According to a new Monmouth University Poll, a substantial majority of Americans believes that an unelected, shadowy portion of government and the military secretly manipulates federal policy to its own ends.
Here’s what’s so intriguing about this finding: It’s bipartisan, one of the few things in these hyper-partisan days that members of both parties as well as independents share a fervent belief in.
"This is a worrisome finding," says Patrick Murphy, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. "The strength of our government relies on public faith in protecting our freedoms, which is not particularly robust. And it’s not a Democratic or Republican issue. These concerns span the political spectrum."
Perhaps out of conviction, President Trump has stoked belief in the Deep State, suggesting faceless opponents in Washington maliciously use an antagonistic and willing media to undermine his policies and programs in the eyes of unwitting citizens.
Clearly, Trump’s professed suspicions have found a believing audience.
Fully 64 percent of the 803 adults polled said they believe the Deep State definitely or probably exists. Sixteen percent think it "probably" does not exist. Only five percent are certain it does not exist.
Sixty percent feel unelected or appointed officials have too much power and influence determining federal policies, for instance, writing regulations from vaguely-worded legislation.
"We usually expect opinions on the operation of government to shift depending on which party is in charge," Murphy adds. "But there’s an ominous feeling by Democrats and Republicans alike that a ’Deep State’ of unelected operatives are pulling the levers of power."