How America Chose Not to Hold the Powerful to Account
The Atlantic
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article highlights how the United States has systematically failed to hold its powerful elite accountable for their actions, contrasting this with examples from other countries where leaders have faced consequences for similar behavior. The author argues that this failure is not isolated but part of a long-standing pattern in American politics. Since Richard Nixon's resignation, successive administrations and Congress have worked to shield leaders from accountability, whether through pardons, legal loopholes, or outright disregard for wrongdoing.
The piece traces the roots of this issue back to Gerald Ford’s pardon of Nixon, which set a precedent that executive lawbreaking was not a crime. This trend continued under subsequent presidents, such as Ronald Reagan during the Iran-Contra scandal and George W. Bush in the aftermath of 9/11, where laws were broken but few faced consequences due to public support for their actions. Similarly, Bill Clinton’s impeachment and acquittal after lying under oath demonstrated how political expediency often outweighed legal accountability.
The article also points to the role of Congress and the Supreme Court in enabling this culture of impunity. By passing laws that limit the enforceability of anti-corruption measures, such as campaign finance rulings by the Roberts Court, politicians have become increasingly indebted to wealthy donors. The near-impossibility of convicting individuals for bribery is further illustrated by the case of former Senator Bob Menendez, who was convicted after extreme evidence, while others like Trump evade punishment entirely due to their political influence.
The broader societal impact of this lack of accountability is significant. It not only undermines justice but also concentrates power among a small group of wealthy elites, who can shape elections and policies with little fear of consequences. This erosion of accountability raises concerns about the integrity of American democracy and its ability to address systemic corruption in both politics and culture.
This issue matters deeply to readers interested in politics because it speaks to fundamental questions of justice, equality, and the rule of law. The article underscores how the failure to hold powerbrokers accountable not only perpetuates corruption but also erodes public trust in institutions. As the U
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Originally published on The Atlantic on 2/26/2026