Reagan Flays ‘Triangle’ of U.S. Power : Says Special Interests, Congress and Media Warp Policy Balance

President Reagan lashed out today at Congress, special interests and the media as a permanent “Iron Triangle” of power in Washington that has warped the constitutional balance in budget-making and foreign policy.

Speaking to his political appointees in Constitution Hall, Reagan delivered a vitriolic valedictory against “the Washington colony” and voiced frustration over his failure to balance the budget before leaving office--although he maintained that Congress is at fault for the deficit.

Reagan argued that Congress, particularly the House, has become an unchanging club whose members are wooed and won by special interest groups. At the same time, he said, the media have thwarted efforts to effect fundamental change by distorting his proposals and parroting the views of his opponents.

‘Triangle of Institutions’

“It sometimes seems to many Americans that what might be called a triangle of institutions, parts of Congress, the media and special interest groups, is transforming and placing out of focus our constitutional balance, particularly in the area of the budget and foreign policy,” he declared.

“Some have used the term ‘Iron Triangle,’ ” he added. “A measure of its power derives from its permanence. Administrations come and go, but the members of the ‘Iron Triangle’ endure. . . . “

Reagan claimed the House--controlled by the Democrats since January, 1955--”with a combination of gerrymandering, changes in campaign finance rules and the powers of incumbency has become a virtually permanent chamber, no longer truly responsive to the people.”

‘Superficial Perspective’

“With a 98% rate of reelection, there is less turnover in the House than in the Supreme Soviet,” he said, evoking loud laughter and applause from the partisan audience.

Reagan again evoked cheers and a prolonged applause when he attacked the media.

“You’d think the media would act as a check on all this, but they didn’t,” he said. “Now let me say this: No one who sits in my seat has a greater respect for the media and the role they play in our system, but it is also clear that too many members of the media approach federal spending from a superficial perspective.

“Our positions are reported in caricature. Special interest charges are reported uncritically. And the public’s understanding suffers. Shouldn’t we expect better of those who act in the name of the public’s right to know?”