What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government
Audio CD
Published May 14, 2024
38 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 18, 2025
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." – John F. Kennedy
January 6, 2021, was a dark day for American democracy. A mob, driven by lies, stormed the Capitol, convinced that an election had been stolen. But in Washington, a quieter, more insidious version of January 6 happens every day—it’s called lobbying. Instead of rioters breaking down doors, corporate interests and foreign actors walk in through the front, their pockets lined with cash and their influence bought and paid for. This is the world of Wolves of K Street, an unflinching look at how lobbying became the invisible hand that controls government, shaping policy not for the American people but for those who can afford it.
The book traces the evolution of Washington lobbying from its backroom-deal origins to the modern mega-industry that dictates everything from healthcare policy to foreign affairs. These lobbyists are not just facilitators; they are kingmakers, crafting legislation, killing reform, and ensuring that corporate profits and political careers take precedence over public welfare.
JFK’s warning about the consequences of blocking peaceful reform rings true in this world where meaningful change—universal healthcare, affordable prescription drugs, trust-busting of monopolies—is strangled before it can take its first breath. The result? An increasingly disillusioned and enraged populace, left behind by a government that no longer works for them.
"It’s a big club, and you ain’t in it!" – George Carlin
Washington isn’t red or blue—it’s green. The real divide isn’t between left and right; it’s between those inside the club and everyone else. Lobbyists, politicians, and media elites operate within the same ecosystem—attending the same galas, frequenting the same power restaurants, drinking at the same bars. Partisan fights play out on television, but behind closed doors, deals are made over thousand-dollar bottles of wine, ensuring that no matter who wins an election, the real power brokers remain unchanged.
Lobbying has become a profession that rewards the most ruthless. Wolves of K Street lays bare the obscene excesses of these power players—$10,000 watches, $2,000 shoes, six-figure wardrobe budgets—all financed by blocking policies that would improve American lives. These lobbyists celebrate killing antitrust laws, denying healthcare to millions, and keeping prescription drug prices artificially high, ensuring that the desperate and sick pay the price for corporate profit.
The book doesn’t just expose the corruption; it humanizes it, sharing the rise and fall of lobbyists who traded democracy for personal fortune. Some are cautionary tales, others are unapologetic power brokers who see public suffering as collateral damage for their success.
Wolves of K Street is a damning indictment of a system that has made reform impossible, where the American people are nothing more than an afterthought in the pursuit of power and profit. It’s a reminder that the most dangerous threats to democracy don’t always come waving flags and storming buildings—sometimes, they walk through the front door with a briefcase full of cash and a carefully crafted job title that conceals their real purpose.
4.2 stars, a little bit gossipy at times in detailing the lives of these vampires (lobbyists).
January 6, 2021, was a dark day for American democracy. A mob, driven by lies, stormed the Capitol, convinced that an election had been stolen. But in Washington, a quieter, more insidious version of January 6 happens every day—it’s called lobbying. Instead of rioters breaking down doors, corporate interests and foreign actors walk in through the front, their pockets lined with cash and their influence bought and paid for. This is the world of Wolves of K Street, an unflinching look at how lobbying became the invisible hand that controls government, shaping policy not for the American people but for those who can afford it.
The book traces the evolution of Washington lobbying from its backroom-deal origins to the modern mega-industry that dictates everything from healthcare policy to foreign affairs. These lobbyists are not just facilitators; they are kingmakers, crafting legislation, killing reform, and ensuring that corporate profits and political careers take precedence over public welfare.
JFK’s warning about the consequences of blocking peaceful reform rings true in this world where meaningful change—universal healthcare, affordable prescription drugs, trust-busting of monopolies—is strangled before it can take its first breath. The result? An increasingly disillusioned and enraged populace, left behind by a government that no longer works for them.
"It’s a big club, and you ain’t in it!" – George Carlin
Washington isn’t red or blue—it’s green. The real divide isn’t between left and right; it’s between those inside the club and everyone else. Lobbyists, politicians, and media elites operate within the same ecosystem—attending the same galas, frequenting the same power restaurants, drinking at the same bars. Partisan fights play out on television, but behind closed doors, deals are made over thousand-dollar bottles of wine, ensuring that no matter who wins an election, the real power brokers remain unchanged.
Lobbying has become a profession that rewards the most ruthless. Wolves of K Street lays bare the obscene excesses of these power players—$10,000 watches, $2,000 shoes, six-figure wardrobe budgets—all financed by blocking policies that would improve American lives. These lobbyists celebrate killing antitrust laws, denying healthcare to millions, and keeping prescription drug prices artificially high, ensuring that the desperate and sick pay the price for corporate profit.
The book doesn’t just expose the corruption; it humanizes it, sharing the rise and fall of lobbyists who traded democracy for personal fortune. Some are cautionary tales, others are unapologetic power brokers who see public suffering as collateral damage for their success.
Wolves of K Street is a damning indictment of a system that has made reform impossible, where the American people are nothing more than an afterthought in the pursuit of power and profit. It’s a reminder that the most dangerous threats to democracy don’t always come waving flags and storming buildings—sometimes, they walk through the front door with a briefcase full of cash and a carefully crafted job title that conceals their real purpose.
4.2 stars, a little bit gossipy at times in detailing the lives of these vampires (lobbyists).
November 21, 2025
3/5. I learned a lot, and it was clearly well researched. Didn’t take away any positive feelings about lobbying, the greed is crazy. I did struggle a bit with the constant time and people skipping, which made it hard to keep track of everyone.
November 23, 2024
Fascinating read that (1) took me back to working in DC in the 80s and 90s and (2) nails it in a much-appreciated nonpartisan just the facts way.
June 24, 2025
Fascinating read , detailing the rise of political lobbying in American politics and Washington in particular.
Detailed are the key players on both sides of the aisle, and how much money they earnt from the major parties.
Also explained is how the Democrats lost their way , coming under the thrall of Big Tech causing them to desert their working class base and driving this disgruntled group into the arms of Donald Trump.
A great read for anyone interested in politics whether they live in America or they don’t .
Detailed are the key players on both sides of the aisle, and how much money they earnt from the major parties.
Also explained is how the Democrats lost their way , coming under the thrall of Big Tech causing them to desert their working class base and driving this disgruntled group into the arms of Donald Trump.
A great read for anyone interested in politics whether they live in America or they don’t .
January 9, 2025
Great read! Makes me wonder if I’m in the right profession. But also, I’m in the perfect profession!
April 30, 2025
Must admit I didn’t finish this book. Despite finding it interesting - the history was presented in a highly readable fashion - there was a definite theme. Business men (for the most part it’s men) who want to make more money, care little about from whom they make their money, and the people, men and women, who influence Congress and others to get what those companies want. Lobbyists become powerful power brokers. Where are the ethics in all of these people? Couldn’t find many examples. So the book began to depress me, and I’d had enough.
I gave this four stars because it is an interesting topic and is well presented in this book.
I gave this four stars because it is an interesting topic and is well presented in this book.
August 2, 2024
Audiobook; astoundingly well sourced and paced, with almost too much history to take in.
I have qualms with some of the leaps made, e.g, “oh this think tank took money from Google so their policy paper about tech regulation is automatically undermined,” framing like that gets a little lazy at points with such shade throwing, but even the conclusions drawn which I disagree with are presented in a thorough narrative.
Will revisit this at some point and probably take notes!
I have qualms with some of the leaps made, e.g, “oh this think tank took money from Google so their policy paper about tech regulation is automatically undermined,” framing like that gets a little lazy at points with such shade throwing, but even the conclusions drawn which I disagree with are presented in a thorough narrative.
Will revisit this at some point and probably take notes!
January 19, 2025
A fantastic and in-depth overview of the history of lobbying and its major figures, reading this book provides the reader insight to the types of extravagance and dirty-dealing that has come through the lobbying industry over the past fifty years as if one is right there in person. The end is a nice touch about the current trend of populism and viewpoints about its role and bipartisan character along with competing partisan influences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
Fascinating. I’ve been looking for a book like this for a long time to give me the history of the lobbying world in DC. Lost a little of my faith in humanity and I’m curious how much of the media we consume is harboring a hidden agenda. I’d love a follow up
in another 10 years on the next generation of lobbyists.
in another 10 years on the next generation of lobbyists.
July 23, 2025
I wasn’t looking forward to reading a doorstop book on a depressing topic, but Wolves of K Street is surprisingly engaging and thought-provoking.
The authors don’t ignore the effects of lobbying, but their emphasis is on the personal and professional lives of a handful of the most influential.
The authors don’t ignore the effects of lobbying, but their emphasis is on the personal and professional lives of a handful of the most influential.
July 18, 2024
Big money lobbyists are disgusting human beings.
July 27, 2024
Great journalism, makes me feel just warm and fuzzy about my current job 🤥
January 28, 2025
hahahaha we should (REDACTED) these people
February 4, 2025
Decent, good anecdotes, but could read this town and rebels and get a larger view imo
March 19, 2025
Really a ten star! Thank you for the incredible insight and investigative work that you did! Fantastic!
April 11, 2025
Couldn’t put it down! This meticulously researched book claws its way into the world of DC influence peddling—the prevailing force that shapes our nation’s laws.
May 16, 2025
It was good. Could've been 100 pages less though.
September 4, 2025
Tough read. The greed on both sides of the political aisle is shocking. The US needs new laws
November 1, 2025
Fascinating, well written book! A must read for anyone interested in seeing what the “DC swamp” truly looks like.
November 25, 2025
Bit too long
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews