The concept of a “deep state” refers to a body of people, typically influential members of government agencies or the military, believed to be involved in the secret manipulation or control of government policy.
During his 2024 campaign, Donald Trump made explicit promises to “demolish the deep state” — a threat that reportedly worried many career government officials. The term encompasses the permanent bureaucracy that survives administrations, the intelligence community, and the military-industrial complex that President Eisenhower warned about in his farewell address.
“In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.” — President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961
The deep state operates through leaks to friendly media outlets, bureaucratic obstruction of elected officials’ policies, and the rotation of personnel between government agencies, defense contractors, and media organizations.
Whether viewed as patriotic career professionals protecting institutional stability or as an unelected shadow government undermining democratic will, the power of the permanent bureaucracy is undeniable and growing.
