The Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America
January 29, 2025 | Nancy MacLean with Patt Morrison: Democracy in Chains: How We Got Here and How to Prepare for What’s Next
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, historian and public policy expert Nancy MacLean—author of Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America—shed light on a decades-long effort to undermine democracy in the United States. MacLean’s research uncovers how billionaire-backed movements have strategically reshaped institutions, laws, and public perception to consolidate power and weaken democratic resistance. This discussion provided a critical examination of the ideological roots, infrastructure, and long-term objectives of the radical right, emphasizing why vigilance and action are essential to preserving American democracy.
The Ideological Foundations of the Radical Right
At the heart of this movement is a fundamental redefinition of “liberty.” According to MacLean, when most people hear the term, they associate it with freedom from oppression, the right to vote, and fair representation. However, for radical libertarians and billionaires backing these efforts, “liberty” means freedom from government regulation, taxation, and public accountability—even at the expense of the broader population. This ideology traces back to economist James McGill Buchanan, whose theories promoted a vision of governance where wealthy elites could operate free from democratic constraints.
MacLean draws a direct historical parallel to John C. Calhoun, the 19th-century politician and defender of slavery, who viewed government as an oppressive force against property owners. This extreme ideology has been modernized and embedded within right-wing think tanks, policy groups, and judicial networks with the long-term goal of curbing democratic power and entrenching economic control among the wealthiest elites.
A Coordinated Effort to Reshape Democracy
Over the past 70 years, this radical movement has built an extensive network of policy organizations, media outlets, and political groups designed to push their agenda. Key players include:
- The Federalist Society, which influences judicial appointments and legal interpretations favorable to corporate interests.
- Americans for Prosperity, a Koch-funded organization that aggressively lobbies for deregulation and tax cuts for billionaires.
- State Policy Network affiliates, which work to dismantle public services like education, healthcare, and labor protections.
Through voter suppression laws, gerrymandering, and the stacking of courts with ideological judges, this movement has systematically rigged the political system to favor corporate power over democratic participation. The recent six-to-three conservative majority on the Supreme Court is a direct outcome of this long-term strategy.
Weaponizing Wealth and Media Influence
One of the most alarming aspects of this movement is its control over media narratives. MacLean points out that billionaires have used their influence to manipulate public discourse and flood the information ecosystem with disinformation. The repeal of the Fairness Doctrine in 1986 paved the way for right-wing talk radio, Fox News, and social media propaganda, all of which have been instrumental in dividing the electorate and fueling political extremism.
Elon Musk, MacLean argues, serves as a modern example of billionaire overreach, leveraging his wealth and platforms to interfere in political and social debates, both in the U.S. and internationally. By controlling both the economy and the means of communication, these elites have crafted an illusion of populist rebellion while consolidating power at the top.
The Ultimate Goal: A Constitutional Overhaul
Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of this strategy is the push for an Article V Constitutional Convention, which could permanently rewrite the U.S. Constitution in favor of elite interests. Currently, the movement has secured 28 out of the 34 states needed to call for a convention. If successful, they could:
- Abolish the federal income tax, crippling government-funded programs like Social Security, Medicare, and public education.
- Mandate a balanced budget amendment, forcing drastic cuts to social programs while preserving corporate subsidies.
Eliminate the direct election of U.S. Senators, returning power to state legislatures, which are often controlled by corporate-funded politicians.
What’s at Stake and Why It Matters
MacLean warns that this is not a hypothetical threat—it is actively unfolding. With a well-funded infrastructure and a determined agenda, these billionaires and their political operatives are working to lock in a system where democratic resistance becomes nearly impossible. If left unchecked, their efforts could permanently entrench minority rule, erode civil rights, and dismantle public institutions.
However, this movement is not unstoppable. MacLean urges Americans to stay informed, recognize disinformation tactics, and actively engage in democratic processes. Whether through voting, grassroots organizing, or legal challenges, public resistance remains the greatest barrier to this radical right agenda.
As she emphatically states: “It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there.” Now is the time to shine a light on these efforts and fight back before it’s too late.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.