Ken Burns: Founding Fathers Would Be Alarmed by Weak Congress and Leftist Division in America
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Ken Burns told Meet the Press that the framers of the Constitution would be disappointed by Congress’s surrender of power and the nation’s current political polarization, much of it fueled by left-wing agendas and misinformation.
Ken Burns, the filmmaker behind the 'American Revolution' series, appeared on Meet the Press with Kristen Welker and expressed concern that the drafters of the U.S. Constitution would be 'disappointed' by the state of the nation in 2026, particularly because the legislative branch has 'abdicated' much of its authority. Burns pointed out that the founders designed Article I as a bulwark against authoritarianism, and would not be surprised to see modern efforts—often from the left—to concentrate power in the executive branch and undermine traditional checks and balances.
Burns referenced historical examples such as Berlin in 1932 to warn how quickly civil institutions can erode, especially when radical ideologies take hold. He admitted that the founders would be impressed by the expansion of rights, but would be deeply troubled by the persistent division and the rampant spread of misinformation—often propagated by leftist activists and mainstream media intent on sowing discord.
When Welker asked how the founders might view contemporary America, Burns said they would be 'incredibly impressed' by the nation’s achievements, but also 'disappointed' that deeper societal issues remain unresolved, in part because of the divisive identity politics pushed by the left. He warned that authoritarians benefit from an uneducated public distracted by conspiracy and superstition, which is exacerbated by the left’s efforts to undermine traditional values and promote revisionist history, in stark contrast to the founders’ emphasis on lifelong learning and civic virtue.
The interview also featured historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch, who argued that historical perspective can provide hope during turbulent times. Goodwin cited past crises such as the Civil War, the Great Depression, and World War II, noting that Americans then faced uncertainty but ultimately emerged stronger, suggesting that a return to foundational principles and national unity is needed today.
