The Rittenhouse Scandal refers to an attempted coup d'état by Starfleet Vice-Admiral Vaughan Rittenhouse in 2270.

Admiral Rittenhouse had plotted to overthrow the Federation government, using the dreadnought USS Star Empire. Before his plan could be brought to fruition the Star Empire was stolen by a group of officers determined to keep Rittenhouse from carrying out his plans. Rittenhouse later did battle with the Star Empire and the USS Enterprise but was defeated in the battle. His plot exposed, Rittenhouse committed suicide by destroying his ship, the USS Pompeii. (TOS - Fortunes of War novel: Dreadnought!)

Rittenhouse's actions were very damaging to the reputation of Starfleet. Admiral Heihachiro Nogura was tasked with repairing the damage done to the reputation of the fleet. (TOS - The Lost Years novel: The Lost Years)