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The Scandal of a President’s Friend

Walter Jenkins was LBJ’s closest advisor until a scandal

Edward Anderson
Heroes of History

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Walter Jenkins was a beloved friend of LBJ and Lady Bird Image by Edward Anderson via Canva

Washington, D.C. is a bit of politicians trying to one-up one another. Most have the goal of sitting in the Oval Office one day. But in 1939, two men met that would become the best of friends, and they would support one another, quite the contrast to the drama swirling around them.

Lyndon B. Johnson hired Walter Jenkins to work as an aide for his first full term as a U.S. House of Representatives member. The two men hit it off and a friendship was born.

Lady Bird Johnson also took to Jenkins. She adored him and the feeling was mutual. The trio became thick as thieves. They would often be seen around the city together.

Laughter filled the dinners the Johnsons shared with Jenkins.

Jenkins married Helen Whitehill in 1945. She fit in with the friend group and the Johnsons adored her. However, the couple was barely able to spend time together.

He helped Johnson develop his campaigns and ran his offices. Despite the lack of time together, there were no complaints. Though those close to Jenkins wondered if the marriage was one of convenience.

But the focus went back to the future President when he decided to run for a higher office.

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