There will always be grift in a dynamic system. The problems occur when the grifts become formalized and encoded in law, as has been the case since at least 9/11. When that happens the institutions can't be reformed but must be replaced by a new institution or by complete personnel turnover. Over time, the energetic/ambitious/idealist contingent who achieved the revolution/coup/realignment/reset will grow old/wealthy/corrupt or be shoved aside by sharp-elbowed opportunists, hard-nosed pragmatists, or soft-shoe careerists. The process will repeat.