Deep state theory in Washington, D.C., has created rumors of secret forces running the government. Political discourse focused more on this notion, especially as the 2024 presidential election drew close. To understand the origins of the deep state, one must learn the nation’s history, especially the years 1945–2001. This time saw the rise of the national security state, with the establishment of organizations such as the CIA and NSA. The emergence of the deep state from 1945 to the September 11 attacks has had extended consequences for modern American politics, making it critical to analyze this topic in depth, especially as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
The Origin of Deep State
The idea of “Deep State” dates back to the post-World War II era. In 1947, the National Security Act was passed, a significant piece of legislation that changed America’s approach to national security. It created key agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, the National Security Council (NSC), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to exercise specific powers designed to shape and implement US foreign and domestic policy. Going even further, the independence of these agencies is often compared to that of elected representatives. The CIA must protect American interests abroad and carry out covert interventions that will change global politics. From overthrowing governments in Iran to secretly supporting anti-government protests in Guatemala, these actions are seen as necessary for national security but often come at the expense of political freedoms and human rights. The CIA must protect American interests abroad and conduct furtive interventions that will change global politics.
The Cold War: Unseen Forces and Covert Operations
During the 1950s and 1960s, the superpowers fought an ideological war and an arms race.
This is the environment in which the deep state started consolidating its power. The CIA’s clandestine activities became even more well-known as an independent global actor than merely a foreign policy instrument. The best example is the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, in which President Kennedy lost badly rather than overthrowing Castro. Cynicism regarding the government’s intentions grew as more people became aware of these covert initiatives. This power struggle had a darker side as the Watergate scandal of the early 1970s revealed that political operators used information manipulation and espionage against opponents to stay in power. In addition to being a clear case of corruption, the affair exposed something much more sinister: a continuous conflict between opposing factions within political parties and government organizations, which some later dubbed the deep state.
Watergate: The Game Changer
After Watergate, there was a push for transparency and accountability in the government’s executive powers. Several congressional investigations, including one involving Senator Frank Church, were carried out to uncover abuses in the intelligence services. They forced the deep state to adopt covert tactics that allowed it to function more covertly while retaining its influence behind the scenes, even though those developments resulted in changes meant to curtail unaccountable power. This consequently encompassed the latter part of the 1970s through the 1980s when Ronald Reagan was in office. The Iran-Contra scandal served as perhaps the best example of this. The rather bizarre plan below, in which weapons are sent to Iran to fund the rebels in Nicaragua, is a prime illustration of how profoundly state actors could sway policy to serve their objectives.
Growing Tensions: 9/11 and its Aftermath
As the 2000s approached, the fear of terrorism started to form on the surface. Systemic problems within the intelligence agencies, however, continued restricting effective responses. The FBI and CIA did not communicate well with one another, which led to a bureaucratic lapse that would prove disastrous on September 11, 2001. In hindsight, this was an intelligence failure resulting from decades of American governance practices where covert actions abroad had unanticipated domestic consequences. Osama bin Laden and others like him were partially the result of U.S. foreign policy choices made during previous conflicts, demonstrating the close connection between their domestic security and international actions. The September 11 attacks caused a seismic earthquake that shook the American government and society. The necessity for better national security, which mainly had eluded conventional checks and balances, suddenly became apparent after they passed. Two prominent instances of this move away from civil liberties and toward security were the USA PATRIOT Act and the Department of Homeland Security establishment. The actions of then-Vice President Dick Cheney brought to light the deep-state dynamics that were apparent in the wake of 9/11. Under Continuity of Government regulations designed for catastrophic situations, Cheney’s team developed mechanisms that gave the president considerable unchecked authority. In effect, this established a shadow government intended to continue operating even in the event of anarchy. In a time when fear was used as an excuse to use the infinite powers of government, many voters wondered if those who had vowed to defend their democracy were secretly undermining it.
The Return of the Deep State Narrative and Its Effect on Democracy
In recent years, especially during the Trump administration, the deep state has resurfaced in the public consciousness like a specter haunting modern politics. By citing agencies like the CIA and FBI as enemies who opposed his plans, Trump took great pleasure in presenting his administration as constantly being attacked by influential interests in federal agencies; for many Americans, that resonated with their disappointment with traditional political structures. Polling data showed that nearly half of Americans believed that some form of deep state operated behind closed doors. This viewpoint was in line with more extensive social concerns regarding transparency and accountability in government. The deep state narrative projects serious challenges to the future of American democracy. Residents who perceive rival groups as active participants in a plot against their interests may become even more polarized. Leaders who portray political disagreement as part of a dark conspiracy rather than as legitimate dissent risk creating an environment that further impairs trust in democratic institutions. As a result, people may become more polarized and stop viewing the other groups as rivals but rather as active participants in a conspiracy against their interests.
Conclusion
After a long period of dissidence and political discord, which started on November 5, 2024, when Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris and won the presidency, America has come to a crossroads. This victory has brought back debates about the so-called deep state as Trump goes on to fabricate the challenges faced by his administration, framing them as discordance with strong bureaucratic interests driven to hinder his vision. The Trump administration’s control of agency organizations has to be balanced carefully. This means assuring national security, resolving political conflicts, and upholding democratic values. Although things are tough, opportunities exist to improve American governance and restore trust. Increasing government transparency and simplifying bureaucracy are crucial actions that need to be taken.
