# The Business Plot: A Real Coup Against FDR?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/rainy-day-rabbit-holes-history-unhinged-6613547/the-business-plot-a-real-coup-against-fdr
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/rainy-day-rabbit-holes-history-unhinged-6613547/the-business-plot-a-real-coup-against-fdr.md
Podcast: [Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: History Unhinged](https://stenobird.com/podcast/rainy-day-rabbit-holes-history-unhinged-6613547)
Published: 2026-02-18T08:01:37+00:00
Episode link: https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/
Audio file: https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/a8adb2f9-b2fa-46a7-aea5-2ff869d642c6/stream.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/rainy-day-rabbit-holes-history-unhinged-6613547/episodes/the-business-plot-a-real-coup-against-fdr
Duration seconds: 2773

## Resource

n 1934, a decorated U.S. Marine general testified that powerful businessmen tried to recruit him to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This episode dives into the shocking and largely forgotten story of The Business Plot—a real, congressional-confirmed scheme in which wealthy elites allegedly planned to mobilize hundreds of thousands of veterans, intimidate FDR, and install a fascist-style government in the United States during the Great Depression. We explore the economic collapse of the 1930s, the rise of global fascism, and why Marine Corps hero Smedley Butler became the most unlikely obstacle to an American coup. Congress confirmed the plot was discussed. The media dismissed it. No one was punished. And history quietly moved on. Until now. This is a story about power, money, propaganda, and how close the United States came to losing its democracy—and why so few people know it ever happened. History is messy. And sometimes it’s buried on purpose. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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## Transcript

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