The Bill Is Coming Due
Every weakened institution carries a cost—and America is beginning to pay it.
The erosion of democratic institutions is not just a government story. As expertise yields to loyalty, constitutional checks weaken, and public trust declines, the consequences ripple through national security, diplomacy, business, and the economy—and we ignore the costs at our peril.
The Steady State warns of the present and projected consequences of the steady erosion of institutions that have, until now, sustained American democracy and national power. As professional expertise is continues to be replaced by political loyalty, as executive authority expands as congressional oversight recedes, fear is increasingly used to justify greater concentrations of power in the White House. As short term political victories come at the expense of long term strategic strength, trust in government, diplomacy, intelligence, and the rule of law is further undermined. The consequences are extending beyond Washington, with uncertainty, corruption, and declining institutional credibility feeding economic and business risks.
THE ESSENTIALS
QUOTED
Following President Trump's speech from the Oval Office on Thursday, Executive Director of The Steady State, Steven Cash joined Scripps News to share his analysis.
“The President was like that kid in high school who knows they’re going to fail the test so they pull the fire alarm. He didn’t do a very good job of it.”
Watch the full interview below:
TRENDING on Instagram
It’s unheard of for the Office of Special Council to open and close an investigation in nearly 24 hours. It is especially unheard of when the investigation centers on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Executive Director of The Steady State, Steven Cash talks about it:
THE MISSION
This week, The Steady State wrote a Strategic Business Risk Assessment, highlighting the risk a growing autocracy poses to businesses across the nation.
The Steady State also announced it will roll out candidate endorsements in the coming weeks. Read the press release below:
#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.
Jennifer’s essay should shake you to the core. The erosion of democratic institutions is not just a government story. As expertise yields to loyalty, constitutional checks weaken, and public trust declines, the consequences ripple through national security, diplomacy, business, and the economy—and we ignore the costs at our peril. The Steady State warns of the present and projected consequences of the steady erosion of institutions that have, until now, sustained American democracy and national power. As professional expertise is continues to be replaced by political loyalty, as executive authority expands as congressional oversight recedes, fear is increasingly used to justify greater concentrations of power in the White House.
Candidates with integrity, please.