Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Half a month later, the front-page headline of the Washington Post shocked the entire United States:

The President's Son and Military-Industrial Interests: The Secret Business of the Scott Family

The article detailed Scott Jr.'s secret holdings in the military-industrial enterprise Eagle Defense and how the company won billions of dollars in Pentagon contracts after his father took office. Even more shocking is that the prices of these contracts are generally more than 30% higher than the market.

"This is naked rent-seeking!" Democratic leaders gave a fiery speech in Congress, "The Scott family is using taxpayers' hard-earned money to enrich their own pockets!"

Dark Phoenix sat in his White House office, watching the situation develop as expected. Through multiple channels, he let the evidence fall into the hands of the most influential media. And believers took the lead in launching an impeachment motion in Congress.

Soon, more media followed up with the report. The New York Times dug out more inside information about Eagle Defense, and the Wall Street Journal revealed the extravagant life of Scott Jr.

"Get Scott out of the White House!" Such signs began to appear on the streets of Washington.

Justice advocates incited public opinion on major media platforms: "This is not just a corruption issue, but the collapse of the entire political system. If even the president's family can so blatantly seek personal gain, can we still trust this government?"

The media in the southern states seized the opportunity to make a big fuss: "This is how politicians in Washington waste our money! Why should we continue to be ruled by such a federal government?"

White Eagle sent intelligence at the right time: the military reacted strongly to the scandal. Many officers complained privately that they were fighting on the front line while the president's son was making war profits in the rear.

The Libertarians also spread dissatisfaction within the Navy system: "Our military budget is being pocketed in this way. No wonder many equipment renewal plans are delayed again and again."

On Capitol Hill, Democrats seized the opportunity to launch a fierce attack. A senior senator roared at the hearing: "This government is completely corrupt! Scott must pay the price!"

There was also a split within the Republican Party. Conservatives began to distance themselves from the president, and some heavyweights publicly demanded an explanation from Scott.

The truth seekers are trying to thread the needle between the states: "See? This is the true face of the federal government. Why should we still be ruled by such a government?"

Inside the White House, Scott's approval rating plummeted, and even his closest aides began to waver.

Dark Phoenix sat in a meeting of the National Security Council, looking at the troubled president with a barely perceptible smile on her lips.

He sent a brief telegram to Yan Shuangying:

“The first domino has fallen. The political earthquake is about to begin.”

Yan Shuangying read the telegram and nodded with satisfaction.

This carefully planned political storm will push America to the brink of division.

And this is just the beginning.

In the Oval Office of the White House, Scott is holding an emergency meeting.

"Gentlemen," the burly president said as he stood by the window, his voice still steady and powerful, "I know this is a difficult situation, but we have been through tougher times."

Dark Phoenix sat in a corner, silently observing the iron-blooded president. I have to admit that Scott does have extraordinary leadership charisma.

"Regarding my son's matter," Scott turned around, "I have asked him to withdraw from all investments in military-industrial enterprises. At the same time, I will set up an independent investigation committee to thoroughly investigate all contracts of Eagle Defense."

"Mr. President is wise." The Secretary of Defense was the first to express his support. As Scott's old partner, he has a huge influence in the military.

"I have spoken to senior military officials," Scott continued, "and they have all expressed their understanding that this was an unexpected incident and will not affect trust in the government."

Black Phoenix nodded secretly. As expected of a president who came from the military, this move to stabilize the military's morale came at a very timely moment.

"As for Congress," Scott sneered, "I believe our Republican friends will not be fooled by the Democrats' clamor. You know, without me, they will be wiped out in the midterm elections."

Indeed, Scott's prestige in the party is based on the series of victories he has led the Republican Party to. Many congressmen's seats were saved by him.

“The attacks in the media have been fierce,” the chief of staff said, “but polls show that the president’s approval rating remains stable among his core supporters.”

"That's natural," Scott said confidently, "The American people will understand that at this critical moment, what we need is unity, not infighting."

He walked to his desk. “I will make a national speech tonight to explain this to the people. At the same time, I will announce a series of reforms to strengthen the supervision of military contracts.”

"Mr. President, that's smart." Dark Phoenix had to admit that Scott's response was very good.

After the meeting, he immediately sent a message to Yan Shuangying:

“Scott has stabilized the situation for now. This old fox is more difficult to deal with than we thought. His influence in the military and the party is still great.”

Yan Shuangying quickly replied:

“Don’t rush. This is just the first wave of attack. Let the other pawns prepare for the next move. One scandal is not enough to shake him, but if there are two consecutive blows, no one can withstand it.”

Dark Phoenix read the telegram and was thoughtful.

It is true that Scott showed great political skill, but this was precisely what proved him to be an adversary worthy of serious consideration.

Moreover, the more he demonstrated his leadership abilities, the more fearful some people became of him.

This battle has just begun.

In the Oval Office, Scott was reviewing his speech with his staff.

"I'm going to start by being direct," the tall president said calmly as he sat behind his desk. "I'm going to face this issue head on, not dodge it."

“Yes, Mr. President.” The chief writer quickly revised the manuscript, “We have included your clear statement on your son’s incident.”

Dark Phoenix sat aside, secretly observing Scott. The former Army General's aura was still strong, and it was completely impossible to tell that he had been under great pressure for the past few days.

“The second part is about reform measures,” Scott continued, “to emphasize that this is not only a lesson, but also an opportunity to improve government governance. We must turn the crisis into an opportunity.”

"Three specific measures have been prepared," the chief of staff reported, "including the establishment of a military contract supervision committee, the revision of procurement procedures, and the strengthening of information disclosure..."

"Very good," Scott nodded, "but there is one thing to add: the chairman of this committee must be someone from the opposing party. This will show our sincerity."

Dark Phoenix had to admire the old politician's shrewdness. This move not only calmed down the controversy, but also divided the opposition.

"At the end of the speech," Scott stood up and walked to the window, "we need to talk about national unity. Now that Europe is at war, what we need most is cohesion."

"Mr. President is right," the spokesperson echoed. "Bringing attention back to the international situation can indeed dilute domestic disputes."

"Just so you know," Scott turned and said, "my speech tonight will be in the Rose Garden of the White House, not in the Oval Office. I will be speaking among the American people, not from the ivory tower of power."

"What a wise decision!" The staff praised. Even Black Phoenix had to admit that this detail was very cleverly arranged.

“By the way,” Scott suddenly said, “let the key officials from the Pentagon and the State Department come to the scene. Let the American people see that at this moment, the government is united.”

His eyes swept across everyone present: "Remember, tonight is not only a crisis public relations, but also an opportunity to restore confidence. The American people need to see a strong leader, not a troubled politician."

Black Phoenix secretly noted down these details and prepared to report to Yan Shuangying. It must be said that Scott was indeed a formidable opponent.

Not only was he not defeated by the crisis, but he wanted to use this opportunity to reshape his image. This kind of political wisdom and psychological quality are indeed extraordinary.