Staff Reports
The term “administrative state” has increasingly become a focal point in American political discourse, with critics highlighting its unchecked power and lack of accountability. Glenn Greenwald, a prominent journalist and constitutional commentator, has recently drawn attention to the sprawling bureaucratic machinery that operates independently of elected officials. According to Greenwald, this “administrative state” functions as a shadow government, wielding immense influence over public policy while evading scrutiny from voters and their representatives.
Greenwald’s critique aligns with long-standing conservative concerns about the concentration of power within federal agencies. These agencies, often tasked with creating and enforcing regulations, effectively bypass the constitutional framework that assigns legislative authority to Congress. For instance, in 2021 alone, federal agencies issued over 3,000 regulations with the force of law, compared to just 81 laws passed by Congress. This imbalance underscores how unelected bureaucrats have assumed quasi-legislative powers, raising questions about democratic accountability and constitutional fidelity.
One glaring example of this dysfunction is the Pentagon’s repeated failure to pass an audit. Despite managing a nearly $1 trillion annual budget, the Department of Defense has failed seven consecutive audits, unable to account for trillions of dollars in assets. Such financial mismanagement exemplifies the broader inefficiencies and lack of oversight within the administrative state. Critics argue that this not only wastes taxpayer money but also erodes public trust in government institutions. Calls for reform have intensified, with conservatives advocating for stricter audits and greater transparency to rein in wasteful spending.
Greenwald also points to agencies like USAID as emblematic of the administrative state’s overreach. Often criticized as tools for advancing elite interests rather than serving the public good, such agencies operate with minimal oversight while consuming billions in taxpayer funds. Recent efforts by figures like Elon Musk and President Trump to restructure or dismantle parts of this bureaucracy reflect a growing frustration with its inefficiency and ideological bias. Conservatives view these moves as necessary steps toward restoring accountability and aligning government operations with voter priorities.
Ultimately, the administrative state represents a fundamental challenge to the principles of limited government and individual liberty. While its defenders argue that a complex society requires robust bureaucratic governance, critics contend that its unchecked power undermines democratic ideals. Addressing this issue will require bold leadership willing to confront entrenched interests and implement meaningful reforms. For conservatives, dismantling or curbing the administrative state is not just a policy goal—it is a fight for the soul of American democracy.
