the Veterans’ Bureau and His Embezzlement Scheme
Another controversial figure in Harding’s cabinet was Charles R. Forbes, the director of the Veterans’ Bureau. Appointed by Harding in 1921, Forbes was tasked with overseeing medical care and services for war veterans, a responsibility of great importance in the aftermath of World War I. Unfortunately, Forbes used his position for personal gain, engaging in a massive embezzlement scheme that would become one of the most notorious scandals of Harding’s presidency.
Forbes and his associates defrauded the Veterans’ Bureau by overcharging for medical supplies and engaging in fraudulent contracts. He also pocketed large sums of money from contractors who did business with the bureau. The scandal was uncovered in 1923, and Forbes was eventually convicted of fraud and sentenced to two years in prison. His actions were a devastating blow to Harding’s administration, as they further eroded public trust in government.
Forbes’s criminal behavior left a lasting stain on Harding’s presidency. The fact that such an important agency was being run by a man involved in criminal activity demonstrated the extent of the corruption within the administration. Although Harding eventually took steps to address the issue by requesting Forbes’s resignation, the damage had already been done.
Herbert Hoover: The One Bright Spot in Harding’s Cabinet
While many members of Harding’s cabinet were involved in scandal and corruption, one notable exception was Herbert Hoover, who served as Secretary of Commerce during Harding’s presidency. Hoover, an engineer and businessman, was widely respected for his competence and integrity, and he would go on to become the 31st president of the United States.
Hoover’s time in the Harding administration was marked by his focus on promoting economic growth and improving relations between business and government. He worked to streamline government regulations and to foster cooperation between businesses and federal agencies. His efforts were seen as forward-thinking, and he earned a reputation for being a capable and effective administrator.
Hoover’s personal integrity and his success in office allowed him to distance himself from the corruption that plagued Harding’s cabinet. His career would continue to rise, culminating in his election as president in 1928. While Harding’s presidency may have been marked by scandal, Hoover’s tenure in the Department of Commerce was a bright spot that demonstrated the potential for effective, ethical leadership within the cabinet.
Other Key Figures in Harding’s Cabinet
In addition to Fall, Daugherty, Forbes, and Hoover, there were several other notable figures in Harding’s cabinet. These individuals held important positions, but many were either involved in minor scandals or have been overshadowed by the larger issues in the administration. A few key figures include:
1. James J. Davis (Secretary of Labor)
James J. Davis was Harding’s Secretary of Labor, appointed during a time of rising labor unrest in the United States. Davis had a background in labor organizing and sought to find a middle ground between business owners and workers. While Davis was not involved in any major scandals during his time in office, his efforts to promote labor rights were somewhat limited by the political climate of the time.
2. Will H. Hays (Postmaster General)
Will H. Hays served as Postmaster General under Harding, and his tenure was largely uneventful in terms of policy initiatives. However, Hays is remembered for his later role in the film industry, where he became the head of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA). His involvement in the early regulation of Hollywood, particularly the creation of the Hays Code, made him a more prominent figure in American culture after Harding’s presidency.
3. John W. Weeks (Secretary of War)
John W. Weeks, Harding’s Secretary of War, oversaw the military during a time of transition following World War I. Weeks focused on reducing the military budget and demobilizing the wartime forces. He was not associated with any major scandals, but his time in office was marked by the country’s efforts to return to a peacetime economy.
Harding’s Legacy: A Presidency Defined by Corruption
The legacy of Warren G. Harding’s presidency is deeply intertwined with the scandals and corruption that plagued his administration. The men he appointed to his cabinet were often corrupt and unqualified, and their actions undermined Harding’s attempts to restore trust in the federal government. The Teapot Dome scandal, in particular, came to symbolize the moral decay within the administration, and the actions of figures like Albert Fall, Harry Daugherty, and Charles Forbes left a lasting stain on Harding’s reputation.
However, it is important to recognize that not all members of Harding’s cabinet were involved in scandal. Figures like Herbert Hoover demonstrated the possibility of effective and ethical leadership within the government. Hoover’s tenure as Secretary of Commerce was marked by his commitment to public service, and he went on to become one of the most respected presidents in U.S. history.
Despite Harding’s personal charm and the idealism that he brought to the presidency, his inability to control corruption within his cabinet resulted in a presidency that was defined by scandal. The actions of his cabinet members and their subsequent involvement in criminal activities would leave an indelible mark on his legacy and serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political patronage, the importance of strong oversight, and the need for integrity in public office.
Conclusion: Lessons from Harding’s Cabinet
Warren G. Harding’s cabinet, made up of political allies and close friends, played a pivotal role in the controversies and scandals that defined his presidency. The failure of Harding to control the corruption within his inner circle contributed to the erosion of public trust in government and left a lasting impact on American political history. While Harding’s cabinet included figures of integrity and competence, it was ultimately the corrupt actions of men like Albert Fall and Harry Daugherty that shaped the public’s perception of his administration. The lessons from Harding’s cabinet emphasize the importance of accountability, transparency, and moral leadership in government, and they serve as a reminder of the dangers of political patronage and unqualified appointments.
