A sharp critique of the 'devil's bargains' in US politics today, exposing how transactional alliances undermine democracy and progressive advancement.
The New York Times recently posed a critical question: what exactly constitutes "The ‘Devil’s Bargain’ at the Heart of American Politics Now?" The answer, as July 2026 makes starkly clear, is a complex web of transactional compromises and morally dubious alliances that continue to erode democratic principles, sideline genuine progressive policy, and ultimately serve entrenched power structures rather than the public good. This isn't merely about political horse-trading; it's about a foundational corruption of purpose, where expediency trumps ethics and short-term wins inflict long-term damage on the fabric of society. For progressives, this ongoing bargain represents a critical juncture, demanding not just vigilance, but a renewed commitment to systemic reform.
The Current Reality
The "Devil's Bargain" manifests in numerous facets of contemporary American politics. Perhaps most visibly, it's embodied in the enduring loyalty of a significant portion of the evangelical Christian base to figures like Donald Trump. Despite his "multiple marriages, rumoured infidelities, vulgarity, use of profane language and felony conviction for falsifying business records," many evangelicals continue to view him as a "saviour" capable of delivering on issues like abortion and trans rights. This is a pact where moral inconsistencies are overlooked for perceived policy victories, even as a July 2026 Pew research poll indicated wavering support and a rising number of evangelicals "souring on Trump" as his positions on moral issues are increasingly seen as "inconsistent and incoherent".
Meanwhile, the Republican Party as a whole has been locked in its own "devil's bargain" with Trump, a decision dating back nearly seven years that has brought the party to a point where its leading contender for the nomination faces criminal charges. This has ironically fortified his standing among some Republican voters while alienating a majority of Americans who view such charges as disqualifying. As the 2026 mid-term elections loom, the anticipated Republican hold on the Senate means any substantive check on such figures will fall almost entirely to the House.
Beyond the Trump phenomenon, the very "art of political compromise" is under scrutiny, as highlighted by a July 2026 "The Opinions" podcast from The New York Times. Questions abound about the value of compromises made by figures like Lindsey Graham in aligning with Trump to protect Ukraine, or the confirmation of controversial judicial nominees. This echoes a growing progressive frustration with what is increasingly seen as "political theater" replacing "genuine reform". A July 2026 progressive policy analysis lamented that legislative sessions often end with nothing but "watered-down compromise," leading to a deeply concerning reality where "only 17% of Americans believe Congress actually represents them".
Corporate influence also continues its insidious work, with Senator Chris Van Hollen stating in July 2026 that Trump and his "billionaire buddies are rigging the system against workers". Furthermore, renewed scrutiny in July 2026 has revealed investment firms tied to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump drawing billions in federal funds, sparking "fury" over presidential self-enrichment. This aligns with a 2025 Roosevelt Institute analysis on the "Faustian bargain" business leaders have made with corporate power, emphasizing the need to dismantle shareholder primacy and rebalance corporate governance to serve broader societal interests. Even Trump's unpredictable economic moves, such as his July 1, 2026, decision not to renew the USMCA trade agreement, trigger a decade of uncertainty and risk "choking off investment" across North America.
A Progressive Critique
From a progressive viewpoint, these "devil's bargains" are not merely unfortunate political realities; they are calculated betrayals of democratic ideals and systemic barriers to justice. The transactional calculus that allows evangelical leaders to overlook profound moral failings for judicial appointments or policy wins on specific issues reveals a cynical prioritization that undermines the very concept of ethical governance. It normalizes hypocrisy and teaches that ends justify any means, no matter how corrosive to public trust.
Similarly, the Republican Party's continued embrace of a figure like Trump, despite his indictments and challenges to democratic norms, demonstrates a profound willingness to sacrifice institutional integrity for raw political power. This bargain has not only polarized the electorate but has also hollowed out the party's ideological core, leaving it vulnerable to populist demagoguery. The result is a legislative landscape where bipartisan agreement often means the lowest common denominator, a "half-measure" that "is not a step toward a goal" but a delay of actual solutions.
Progressives like Pennsylvania State Senators Nikil Saval and Katie Muth correctly identified the flaws in a bipartisan state budget in July 2026, criticizing its failure to address "critical" issues like public transit and affordable energy, and highlighting the absence of political will to close corporate tax loopholes. This exemplifies how supposed "compromise" often becomes an excuse to avoid tackling systemic problems, especially when powerful corporate interests are at stake. The obsession with "affordability" in the run-up to the 2026 midterms, while seemingly benevolent, often translates into market-friendly, superficial fixes that do not challenge the root causes of economic inequality or corporate profiteering.
The continuous siphoning of federal funds into the pockets of political elites, as seen with the Trump family's business dealings, further exposes the corrupting influence of unchecked power and the normalization of self-enrichment within the highest offices. These are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a political system deeply compromised by a culture of expediency and a "performative nature" that prioritizes "viral moments over policy success".
The Path Forward
Breaking these perilous pacts requires a resolute and organized progressive movement demanding structural change, not just incremental adjustments. The current legislative gridlock and public discontent call for bold action, as articulated by the Brennan Center for Justice in June 2026, which offers solutions to "unstick Congress". These include vital reforms such as expanding staff and access to expertise, creating modern tech committees, raising congressional salaries, strengthening ethics offices, reaffirming the power of the purse, and even expanding the House of Representatives. Beyond these, addressing the filibuster and reclaiming congressional war powers are crucial for reasserting democratic accountability.
Furthermore, progressives must champion policies that directly counter corporate capture and economic inequality. This means pushing for genuine tax reform that closes loopholes and ensures the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share, rather than allowing for endless tax cuts that benefit only a select few. It also entails robust anti-corruption measures, campaign finance reform to limit the influence of big money, and stricter ethics rules to prevent politicians from profiting off their public service.
Finally, the progressive movement must articulate a compelling vision that moves beyond "watered-down compromise" and focuses on building a "new, more positive future". This includes advocating for universal basic services, such as healthcare, childcare, and elder care, alongside a truly progressive Universal Basic Income, layered on top of existing social programs, rather than replacing them. By prioritizing community actions, fostering broad-based coalitions, and demanding accountability from elected officials, we can begin to dismantle these "devil's bargains" and forge a political landscape truly committed to equity, justice, and the common good. The alternative is a continued descent into transactional politics that benefits only a few, leaving the many behind.