Though Francis worries that Usher’s proposal on the Supreme Court appointment means the end of their political future, Claire insists that it’s their only hope to put him back in the Oval Office. But as they argue their way forward, news arrives that the CIA has located Ahmed Al Ahmadi, the brother of ICO leader Yusef Al Ahmadi. While the national security team debates their response, Francis urges Claire to order Al Ahmadi’s assassination to send a message to the ICO. However, after Claire asks Col. Max Braegher for a timetable, the fight for the White House is thrown into turmoil when a tape surfaces of Conway’s running mate, Gen. Ted Brockhart, supporting the idea of a military coup. As Hammerschmidt inches closer to the truth about Francis’ past, Durant enlists Undersecretary of Commerce Jane Davis in the negotiations to recover Aidan Macallan. While Davis is briefing Claire, the Secret Service bursts in to rush them to a secure bunker after a truckload of highly radioactive cesium goes missing in Washington. When it’s presumed that the ICO hijacked the materials for a dirty bomb, Claire and her national security advisors are thrust into a debate about whether or not to proceed with the hit on Ahmed al Ahmadi. As Col. Braegher proposes a citywide evacuation, Davis reveals she has contacts in the Middle East who may be able to defuse the situation. However, as questions arise over how Davis deftly inserted herself into the high-level negotiations, Francis begins questioning the motivations behind Braegher’s advice and his connection to Brockhart. As Davis suggests she may be able to facilitate Ahmadi’s capture, the Brockhart tape prompts Francis to head back to the White House, where he learns that the director of national intelligence conspired with Braegher and Brockhart to fake the dirty bomb threat in order to orchestrate a coup. So once the missing truck turns up with its load intact, Davis offers to help Claire as the White House staff begins preparing a statement. Although Braegher resigns after refusing to implicate his co-conspirators, Claire confronts Usher with the truth about Brockhart’s plan.
