'The Swamp': Meet Matt Gaetz, Ken Buck and rest of the politicians at the heart of HBO documentary on Congress corruption
One of the most popular phrases used by Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign was "Drain the swamp". Nearly four years into Trump's presidency, what does that look like? A new HBO documentary called 'The Swamp' follows three conservative politicians over the course of one turbulent year, as the lawmakers navigate a thicket of corrupting influences: the fundraising requirements by the National Republican Congressional Committee (and likewise by its Democratic counterpart, the DCCC) which incentivize endless campaigning. 'The Swamp' is written and directed by Daniel DiMauro and Morgan Pehme. Morgan Pehme, Daniel DiMauro, Shirel Kozak, Fredrik Stanton and Matthew Whitworth serve as producers.
'The Swamp' gives a behind the curtain look of Washington politics by following three renegade Republican Congressmen as they bring libertarian and conservative zeal to champion the president’s call to "drain the swamp" while facing demands to raise money for their re-election campaigns and the Republican national party. Directors DiMauro and Pehme ('Get Me Roger Stone') track Republican Congressmen Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ken Buck (R-CO) over the course of a pivotal year in politics, demonstrating the system that rewards fundraising above all else, plaguing Congress on both sides of the aisle.
With unique behind-the-scenes access to the inner workings of the House of Representatives amid major breaking news events, including the Mueller hearing and Trump’s impeachment proceedings, the film presents a revealing look at the core democratic institution of American government.
Meet the three conservative lawmakers at the center of the documentary.
Matt Gaetz
Matt Gaetz, a member of the 116th Congress, is currently serving his second term in the US House of Representatives. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. Gaetz is a staunch supporter of the Trump administration.
Thomas Massie
Thomas Massie is an American Republican politician who has been the United States Representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district since 2012. In Congress, Thomas serves on two committees: the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Ken Buck
Ken Buck is a Republican from Windsor, representing Colorado's 4th Congressional District. He was first elected to Congress on November 4, 2014, and is currently serving his third term in the United States House of Representatives.
'The Swamp' airs on HBO on August 4 at 9/8c.