A Monmouth Poll released on Monday shows a majority of Americans believe the so-called “deep state,” a group of unelected officials opposed to President Trump’s agenda, is secretly working behind the scenes to manipulate national policy.
Almost three-quarters, or 74 percent, of the 803 adults polled believe the “deep state” either definitely or probably exists (27 percent answered “definitely” while 47 percent responded “probably”). Only 21 percent said the group either probably or definitely does not exist.
The political affiliations most likely to “definitely” believe in the “deep state’s” existence were Republicans, at 31 percent, and independents, at 33 percent, compared to only 19 percent of Democrats.
Additionally, six out of ten believe that appointed and unelected government officials wield too much influence over national policy.
According to Dictionary.com, “The Deep State is believed to be a clandestine network entrenched inside the government, bureaucracy, intelligence agencies, and other governmental entities. The Deep State supposedly controls state policy behind the scenes, while the democratically-elected process and elected officials are merely figureheads.”
Of late, the term has been used to refer to career government officials, embedded “deep” within governmental and intelligence agencies, secretly working to undermine President Trump’s agenda.
President Trump himself used the term early this year to refer to some within the Justice Department:
Crooked Hillary Clinton’s top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018
As have other media and political figures:
Deep State leaks & lies – Fired FBI Deputy Director McCabe says Crooked James Comey knew about leaks to reporters, despite Comey’s denials to Congress. @Jim_Jordan joins #Dobbs on FBN 7p @realDonaldTrump #MAGA #TrumpTrain
— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) March 19, 2018
.@dbongino: If there was ever proof of the existence of a deep state, John Brennan’s tweet is that pic.twitter.com/pQ2UiBFVbp
— FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) March 19, 2018
.@SebGorka: Deep State Coward McCabe went to DOJ & begged to keep his pension, but when he was rebuked he said he would bring everyone down. That’s the level of arrogance Obama admin put into place Yep, every man for Himself will throw you under the bus pic.twitter.com/tQ5ANmcRTl
— EAGLE WINGS (@RealEagleWings) March 20, 2018
Purely a coincidence that the Deep State has mobilized harder than ever in their attacks on Trump following the firing of McCabe?
Nope.
It’s time for some bigly corruption to exposed.
— Jack Murphy (@RealJack) March 19, 2018
That’s easy. The DEEP STATE of bureaucrats have elected people like Lois Lerner, John Brennan, Andy McCabe, James Clapper and Comey to represent them. The American People elected @realDonaldTrump. This cast of misfits tried to nullify our decision. pic.twitter.com/auF2rGKB3Y
— David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) March 19, 2018
The Monmouth survey was conducted using cellphones and landline telephones and has a margin of error of 3.5 percent.