Ken Burns says America’s founders would be ‘abjectly disappointed’ by Congress today

Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns joins Kristen Welker for a special edition of Meet the Press marking America’s 250th anniversary, reflecting on the lessons of the American Revolution, the fragility of democracy and why history offers hope for the future.

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SearchSearchFacebookTwitterEmailSMSBlue SkyWhatsappPrintRedditFlipboardPinterestLinkedinLatest StoriesWorld CupMeet the PressU.S. NewsWorldOngoing July 4th SalesTiplineBusinessPoliticsCultureSportsScienceHealthShoppingKen Burns says America’s founders would be ‘abjectly disappointed’ by Congress todayJuly 5, 202613:13Gov. Wes Moore on ‘responsibility’ to show ‘patriotism is not political’09:58Trump’s ‘ramped up’ rhetoric leaves unifying tone of July Fourth speech in question08:44Lawmakers working across aisle have become ‘endangered species': House’s only independent member07:36Now PlayingKen Burns says America’s founders would be ‘abjectly disappointed’ by Congress today13:13UP NEXT'Everybody should be able to participate’: Advocate for open primaries05:43Thousands need medical attention from ‘already overwhelmed’ Venezuelan healthcare system: Aid worker06:09Exclusive: Dan Sullivan saga in Alaska Senate race under investigation00:56Expect 'significant drop' in gas prices by Labor Day: Energy analyst17:11Bipartisan duo look to ‘tackle corruption’ with bill banning insider trading by government officials09:46Sen. Hickenlooper: Democrats have to ‘embrace’ bigger tent as democratic socialists notch more wins08:02Democratic leadership 'trying to process' wave of progressive victories after Colorado primaries10:37U.S. has U.K. ‘at its shoulder’ as it negotiates with Iran, says British ambassador07:49Congressional action to overturn 14th Amendment after Supreme Court ruling would be a ‘heavy lift’15:26Kornacki: Colorado incumbent Rep. DeGette in ‘serious jeopardy’ as she faces far-left challenger08:33Colorado gubernatorial candidate vows to take on ‘lawless’ Trump administration08:22Trump takes ‘victory lap’ after Supreme Court ruling on presidential firing power19:53Remembering Alan Greenspan and Andrea Mitchell's joint Meet the Press interview (2007)01:45From Jefferson's desk to FDR's microphone: Tour the Smithsonian with Lonnie Bunch04:47'I don't even think it's disputable' losing 2020 was the best outcome for Trump: Haberman & Swan12:31Doris Kearns Goodwin: ‘Character’ is what Americans should demand from leaders09:57Meet the PressKen Burns says America’s founders would be ‘abjectly disappointed’ by Congress today13:13CopiedDocumentary filmmaker Ken Burns joins Kristen Welker for a special edition of Meet the Press marking America’s 250th anniversary, reflecting on the lessons of the American Revolution, the fragility of democracy and why history offers hope for the future.July 5, 2026

onGov. Wes Moore on ‘responsibility’ to show ‘patriotism is not political’09:58Trump’s ‘ramped up’ rhetoric leaves unifying tone of July Fourth speech in question08:44Lawmakers working across aisle have become ‘endangered species': House’s only independent member07:36Now PlayingKen Burns says America’s founders would be ‘abjectly disappointed’ by Congress today13:13UP NEXT'Everybody should be able to participate’: Advocate for open primaries05:43Thousands need medical attention from ‘already overwhelmed’ Venezuelan healthcare system: Aid worker06:09Get more newsLiveonBest of NBC News