How about ‘greed’? for both money and power.
Public servant? Representing their constituents? Pffff....
It is a racketeering racket.
Nearly all in Washington have forgotten that they made an oath before God to uphold the Constitution. They believe that they are no longer accountable to God or to the American people.
"Blackmail"? Actions have consequences. You can either compound the bad effects of prior dubious actions by submitting to blackmail, or you can release the full story of your bad choices AND the name(s) and demands of your blackmailer.
First article of the Code of Conduct for the US Military
"I am a United States Marine (Sailor, Soldier, Airman). I serve in the forces which guard my Country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense, so help me God!"
Our "leaders" are worried about bad press, secrets being told, shame? Pathetic!
A far cry from:
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor