He was the father of the country, but that doesn’t mean everybody loved George Washington.
According to a new historical book from thriller author Brad Meltzer, Washington was targeted for assassination by his own bodyguards. But the nation’s first president found out first and strung up one of the plotters in a hanging before 20,000.
In the First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington, Meltzer and co-writer and documentary producer Josh Mensch unveil their research on the scheme that occurred just days before the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Set for a Jan. 8 release, the book also reveals the first efforts by the federal government to set up intelligence operations that the FBI and CIA are now known for.
Meltzer said his book may have a lesson for today’s politics and even President Trump.
“George Washington was loved, and they were plotting against him. So if you think there couldn’t be a plot today, you’re not paying attention,” said the New York Times bestseller.
“If I were Trump, I’d read about how George Washington fought back against those plotting against him. Washington launched secret committees to deal with those trying to infiltrate our government — and fought with all his might to bring the country together. It’s good advice, back then and today,” added Meltzer.
