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Ken Burns warns Congress ceding power threatens democracy

7/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ken Burns told Meet the Press host Kristen Welker on July 5, 2026 that the Constitution’s drafters would be disappointed because Congress has ceded much Article I authority, weakening a key safeguard against authoritarianism.
He warned that authoritarians thrive when citizens remain uneducated and distracted by conspiracy and superstition.
He said the July 4, 2026, 250th anniversary offers a chance for unity, citing scholars who say history provides perspective, solace and hope.

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Story summary

Ken Burns told Meet the Press host Kristen Welker on July 5, 2026 that the Constitution’s drafters would be disappointed because Congress has ceded much Article I authority, weakening a key safeguard against authoritarianism.
He warned that authoritarians thrive when citizens remain uneducated and distracted by conspiracy and superstition.
He said the July 4, 2026, 250th anniversary offers a chance for unity, citing scholars who say history provides perspective, solace and hope.