Teapot Dome

noun

, U.S. History.

1. a federal oil reserve in Wyoming, leased to private producer Harry F. Sinclair by Secretary of the Interior Albert B. Fall in 1922, leading to a major government scandal and the tarnishing of the reputation of President Warren G. Harding's administration (1921–23).

Example Sentences

Cabinet officials took advantage of the opportunity to engage in rampant corruption, resulting in the Teapot Dome scandal after his death.

From Washington Times

In that case Congress was investigating the Teapot Dome scandal, which involved the corrupt sale of oil rights in Wyoming.

From Salon

Numerous officials around him would be implicated in various crimes, including Interior Secretary Albert B. Fall, whose corrupt land dealings became known as the “Teapot Dome Scandal.”

From Seattle Times

President Warren G. Harding was in danger of facing criminal charges in 1921 in the Teapot Dome bribery scandal, but he died in office first.

From Washington Post

In the United States, Teapot Dome, Watergate, Iran-contra and Whitewater never put a president in the dock.

From New York Times