The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government

by Luke Mullins, Brody Mullins

Genres: Politics, Audiobook, Business, Nonfiction, The United States Of America

Audio CD

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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).

[Isabel Goldsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dave Lockyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 .

[Paul Coussan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Makes me wonder if I’m in the right profession. But also, I’m in the perfect profession!

[ReadaBook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Phalen Kuckuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Brett Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Julie Huskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly wouldn’t have discovered The Wolves of K Street if it hadn’t been featured at The Boston Book Club, and I’m grateful it was. The reporting is deep, the characters feel real, and the story reads with the momentum of a novel. This is nonfiction that stays with you long after the last page.

[Andrea! · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a member of The Boston Book Club, this book completely changed how I think about lobbying and political power. The authors make an invisible system visible, and they do it with clarity and urgency. A fascinating and unsettling read.

[Andy Strike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that reminds you why book clubs matter. Through The Boston Book Club, I discovered a work that is as gripping as it is informative. The storytelling is sharp, and the implications are impossible to ignore.

[Ava Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up because it was featured at The Boston Book Club, and I was immediately pulled in. The narrative style makes complex political history feel accessible and alive. I’d gladly read anything else these authors write.

[Robinson Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without The Boston Book Club, this book might have passed under my radar — and that would’ve been a loss. The Wolves of K Street combines serious reporting with compelling storytelling in a way that’s rare. An excellent choice for discussion.

[Bella Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a member of The Boston Book Club introduced me to this powerful and eye-opening book. The authors don’t just explain lobbying they humanize it, showing how power actually operates behind the scenes. Highly recommended.

[Ben M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sparked some of the most thoughtful conversations I’ve had as part of The Boston Book Club. It’s meticulously researched, yet never feels dry. Instead, it reads like a political thriller rooted in reality.

[Bethany Benker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book through The Boston Book Club, and I’m so glad I did. The level of detail is impressive, but what really stands out is the storytelling. It’s engaging, unsettling, and deeply informative.

[Dr George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book through The Boston Book Club, and I’m so glad I did. The level of detail is impressive, but what really stands out is the storytelling. It’s engaging, unsettling, and deeply informative.

[Juliet! · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me pause, reread sections, and think hard about how policy is shaped. I discovered it through The Boston Book Club, and it’s one of the most impactful nonfiction reads I’ve had recently.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big money lobbyists are disgusting human beings.

[Miles Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great journalism, makes me feel just warm and fuzzy about my current job 🤥

[Steve Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

hahahaha we should (REDACTED) these people

[Graham Harwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent, good anecdotes, but could read this town and rebels and get a larger view imo

[Denise Sasaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a ten star! Thank you for the incredible insight and investigative work that you did! Fantastic!

[Ishan Nagpal · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Etienne Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. Could've been 100 pages less though.

[Mark Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tough read. The greed on both sides of the political aisle is shocking. The US needs new laws

[Rcb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, well written book! A must read for anyone interested in seeing what the “DC swamp” truly looks like.

[Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit too long