Ken Burns Says Founding Fathers Would Be Disappointed by Modern U.S. Governance
Documentarian Ken Burns told Meet the Press host Kristen Welker that the Constitution’s framers would likely be dismayed by the legislative branch’s loss of power and the nation’s current political divisions.
Ken Burns, the filmmaker behind the "American Revolution" series, told Meet the Press host Kristen Welker 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. He said the founders designed Article I as a bulwark against authoritarianism and would not be surprised to see attempts to concentrate power in the executive.
Burns noted that the founders understood how quickly civil institutions could erode, citing historical examples such as Berlin in 1932. He added that while the founders would likely be impressed by the expansion of rights, they would also be troubled by persistent division and the spread of misinformation.
Welker asked how the founders might view contemporary America. Burns replied that they would be "incredibly impressed" by achievements but also "disappointed" that the nation has not resolved deeper societal issues. He warned that authoritarians benefit from an uneducated public distracted by conspiracy and superstition, contrasting this with the founders’ emphasis on lifelong learning.
The interview also featured historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch, who emphasized that historical perspective can provide solace and hope during turbulent times. Goodwin highlighted past crises such as the Civil War, the Great Depression and World War II, noting that people then faced uncertainty yet ultimately emerged stronger, suggesting a similar resilience may be possible today.
