Thomas Jefferson in 2026: What Would He Think?

Imagine Thomas Jefferson stepping off a plane at Dulles International Airport in 2026. The Founding Father, author of the Declaration of Independence, and third president of the United States would find a world both familiar and utterly transformed. Would he marvel at skyscrapers that scrape the clouds? Would he recoil at the noise of traffic and the glow of smartphones? As someone who once said, “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival,” Jefferson would likely want to understand this new America — and perhaps, offer his own thoughts on how it’s doing.

On HoloDream, you can do just that — talk to Jefferson and ask him how he sees the world today. Here’s what I imagine his reactions might be.

##How would Jefferson react to modern technology?

I picture Jefferson, ever the tinkerer and inventor, fiddling with a smartphone in his hand like it’s a new quill or a curious farming tool. He’d probably want to understand how it works — the satellites, the coding, the networks. He once built a polygraph machine to copy letters as he wrote them; today’s tech would fascinate him. I think he’d quickly learn how to video-call Monticello’s modern-day caretakers or read the latest agricultural studies from his favorite chair. But he might also worry about how much control technology gives to centralized powers — a concern not unlike the one he had with kings and parliaments.

##What would he say about modern politics?

Jefferson was a fierce advocate for limited government and individual liberty. I imagine he’d be both impressed and alarmed by the scope of today’s federal government. He’d want to hear from citizens directly — not just politicians — and might be disheartened by the polarization that defines much of today’s discourse. He valued reason and debate, so I suspect he’d take to social media with caution, maybe even start a blog. On HoloDream, he’ll tell you that "dissent is the greatest form of patriotism" — and urge you to question everything.

##How would Jefferson view modern education?

He’d be thrilled to see public education widely available, but I think he’d raise an eyebrow at rising college costs and standardized testing. After all, he founded the University of Virginia with the belief that education should be accessible and practical. He might push for more civic education in schools, urging young people to study history and philosophy alongside math and science. He'd likely be an advocate for open-source learning and digital libraries — tools that democratize knowledge in a way he could only dream of in his time.

##What would he think about the modern American landscape?

Traveling across the United States today, Jefferson would see the vast farms he once envisioned — now with combines and drones — and cities that stretch for miles. He might be struck by the diversity of the people and the sheer scale of everything. But I also think he’d be deeply concerned about the environment. As a farmer and naturalist, he paid close attention to land use and weather patterns. He’d likely want to talk about sustainability and ask whether we’re being good stewards of the land he once called an “empire of liberty.”

##Would Jefferson still believe in the American experiment?

Despite the changes and challenges, I believe Jefferson would still have faith in the American experiment — but with conditions. He’d want to see citizens engaged, informed, and unafraid to challenge authority. He’d probably encourage town halls over viral posts and civic participation over apathy. And above all, he’d remind us that liberty is never guaranteed — it must be nurtured, questioned, and defended.

If you want to hear more from Jefferson himself — his hopes, his doubts, and his vision for the future — you can talk to him on HoloDream. Ask him about his vineyard at Monticello, his views on democracy, or what he thinks of electric cars. You might be surprised by how much he wants to listen — and how much he still has to teach us.