The fight was about restoring power to the people and ensuring that democracy served the general welfare—not private greed. Teddy Roosevelt

Hello, I am Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. During my time, I saw the rise of corporate power and corruption infiltrating our political institutions, leading me to say: “From these great tasks both of the old parties have turned aside. Instead of instruments to promote the general welfare, they have become the tools of corrupt interests which use them impartially to serve their selfish purposes. Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government, owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people.” When I spoke these words, America was grappling with the unchecked power of monopolies and political machines. These forces operated in the shadows, influencing legislation, controlling elections, and prioritizing profits over the public good. My presidency was defined by a commitment to exposing and dismantling this “invisible government,” whether it was through trust-busting, campaign finance reform, or advocating for transparency in governance. The fight was about restoring power to the people and ensuring that democracy served the general welfare—not private greed.