Frank Underwood, the President of the United States, and his equally ambitious wife, Claire Underwood, the First Lady and Vice President, are determined to cling to and expand their power. Their core premise involves manipulating political systems and public perception to maintain their grip on the presidency, no matter the cost. As the season begins, Frank faces a congressional investigation into his past actions, while he and Claire stoke fear of terrorism to distract the public and consolidate control.

The central conflict revolves around the Underwoods' desperate attempts to win a contested presidential election amidst growing scrutiny. They fabricate terror threats, leading to polling station shutdowns in key states, and manipulate governors to suppress votes. When the election remains undecided, Claire is sworn in as Acting President. Frank eventually secures the presidency, but the investigation intensifies, threatening impeachment. To silence those who know too much, Claire poisons Tom Yates, her former lover and biographer. Facing overwhelming pressure and a potential impeachment, Frank makes the shocking decision to resign from the presidency.

The season concludes with Claire Underwood being sworn in as President. She immediately asserts her authority, refusing to pardon Frank and declaring war, signaling her complete takeover of power.

Season 5 of House of Cards covers episodes 1-13. Here's everything that happened:

Season 5, Episode 1: Chapter 53 - Frank and Claire Underwood stoke fear of terrorism as Congress debates investigating Frank. Frank hijacks a congressional session to demand a declaration of war against ICO. It's revealed Frank had Joshua Masterson in custody all along. Frank orders Joshua killed and the scene filmed. The episode concludes with Frank and Claire greeting citizens, assuring them they have nothing to fear.

Season 5, Episode 2: Chapter 54 - Frank manipulates governors using fear of terrorism to suppress voting in key states. Claire learns about Tim's disappearance, one of Frank's past lovers. Aidan must erase digital trails, causing a cyberattack blamed on ICO. The episode concludes with Halloween pumpkins carved with Frank and Claire's faces.

Season 5, Episode 3: Chapter 55 - As election day nears, Frank and Claire try to discredit Conway, who is doing a 24-hour livestream. Frank, losing his voice, calls into Conway's stream, leading to a tense exchange. Doug, worried about the election results, carves his initials into the Oval Office desk. The episode concludes with Frank declaring, "We are not leaving".

Season 5, Episode 4: Chapter 56 - With low voter turnout, Frank faces a tough election day. The Underwoods instigate chaos by fabricating a terror threat, leading to polling station shutdowns in key states. Frank concedes to Conway, but the episode ends with a flashback revealing Frank and Claire's agreement to do anything to win, setting the stage for further manipulation.

Season 5, Episode 5: Chapter 57 - With the presidential election still undecided, Frank works to secure votes in the House. Claire aims to prevent a filibuster in Congress. Leann is trying to locate Aidan Macallan. The House vote is inconclusive, setting up a showdown between Claire and General Brockhart for the Vice Presidency. The episode concludes with Claire staring directly into the camera.

Season 5, Episode 6: Chapter 58 - Claire Underwood is sworn in as Acting President amidst the contested election. Frank faces political challenges, including a potential coalition against him. Russia occupies a US base in Antarctica, and Petrov reveals he has Aidan MacAllan. Claire and Usher strike a deal for a new election in two states, leaving Frank displeased.

Season 5, Episode 7: Chapter 59 - A dirty bomb threat forces the White House into lockdown, during which Jane Davis is introduced and quickly becomes close to Claire. Frank suspects a coup orchestrated by Brockhart and confronts a general. Claire later poisons Tom Yates, who knew too much about the Underwoods. The episode concludes with the Underwoods meeting with Mark Usher.

Season 5, Episode 8: Chapter 60 - Frank attends an elite men's gathering to influence the Ohio vote, encountering Usher. Claire deals with a stranded Russian ship and threats from Petrov, involving a potential trade with China. Frank obtains a recording of Conway being unstable. At the episode's close, Frank burns an item from the Elysian Fields ceremony.

Season 5, Episode 9: Chapter 61 - Frank Underwood secures the presidency after winning Ohio. Leann Harvey is forced out as Mark Usher is appointed Special Advisor. Aidan MacAllan is taken to Jordan for interrogation, not assassination. Tom's investigation into Zoe Barnes' death continues as Mr. Barnes provides a burner phone. The episode concludes with lingering mistrust within the Underwoods' inner circle.

Season 5, Episode 10: Chapter 62 - The Underwoods undermine the revived committee investigating Frank. Garrett Walker agrees to testify against Frank, a major blow. Aidan MacAllan is murdered after meeting with LeAnn. Claire and Jane discuss Aidan, with Jane preferring to keep him at the Jordanian embassy. The episode concludes with Jane shredding files, signifying the erasure of evidence.

Season 5, Episode 11: Chapter 63 - As impeachment looms, Frank and Claire clash over strategy. Claire ends her affair with Tom. Doug admits to Laura Moretti that he caused her husband's death. Cathy Durant agrees to testify against Frank. Claire breaks the fourth wall, acknowledging the audience. The episode concludes with Claire practicing her denial and another leak reaching Tom Hammerschmidt.

Season 5, Episode 12: Chapter 64 - Frank pushes Cathy Durant down the stairs to prevent her testimony. The Underwoods coerce Doug to take the fall for Zoe Barnes' murder. Claire poisons Tom Yates, who dies during sex. Frank shocks everyone by announcing his resignation.

Season 5, Episode 13: Chapter 65 - Frank blackmails Romero to drop the investigation, revealing his plan with Claire: to control both public and private sectors. Claire is sworn in as president and declares war on a terrorist organization in Syria. Leann Harvey is assassinated, and Claire declines to pardon Frank. Claire says "My turn," signaling a power shift.