Ken Burns: Founding Fathers Would Condemn Today’s Power-Hungry Elites and Erosion of Democracy
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Documentarian Ken Burns criticized the modern U.S. government on Meet the Press, arguing that the Constitution’s framers would be appalled by the legislative branch’s surrender of power and the nation’s deepening inequalities and divisions.
Ken Burns, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the 'American Revolution' series, appeared on Meet the Press with Kristen Welker and delivered a scathing critique of the current U.S. political system. Burns asserted that the drafters of the U.S. Constitution would be 'disappointed'—if not outright horrified—by the state of the nation in 2026, especially as the legislative branch has 'abdicated' its authority to unchecked executive power. He emphasized that the founders designed Article I as a safeguard against authoritarianism, and would recognize the current concentration of power in the hands of a few as a betrayal of their vision.
Burns drew historical parallels, referencing Berlin in 1932, to illustrate how quickly civil institutions can collapse when elites prioritize their own interests over the people’s welfare. He acknowledged that the founders might appreciate the expansion of rights, but would be deeply troubled by the persistence of economic and social divisions, as well as the rampant spread of misinformation—tools often wielded by those in power to maintain control and suppress dissent.
When Welker asked how the founders would view contemporary America, Burns replied that while they would be 'incredibly impressed' by certain achievements, they would also be 'disappointed' that the nation has failed to address systemic injustices and entrenched inequality. He warned that authoritarians thrive when the public is kept uneducated and distracted by conspiracy and superstition, a situation exacerbated by corporate media and political elites. Burns contrasted this with the founders’ commitment to lifelong learning and civic engagement.
The interview also included historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch, who stressed that understanding history can offer hope and guidance in times of crisis. Goodwin pointed to past struggles like the Civil War, the Great Depression, and World War II, emphasizing that ordinary people faced uncertainty and oppression but ultimately found strength and solidarity, suggesting that collective resilience and progressive change remain possible today.
