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|---|---|
| Presidency of Frank Underwood | |
| October 30, 2014 – January 20, 2017 January 20, 2017 – March 15, 2017 | |
| Vice President | Donald Blythe (2015-2017) Claire Hale Underwood (2017) |
| Election | 2016 |
| Party | Democratic |
| ← Garrett Walker • Claire Hale Underwood → | |
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| Seal of the President | |
Frank Underwood's tenure as the 46th president of the United States began with his first inauguration on October 30, 2014, and ended on March 15, 2017 upon his resignation. A Democrat from South Carolina, Underwood took office following the resignation of his predecessor Garrett Walker. Three years later, in the 2016 presidential election, he defeated Republican nominee Will Conway to win re-election, though his presidency ended less than a month after his second inauguration on February 17, 2017, as he was forced to resign for his role in the money laundering scandal that brought down his predecessor.
As President, Underwood initiated the America Works program, which lasted for several months until it was defunded by Congress. Underwood also negotiated with Russian President Viktor Petrov to relinquish his hold on the Jordan Valley, by negotiating Claire's resignation as U.N. Ambassador. Underwood has also passed a Gun Control Bill, which was inspired after his assassination attempt in March 2016.
The 2016 presidential election was an unusual one, where neither Conway or Underwood garnered the necessary 270 electoral votes to win, since the states of Ohio and Tennessee refused to certify the results. The two states called for a second round in 2017, leading to Underwood's victory. He was sworn in to his second term on February 17, 2017.
Underwood's short-lived second term, however, was riddled with scandal. He and his administration was investigated by the Declaration of War committee, which led to his resignation from the presidency on March 15, 2017, and was succeeded by his wife and Vice President, Claire Hale Underwood. Underwood died two months after the end of his presidency.
Run-up to becoming president[]
Secretary of State Passover[]
While beginning to announce his ideas to White House Chief of Staff Linda Vasquez for when he becomes Secretary of State, Vasquez informs Underwood that President Garrett Walker had passed him up for the position, breaking a promise that he had made to Underwood and angering him. This led to him attempting to bring down the nominee for Secretary of State, Michael Kern, an incompetent politician, and replacing him with a person he deemed a tougher, smarter candidate: Catherine Durant.
Underwood begins his overture by orchestrating a fall from grace by Kern. Through Peter Russo, a morally torn congressman, Underwood is able to manipulate a drug addicted editor of the Kern's former college newspaper. Kern is then pelted by media for a piece he allegedly authored regarding the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. This subsequent negative media attention leads the President to select someone else, a personal friend of Underwood's, Catherine Durant, Senator from Louisiana.
Peter Russo for Governor[]
Taking the young representative under his wing, Underwood seemingly grooms Peter Russo for Governor of Pennsylvania. He asks Russo to give him one month of sobriety, not for Underwood, but himself. While it does appear that Underwood truly wishes for Peter Russo to succeed, he knows his true plan will not come to fruition if he actually wins. Underwood and the campaign team decide to portray him as a phoenix, in some respects; an alcoholic who was once at the very bottom of his life, now arisen from the ashes, via his children's and God's love. He pretends to be open with his former addictions and problems, but reveals only a small portion of his past. However, this does not work and voters slowly start turning away and losing interest.
Peter eventually manages to gain trust and respect in his state, first by partnering with his old friend with the unions, then by putting the Vice President in his place after he (the beloved former Governor of Pennsylvania) begins meddling in the campaign. However, he eventually relapses due to Doug Stamper's influence in the reappearance of the call girl, Rachel Posner, who Russo was previously associated with. Russo even had another short affair with an unnamed male prostitute that was hinted to be under aged. The morning after Peter relapses, he absolutely ruins a morning radio show where he is clearly drunk and confused. With the election thus slipping from Russo's grasp (as Underwood knew would occur and cleverly planned for), Underwood quickly takes control of the situation and implies the Vice President could take back the governorship of the state. Underwood then murders Russo, planting it as a suicide, either accidental or not, by carbon monoxide poisoning when he realizes Russo is out of control and is no longer afraid of Underwood.
Working with Zoe Barnes[]
Underwood meeting with journalist Zoe Barnes
Underwood sent an e-mail to journalist Zoe Barnes containing the photo along with a snide comment "If you want 'em to take you seriously, maybe wear more than a g-string?". Not knowing the identity of the man looking at her derrière in the photo, she looked him up, realizing he's a Democratic congressman from South Carolina, Frank Underwood, who's also the House Majority Whip. Barnes then found out where he lives and decided to came to his door, managing to get him to let her in based on their opera photo that she showed him.
When she first started submitting reports based on Underwood's leaked info, she began to alienate her coworkers at the Herald with her rogue and mildly arrogant attitude, and unintentionally steals Janine Skorsky's position as White House Correspondent. She eventually leaves the Herald due to a conflict with her superior and joins Slugline. She finally teams up with Skorsky after both had left the Herald; despite their professional competition, they respect each other's work ethic and have the same goals in mind. Both end up at Slugline and together they unearth the hidden details regarding Russo's DUI cover-up and his death.
With the help of Skorsky and Lucas Goodwin, Barnes tries to uncover the truth behind the death of Peter Russo. While Russo's death was officially ruled a suicide, the team of journalists correctly suspected that the Congressman's death involved foul play and that Underwood was involved. Underwood requests a clandestine meeting with her and prior to their meeting, she learns some crucial details that suggest Russo was murdered; he was found on the passenger side of the car in which he was presumed to be alone, killing himself via carbon monoxide.
At a public park, Barnes meets Underwood and is coerced to drop her suspicions idiocy and start anew, stating that her connection to a powerful figure would be increasingly valuable to her own gain. When she asks Underwood about Russo being found on the passenger side, he quickly deflects her suspicions. Underwood admits to covering up Russo's DUI, but claims that the cover-up is the extent of his involvement and that his death was without question a suicide. By the end of their meeting, the embattled journalist is clearly leaning toward teaming with Underwood again due to the fact that he is now in a much more powerful position and that her investigation is an uphill battle. As Barnes and her team continue to dig for information, she appears to doubt her own suspicions and brings up details that stand in the way of Underwood's involvement. She swiftly leaves the meeting and expresses a desire to be alone, or more importantly, isolate herself from Skorsky and Goodwin.
Education Bill[]
Meanwhile, Underwood gains publicity with a controversial education bill. The bill makes teachers go on strike and they begin to riot over the contents. He makes a damaging appearance on a news debate with Marty Spinella. Underwood himself even admits that Spinella "schooled" him. It is later mentioned that memes and a techno song were created because of Underwood's performance.
Underwood debates the teacher strike.
Either way, after the debate Underwood takes charge and garners support when a child dies during school hours. He arranged a meeting with Spinella to come to a compromise which Underwood had promised. Once they arrive at the meeting though Underwood declares that does not plan to compromise. He provokes Spinella into punching him and Underwood makes him end the strike or he will file charges. Allowing Underwood's bill to pass.
Vice Presidential Attempt[]
Underwood accepts the nomination for Vice President.
After Underwood secures an open spot in the Pennsylvania Governorship race by killing Peter Russo, he begins to influence the Vice President Jim Matthews to run. Previously, he had gotten Jim Matthews to campaign with Peter Russo, where he (the Vice President) was reintroduced to the love and adulation of a constituency that loved him. This reminded the Vice President of his glory days as a politician, the glory days that had not continued in his Vice Presidency. Knowing that he was unhappy, and very eager to feel important once more, as well as having freed up a space for Governor, Underwood suggests the Vice President as Governor. The President and V.P. heartily agree, a decision further amounted to, because of an evident dislike for one another. Underwood ensures they are both aware of this mutual dislike, by mentioning their comments told in confidence to him, to the other. As the V.P. campaigns for the certain victory, Underwood and White House Chief of Staff, Linda Vasquez, create a fake list of Vice Presidential nominees.The nominees are incompetent and definitely not appropriate. This leads the President to become desperate and be ready to say yes to anything. They cross off every name, as they attempt to build up to Underwood becoming the Vice President.
Underwood moments before murdering Barnes
After being vetted by billionaire business magnate Raymond Tusk, a confidant and old friend of the President, Walker officially offered Underwood the Vice Presidency, which Underwood quickly and heartily accepted. Meanwhile, Underwood's phone, left at home, rang as Doug attempted to inform him of Barnes' betrayal.
Underwood eventually had a few discussions with Barnes, before meeting with her in a subway station. After having her erase their digital history together, she began to question and probe the death of Peter Russo. With her becoming too close to discovering his scheme, Underwood threw her in front of an oncoming train, killing her. The calculated locale of the murder as well as the deleted contact information ensure that the death appears to be an accident.
Vice Presidency (2013 - 2014)[]
Way of Money[]
Underwood, as Vice President, presides over the Senate.
As Vice President, Underwood first set out to sever the close ties and drive a wedge between Walker and Tusk. He did this by back channelling with China regarding the building of a Port Jefferson Bridge and successfully lobbied the President to go against Tusk's interests in the project.
Tusk started guiding his money to the Republicans and Underwood ordered Seth Grayson to assist a reporter in revealing Xander Feng's connections to the money. The ensuing investigation led to Tusk's implication of Walker and Walker's resignation. Underwood ensured that Jackie Sharp whipped up enough votes for impeachment in the house by having Claire rework the Military Sexual Assault bill and he convinced Michael Kern to help him whip votes in the Senate by hinting at an eventual nomination as Secretary of the Treasury. With connection to China exposed, Walker was trapped and resigned his presidency.
Presidency (2014 - 2017)[]
Underwood taking the inaugural oath
Underwood was promptly sworn in as President, becoming the first president since Gerald Ford to have occupied the offices of Vice President and President of the United States without having been elected to either post.
First term[]
Pardons[]
Prior to his inauguration as President, Underwood offered two people presidential pardons: Raymond Tusk and former President Garrett Walker.
The pardon offered to Tusk was for his co-operation in not naming Underwood in his testimony given to the House Judiciary Committee. Tusk initially rejected the pardon offered by Underwood, but when the pardon offered to Tusk by Walker was rescinded, Tusk testified against Walker while not naming Underwood, just as Underwood initially requested.
Underwood also promised then-President Garrett Walker that Walker would never see the inside of a jail, indicating he would use a presidential pardon on the former president if necessary. Following his inauguration, Underwood followed through with his promises by pardoning Walker and Tusk.
A Rocky Start[]
Underwood's first act as President was to renounce the asylum of Xander Feng, resulting in his deportation back to China and almost certain execution. Within a week of taking office, the Republicans gained a majority in the 2014 midterm elections.
America Works[]
As his presidency was off to a rocky start, Underwood, in an attempt to reverse his poor approval numbers, begins working on a program designed to bring unemployment to virtually undetectable levels, a program called America Works.
Underwood announcing the America Works jobs program
In April 2015, Underwood, under pressure from congressional leadership to not run for the nomination, made an address to the American people, stating he would not run for re-election in the 2016 presidential election, and would spend the rest of his term trying to make a difference, including initiating America Works. The ultimate aim of the legislation is to create full employment across the United States, with Underwood desiring its scope to be as wide as that of the New Deal. It plans on reducing entitlements from both Social Security and welfare, instead focusing on putting Americans into full-time work.
To show what it could accomplish, he contacted District of Columbia Mayor Barney Hull to declare a "State of Emergency" in DC due to rapid unemployment, allowing Underwood to send FEMA money into AmWorks, allowing 40,000 unemployed people to get jobs.
The program was met with opposition from both parties, including Bob Birch, Hector Mendoza, and Mendoza's replacement Henry Mitchell. When Congress refused to pass and fund the program, Underwood utilized a clause in the Stafford Act and declared unemployment in Washington, D.C. an 'emergency'. He additionally fired Secretary of Homeland Security Steven Travers, and threatened Arnold Silva, allowing him to use funds from the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund to finance a pilot program in DC.
In response to this, the Republican-controlled Congress began drafting a bill that amended the Stafford Act and would make Underwood's use of FEMA money illegal. This was not needed, as in the wake of Hurricane Faith, Underwood was forced to sign an agreement that would replenish the DRF, on the condition none of it was used to further fund America Works.
Despite the program being put on hiatus, the successes in Washington, D.C. made America Works a vital rallying point throughout Underwood's campaign for the Iowa Caucus. Underwood uses the objections of Heather Dunbar and Jackie Sharp to his advantage, presenting himself as dedicated to reducing unemployment. Considering Underwood's victory in the primaries, and later the general election, the program could potentially survive in the future.
Russian Tensions[]
Underwood on Air Force One, reeling from the trip to Moscow.
Underwood hosted his first state dinner with a world leader on May 6, 2015, the President of Russia Viktor Petrov. Underwood and Petrov used the visit to discuss an American troop movement to the Jordan Valley. Petrov says that he will only support the American troop movement to the Jordan Valley if the US will dismantle their air defense system in Europe. After some consideration, Underwood refuses the offer and holds a press conference stating that the US will achieve peace in the Middle East with or without a partnership with Russia.
In July 2015, Underwood launched the America Works program during July 4th weekend in Washington D.C. That same month, Underwood and Claire visited Viktor Petrov in Russia to negotiate the return of Michael Corrigan, a gay man who was arrested for protesting Petrov. Despite urging from Claire to read a forged apology, Corrigan hung himself in his jail cell, prompting Claire to publicly shame Petrov.
Underwood goes to the Jordan valley to meet with Petrov months later, and Petrov agrees to relinquish control of the Jordan Valley if Claire steps down as ambassador to the United Nations. Claire ultimately steps down, though this strains the relationship between Claire and Underwood.
2016 Democratic primaries[]
In September 2015, Underwood announced he would run for the Democratic nomination, despite claiming that he would not earlier that year. He ran against Heather Dunbar and Jackie Sharp.
Underwood and candidates at the first primary debate.
At the first primary debate in December 2015, Underwood, who was collaborating with Sharp, faced fierce criticism from Dunbar. Days later, Jackie withdrew her candidacy and endorsed Dunbar for President. As Dunbar continued to gain traction, Underwood discovered that Dunbar had a journal, claiming that Claire lied about having an abortion, which was given to her by Doug. Doug, however, burns the journal.
Tension continues to grow between Claire and Underwood, just as the Iowa caucus approaches. Underwood comes out on top in the Iowa caucus, though Dunbar vows to fight on.
The day after Underwood's Iowa victory, Claire says that she is leaving Underwood, and flies to Texas to stay with her mother. Underwood, while in New Hampshire, continues his campaign under much stress without Claire. Often he would fantasize or dream about beating Claire. Into a mirror he would throw her, creating cracks. She pulls a piece of the broken mirror and stabs Underwood in the gut.
Underwood flies to Texas to check in on Claire, and uses his mother-in-law's cancer as an alibi for going to the state. Underwood loses New Hampshire to Dunbar that night.
Claire states her intention to run for a congressional race in Texas. During the 2016 State of the Union address, Underwood endorses another candidate, preventing Claire from announcing her candidacy. Claire, in retaliation, finds a photo of Underwood's father with a KKK klansman, costing him the South Carolina primary. Claire tells Underwood she wants to be his running mate or she will announce publicly that they are getting a divorce.
Assassination Attempt[]
Underwood after being shot
On March 17, 2016, Underwood attended Hammond University in Washington D.C. to give a speech. During the speech, he mentioned his intent to greet a crowd of protestors, saying diverse ideas make people wiser.
After speaking to the crowd inside, Underwood went out to greet the protestors. After roughly 30 seconds of greeting protestors, Underwood was shot twice by Lucas Goodwin. One of the bullets hit and later killed Edward Meechum. Meechum returned fire, shooting Goodwin several times as he collapsed. Goodwin was killed as well.
After the assassination attempt, Underwood was rushed to Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. Claire was in Texas at the time, and flew to D.C. immediately. Blythe was authorized as Acting President of the United States at 12:38 pm. Underwood remained in the hospital for nine days, and was released on March 26, where he resumed all the duties of the presidency.
Weeks earlier, Dunbar had a meeting with Goodwin while she was campaigning in Ohio. With no way out, Dunbar withdrew her candidacy on May 16, allowing Underwood to become the presumptive nominee of the party.
2016 presidential election[]
After making a full recovery from the assassination attempt, Underwood believes that he and Claire are stronger together, and fully supports her effort to become Vice President.
To do this, Underwood sets a plan in motion, the first step being to get Vice President Blythe to agree not to seek the position of running mate at the Convention. In the midst of looking for a running mate, Underwood proposes a Gun Control Bill to congress, and uses one of his running mate contenders to vote for the bill. Underwood eventually convinces the party leadership to not announce a candidate and to hold an open convention.
Underwood and Conway hold a meeting during the DNC.
During the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Underwood publicly endorsed Catherine Durant for the position of running mate, but was secretly supporting Claire. After pulling strings with superdelegates, the votes stack up with Claire. Catherine Durant announces that she is withdrawing at the stage, and encourages the delegates to vote for Claire. Claire becomes the nominee for the vice president. During the DNC voting, Conway calls Underwood out for his failure to act on the terrorist group ICO. Underwood decides to meet with Conway to call his bluff. The private meeting results in no change of policy, but instead a tense conversation. Conway reminds Underwood he is behind in the polls by double digits and says that Underwood is desperate to win.
Underwood and Claire, having just announced "war" with terror.
With just weeks until the election, Hammerschmidt meets with Underwood to get a comment on his story, which tells the truth of Underwood's rise to power. Though it has no factual evidence, it does have the word of Walker, Jackie Sharp, and Remy Danton.
Underwood hammers down on ICO. After a hostage crisis escalates, Underwood announces that he is going to war with terror as a fear tactic to win the election. Having given up on negotiating, one of the hostages is killed as a result, with Underwood and Claire staring coldly at the horrific footage.
Underwood demands that Congress declare war formally on ICO. However, he does not receive much support.
On election night, the Underwood camp is concerned when voter turnout is worryingly low. Underwood, however, insists that they are not going anywhere, and forges terrorist threats in an attempt to get states to not certify their election results. He is successful as Ohio and Tennessee refuse, as neither Underwood nor Conway receive 270 votes.
Months later, Congress is to vote on President. However, neither Underwood nor Conway receive a majority of votes there, so the Senate chooses the Vice President, who will automatically assume to the Presidency until Congress votes again. In the Senate, Claire is chosen, and is sworn in as Acting President on January 20, 2017.
Claire convinces Mark Usher, of the Conway campaign, to support holding new elections in Ohio and Tennessee, rather than letting Congress decide. Usher agrees. After spending a weekend at an elite getaway known as Elysian Fields, Underwood is given an incriminating tape of Conway. Underwood collaborates with Usher to win Ohio and Tennessee, winning him the election.
Second term[]
Underwood is sworn into his second term.
Underwood was officially sworn into his second term on February 17, 2017, the first time that a presidential inauguration had not occurred on January 20th. Claire became his Vice President.
Damaging Depositions[]
Shortly after being sworn into his second term, the committee that was investigating Underwood's declaration of war is revived to investigate Underwood, an act by Congressman Alex Romero after being snubbed in Underwood's inaugural address.
Underwood is informed that Garrett Walker will be testifying before the committee. Though he is expected to plead the fifth, tension arises when Underwood and Walker meet before he testifies. Walker testifies and breaks his silence, revealing that Underwood was the one who got Walker involved in the China/money dealings.
The next day, Hammerschmidt discovers leaked information: that the White House staged a terrorist attack on Election Day. Seth panics in his office while Underwood discusses spying on all White House personnel to find out who the leak is. Underwood is confronted by Bob Birch and Terry Womack, who want Underwood to consider the idea of resigning. Underwood is speechless, partially because Womack himself is under investigation.
An article breaks the next day: that a source from within the White House confirmed that Underwood used questionable intelligence to close voting centers on election day. Underwood confronts Cathy about this, who is cooperating with Alex Romero.
Underwood later states that he believes Cathy is the leak, and that he has held on to her resignation.
News breaks that Cathy will testify in front of the Declaration of War committee. Hammerschimdt is given a "birthday card" with a computer chip in it from an unknown source.
In the Executive Residence, Underwood tries to convince Cathy to not testify, to no avail. Underwood then pushes Cathy down a flight of stairs, and calls for help, claiming she's fallen. Cathy is hospitalized and thus prevented from testifying in front of the Declaration of War committee.
Underwood is informed that Hammerschmidt is investigating the death of Zoe Barnes, and believes that it is not an accident. This prompts him to throw Doug under the bus.
Resignation[]
Underwood testifies before the Declaration of War committee.
LeAnn and Nathan Green give their testimony. Underwood, watching, debates whether he should go down and give his testimony. While he is urged not to, Underwood goes to the committee and testifies. Underwood admits to doing nothing wrong, but claims to respects the office of the presidency to allow the investigation to go on. As a result, he announces he will resign the following day.
Claire is furious that Underwood announced he would resign without consulting her before. Underwood states that this was the only way out, and that everything has gone according to his plan, a plan that was developed at Elysian Fields. Underwood plans on holding on to power with Underwood on the outside in the private sector and Claire on the inside in the White House. Underwood also reveals that he was the leak, and has been working with Doug to feed Hammerschmidt information. Underwood says that Claire will have to pardon him and Doug, however.
Underwood talks to Claire and asks about why she hasn't moved forward on his pardon. Claire says that she will pardon him when the time is right. Underwood signs his resignation. That afternoon, in the Oval Office, Claire is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, with Underwood becoming First Gentleman and continuing to live in the White House until his death two months later in May 2017.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Garrett Walker |
President of the United States October 30, 2014-March 15, 2017 |
Succeeded by Claire Underwood |
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