American tax officials

Chapter 400: The Second Watergate Scandal?

"Mr. Pinkman, we have media outlets of the same caliber as your Washington Post in America, but do you know why I specifically sought you out?"

Why?

Pinkman collected his thoughts, a look of confusion on his face.

"Because your Washington Post exposed Watergate!"

"Chief Inspector David, what exactly are you trying to say?!"

Upon hearing about the Watergate scandal, Pinkman's expression immediately changed.

That's right, the media outlet that reported on the Watergate scandal was the Washington Post, and after this incident, the Washington Post established its heavyweight status in the industry!

"It's nothing. I know what you're worried about, but I can guarantee that no one will retaliate against you. And exposing such a huge scandal as the president's is like a new Watergate for your newspaper, do you understand?"

"Can you guarantee the White House won't take action against me?"

"Of course, I swear to God!"

Seeing David raise his left hand, Pinkman was somewhat tempted.

Yes, he was very afraid of being retaliated against after reporting on Patden's dirty secrets.

But if David could truly guarantee his personal safety and security, that's not something he could do.

After all, as David said, reporting on presidential scandals is indeed a high-traffic news story.

Just like the Watergate scandal, it was also reported by two reporters from the Washington Post.

The two journalists were Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward.

As a result of this report, the two men's careers skyrocketed, and they became star reporters admired by everyone in the media industry.

Bob Woodward, in particular, was remarkable. The CEO of the Washington Post commented on this star reporter: "We've had 45 US presidents, but we only have one Bob Woodward."

That's not all. Under the halo of the Watergate scandal, Bob Woodward's career skyrocketed. Entering and leaving the White House and obtaining exclusive news from high-ranking officials became a piece of cake for him.

Moreover, high-ranking officials treated him with utmost respect.

After all, this is the man who took down the president. If you offend him, no one can guarantee that they won't be taken down one day!

What would happen if Pinkman could accomplish something like Watergate?

It's foreseeable that his performance will likely be no less than Bob Woodward's!

After all, the Watergate scandal was carried out by journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward.

Moreover, President Nicholas was quite popular with the people when the Watergate scandal broke.

Because he ended the South Vietnamese war, bringing peace to the world.

As for Patten now, his refusal to sign the off-site tax avoidance bill has led many people to consider him a lackey of capitalists.

So as long as Pinkman exposes Pierce's dirty secrets, he will naturally become a hero in the eyes of many people!

After being immersed in such beautiful and hopeful thoughts for about three minutes, Pinkman gradually came back to his senses.

Watergate is Watergate. It's unlikely that this one piece of dirt will create a second Watergate.

Thinking of this, he looked at David and said, "Inspector General David, you should know very well that this one document is not enough to replicate the success of Watergate!"

"Of course, this information is just one part. If you're willing to participate, I'll make other arrangements later. Alright, now tell me, what's your choice?"

Pinkman remained silent for a long while, until three minutes later, when he said with a stern expression, "Fine, I'm willing to participate in this matter, but Inspector General David, I need your guarantee that no second media outlet will be involved!"

He certainly didn't want to share this kind of traffic with others.

"Since I've chosen you, I've decided it's you. But let me make this clear: if you can't deliver the results I want, I'll look for someone else!"

"Okay, don't worry, Chief Inspector David, I'll handle this perfectly!"

"Go ahead, get it done as soon as possible."

Pinkman didn't linger and left in a hurry.

After Pinkman left, David leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful.

This drama of exposing the president's scandal, although ostensibly a deliberate scheme orchestrated by him and the White House, was in fact not so.

Everything remains uncertain until the bill is signed into law.

The reason he didn't approach the media outlets he directly controlled, but instead went to great lengths to find Pinkman, was not only because the Washington Post was a leader in political news, but also because he valued Pinkman's writing ability.

If Paden cooperates and signs the agreement, everything will naturally unfold as agreed by both parties.

If something unexpected happens and Paiden changes his mind, then he can use Pinkman to turn this 'act' into a real one!

In short, it all depends on Patten himself now!

The following day, a report personally written by Pinkman was published on the front page of the Washington Post, instantly causing a global uproar.

This report is extremely sharp, and it criticizes Patden mercilessly.

That's not all. According to the report, Paden also instructed his son to serve as an executive in multiple countries and to make a fortune by selling intelligence.

But this is not what angered the people the most. What angered them the most was that it even reached the level of treason by selling state secrets!

"Fuck, is this our president?"

"He abused his power for personal gain, sold state secrets, and colluded with arms dealers to instigate wars around the world. No wonder America's influence is declining; he's the real culprit!"

"No wonder our 'beloved' president refused to sign the tax haven bill no matter what; it turns out he was already tied to so many interests."

"..."

Many people were already dissatisfied with the timing of Paiden's refusal to sign the bill, and now this scandal has been exposed, leading to a wave of criticism and condemnation across the country.

Thompson International Hotel.

Ivanka walked into his father's room holding a copy of the Washington Post and said, "Father, look, David has indeed started making his move!"

"Oh?"

Thompson took the newspaper, examined it carefully, and then smiled: "Haha, we're in for a good show!"

"Oh, by the way, with such a great opportunity, let's have our team give him a good 'pump'!"

He failed to be re-elected thanks to Patten, and now that his arch-rival has been embroiled in scandal, how could he not give him a good kick?

"Understood, Father. I'll make the arrangements right away!"

At the same time, in the White House, in the Oval Office.

"Fuck, David really did investigate me; he actually knows quite a bit!"

Seeing the sharply worded newspaper article and the online abuse, Paten's face turned ashen.

Everyone agreed to put on a show, so I pretended to be threatened and had no choice, and finally signed the document and that was it.

I didn't expect you to go to such lengths, releasing so much dirt on me. What are you trying to do?

"This kid has released so much 'information' all at once; he's probably not just putting on an act with us, he's probably also trying to warn us..."

Wilder, standing to the side, didn't look much better either.

Yesterday, when he talked to David, he had already hinted that the kid should know his limits and not make things too serious, but the kid just ignored him.

"Damn bastard!"

Paiden cursed through gritted teeth again.

"Alright, sir. Although the public pressure from outside is very unfavorable to us, at least it will be easier for us to talk to the three major groups later."

When will they arrive?

Wilder glanced at his watch and said, "It should be soon..."

"Giggle giggle."

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and a staff member came in and announced, "Mr. President, Mr. Joshua, Mr. Rezier, and Mr. Augustine have arrived."

"Let them come over."

"Yes."

A few minutes later, Joshua and his two companions walked in.

"It's been a long time, Mr. President. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today..."

"You're too kind, gentlemen. Please have a seat!"

After the three were seated, Joshua spoke first: "Knowing that your time is precious, Mr. President, I will keep it brief. I am here on behalf of our group to thank you for sending the bill back to the Senate."

"Yes, Mr. President, the Illuminati is very grateful for this."

"We feel the same way. To show our sincerity, we will do our utmost to help the President should he need anything in the future."

The three men ostensibly came to thank Padden for sending the bill back to the Senate yesterday, but in reality, according to the U.S. Constitution, Padden still has the right to have the Senate send it back for re-signing.

So their main purpose in coming today was to get a sense of the situation and see if Patten still had any intention of bringing the bill back.

"I know what this bill means, and as many people have said, it could indeed shake the very foundations of our nation, America, which is why I rejected it. However..."

By the end, Paiden looked troubled.

"But what?"

The three sensed something ominous in Paden's words and their hearts tightened.

Padden picked up the Washington Post and shoved it at him, saying, "I just sent the bill back to the Senate yesterday, and today the Washington Post has my 'front-page headline.' Who do you think did this?"

The three of them exchanged glances. Was there even a question? Who else but that bastard David would dare to do something like this?

"Rest assured, Mr. President, this little bit of stuff won't shake your position, and we will also..."

Before Joshua could finish speaking, Padden interrupted, "While this won't shake my position for now, you all know that guy's methods. This is probably just a small sample; what's coming next might be something even more deadly!"

The three people were speechless upon hearing this.

Because Padden was right. Since David dared to directly attack the president, his methods must be more than just this.

"Yesterday I sent the bill back to the Senate, which already angered my supporters across the country, causing my approval rating to drop by 5 percentage points. Now that this matter has come to light, I conservatively estimate it will drop another 5 percentage points. If there is any further negative information about me, I might become the next Nicolás!"

"No... Mr. President, don't forget we're here. We certainly won't let that bastard's plot succeed!"

"Heh, you guys?"

Padden chuckled dismissively, then said, "Alright, then you guys go and handle the Washington Post and any potential negative press that might follow?"

"this……"

The three were speechless again. It was obvious that David was behind this, and unless they tied him up, how could they possibly get him to stop?

"Let me ask you this: what are your plans as president going forward?"

Lei Zhe then changed the subject and asked.

"You all know David's methods. If things get too complicated, I think I'll have to consider taking the bill back from the Senate. Sigh..."

In the end, Paden let out a sigh of feigned helplessness.

"That won't do, Mr. President. The bill has already been sent back to the Senate. If you take it back, wouldn't everyone think you're afraid of David?"

"Yes, sir, you are the President of the United States. There's no reason for you to be afraid of someone like David. You absolutely cannot bow down to him!"

Reiji and Joshua became anxious and offered their advice.

"What do you mean I'm afraid of him and have to bow down to him? You all know the destructive power of public opinion. Just the information published this morning alone has put me under immense pressure. Who knows how much more he has in his hands?"

"I do want to help you, but I also have to think about myself, right?"

Paiden's sharp words left the three of them blushing, but they didn't know how to refute him.

After a long pause, Rezhe finally gritted his teeth and said, "Mr. President, if you insist on signing, my family and our friends cannot guarantee they will continue to support you in the future!"

"What, are you threatening me?"

"Mr. President..."

"alright!"

Before Reiz could continue, Augustine interrupted him, looking at Paden and saying, "Sir, I understand your difficulties, but once this bill takes effect, it will cause us all heavy losses, a cost we cannot afford. So, you want to push for a 'parenting bill,' right? We'll help you secure the funding for it, how about that?"

Upon hearing this, Paden's expression shifted slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and shook his head.

He was indeed preparing a parenting bill, and the funds required for this bill were indeed considerable. However, once the IRS’s off-site tax avoidance law came into effect, let alone one parenting bill, the funds required for ten of them would probably be no problem. Therefore, he would naturally choose to pursue it.

(End of this chapter)