You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog.

The line is widely attributed to Harry S. Truman as a wry, hard-earned observation about the transactional nature of political relationships in the nation’s capital. Truman’s presidency (1945–1953) exposed him to intense partisan conflict, shifting alliances, and the loneliness that can accompany high office—especially amid controversies such as labor unrest, the early Cold War, and the 1952 election season. The quip circulates as something Truman said in conversation or remarks about Washington’s social climate, where “friends” may disappear when power wanes. It has since become a staple of American political folklore, often repeated to underscore cynicism about Beltway loyalty.

The line suggests that in Washington, personal bonds are often conditional—rooted in advantage rather than affection. A dog, by contrast, offers uncomplicated loyalty not contingent on status or utility. Truman’s humor carries a sharp critique: political culture can reward opportunism and discourage genuine friendship, making “friends” unreliable when circumstances change. The quote endures because it compresses a cynical insight into a memorable, folksy aphorism, and because it resonates beyond politics: in any high-stakes environment, relationships may become instrumental, and steadfast companionship may be rarer than we like to think.

1) "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog." 2) "Want a friend in Washington? Buy a dog." 3) "If you want a friend in this town, get a dog."