What is the deep state?

 

The term "deep state" refers to the idea that there is a hidden network of powerful and unelected officials within government agencies, intelligence services, and bureaucracies that secretly manipulate or control government policy, often without the knowledge or approval of elected leaders. It suggests that this clandestine group works behind the scenes to preserve the status quo, regardless of changes in political leadership, and that they may undermine or subvert the democratic process.

In the U.S., the concept of the "deep state" gained prominence during Donald Trump’s presidency, with Trump and his allies frequently accusing career officials in the FBI, CIA, State Department, and other government agencies of working against his administration. They argued that the "deep state" was actively resisting Trump's policies and attempting to undermine his authority. This idea became a common refrain in Trump’s speeches, particularly when addressing his supporters.

On the far-right, the "deep state" is often viewed as a shadowy cabal of elites who control the government from behind the scenes, supporting the interests of a political and corporate establishment at the expense of ordinary citizens. Some conspiracy theories even allege that this group is connected to globalist or socialist agendas, although these claims often lack credible evidence.

The concept of the "deep state" has been used as a rhetorical device to explain political and policy resistance, but critics argue that it is largely a conspiracy theory with little basis in reality. They claim that it oversimplifies the complexity of government and the tension between elected leaders and nonpartisan, career civil servants who carry out their duties across different administrations.

In essence, the term "deep state" has evolved into a political slogan rather than a well-defined concept, especially in modern U.S. discourse, where it is used by some to explain opposition to populist or outsider candidates like Trump.