The Weekly: Connecting the Dots – A Democracy Under Stress
Democratic guardrails are tested, institutions are pressured; citizens must decide whether constitutional principles still matter.
The Steady State took a deep dive this week into the growing strain on the institutions that sustain American democracy, all of which are subject to a gradual but real erosion of democratic norms and an ever increasing slide towards autocracy as power becomes further concentrated in the hands of the executive branch. The continuous and increasing political retaliation, attacks on independent media, executive branch conflicts of interest declining accountability may each appear to be isolated, but are reshaping how power is exercised. The resulting erosion is incremental, running the risk of becoming normalized over time.
At the same time, democratic outcomes are not predetermined. Institutions remain resilient when citizens remain engaged informed and willing to defend them. The future of American democracy depends not only on its leaders but on the vigilance and participation of the people it serves.
THE ESSENTIALS
QUOTED
William Pulte
“The appointment of Mr. Pulte is unlawful, and nonsensical – it makes sense only from the perspective of a President uninterested in foreign intelligence, and focused on aggregating his own power, and revenge upon his perceived enemies.”
Steven A. Cash, Executive Director of The Steady State, interview with Overt Defense (OVD), June 4, 2026
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TRENDING
Scott Bessent’s dismal response on DOGE’s handling of private data.
THE MISSION
#HOLDFAST
Founded in 2016, The Steady State is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization of more than 400 former senior national security professionals. Our membership includes former officials from the CIA, FBI, Department of State, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security. Drawing on deep expertise across national security disciplines, including intelligence, diplomacy, military affairs, and law, we advocate for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the preservation of America’s national security institutions.
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