Skip to main content

Deep Dive: The Swamp (2020)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

The Swamp
The Swamp is a 2020 documentary that examines the fundraising and political culture on Capitol Hill, focusing on three Republican congressmen: Matt Gaetz, Thomas Massie, and Ken Buck. Set in 2019, the film portrays these congressmen as outsiders to the established party patronage system and their reactions to significant political events of that year. It includes commentary on the influence of lobbyists on both the Republican and Democratic parties, illustrating how fundraising effectiveness impacts committee assignments. The film features interviews and narration from Lawrence Lessig, who critiques former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich for shifting Congress's focus from legislation to fundraising in the 1990s. Despite the main characters being defenders of the Trump administration, the film presents a critical view of its ties to lobbyists. Gaetz is positioned at the center, with his interactions and attempts at bipartisanship, particularly with Democrats like Ro Khanna, providing a contrast to the prevailing political climate.

Why Watch

  • •See Matt Gaetz's unique perspective on Capitol Hill.
  • •Find out how lobbyists shape congressional fundraising.
  • •Meet three Republican congressmen challenging the status quo.

Did You Know

•The Swamp has a 67% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 15 reviews.
•The film runs for 114 minutes and was released on HBO in August 2020.
•Lawrence Lessig blames Newt Gingrich for changing Congress's priorities in the 1990s.
•Matt Gaetz attempted to amend the National Defense Authorization Act with Ro Khanna.

Perfect For

Political fundraisingCapitol Hill cultureRepublican party dynamics