Who Truly Runs the Country?
In recent discussions across various media platforms, a curious theme has emerged: the identity of those who govern the United States. Right-leaning commentators often assert that Joe Biden has relinquished control to a clandestine group, a so-called troika. Meanwhile, others, spanning the political spectrum, contend that Donald Trump is currently the de facto leader. All of these assertions, however, miss the mark. No one truly runs the country.
The Myth of Presidential Control
Consider the multitude of decisions you make every day. How many of these does the U.S. president directly influence? The answer is nearly none. While the president may sway public opinion or policy discussions, he does not dictate your personal choices. If he lacks control over your life—or the lives of over 300 million Americans—then how could he possibly be said to run the country?
The Structure of Government
What many might intend to convey is that the U.S. president oversees the federal government. However, this too is a misconception. As taught in civics classes, the federal government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The president heads the executive branch, yet even within this domain, many agencies operate with a degree of autonomy. Take the Federal Reserve, for instance, which functions independently of presidential directives. Thus, at best, the president manages one-third of the federal government.
Commander in Chief Misunderstood
Moreover, the title “commander in chief” is often misinterpreted. The president commands the military, a body that comprises less than 1% of the entire population. To proclaim that he commands the country is to significantly overstate his authority.
