Changes

The '''Deep State''' (sometimes called the "'''Permanent State'''"<ref>Hayward, John (August 31, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/radio/2017/08/31/gorka-trump-best-instincts-ive-seen-obama-holdover-massive-problem/ Gorka: Trump Has Best Instincts, but Obama Holdovers Are ‘Massive Problem’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 1, 2017.</ref> or referred to as a '''shadow government''') is a term used to describe when unelected bureaucrats and other figures are the ones who actually control a government and its policies, rather than the people and those they elect.<ref>Multiple references:

The '''Deep State''' (sometimes called the "'''Permanent State'''"<ref>Hayward, John (August 31, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/radio/2017/08/31/gorka-trump-best-instincts-ive-seen-obama-holdover-massive-problem/ Gorka: Trump Has Best Instincts, but Obama Holdovers Are ‘Massive Problem’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 1, 2017.</ref> or referred to as a '''shadow government''') is a term used to describe when unelected bureaucrats and other figures are the ones who actually control a government and its policies, rather than the people and those they elect.<ref>Multiple references:

*Newman, Alex (January 8, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/print-magazine/item/27863-deep-state-pulling-strings-from-behind-the-scenes Deep State: Pulling Strings From Behind the Scenes]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 9, 2018.</ref> In this shadow government, bureaucrats in government agencies and/or the armed forces, along with willing allies outside of actual government agencies (such as those in the [[mainstream media]], political parties, lobbyists, consulting firms, and big business) are involved in the determination, control, and manipulation of government policy.  These persons generally hold [[liberal]] and [[globalist]] worldviews, with their ultimate aim to establish a [[one-world government]] utopia. The Deep State is similar to the [[Administrative State]].

*Newman, Alex (January 8, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/print-magazine/item/27863-deep-state-pulling-strings-from-behind-the-scenes Deep State: Pulling Strings From Behind the Scenes]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 9, 2018.</ref> In this shadow government, bureaucrats in government agencies and/or the armed forces, along with willing allies outside of actual government agencies (such as those in the [[mainstream media]], political parties, lobbyists, consulting firms, and big business) are involved in the determination, control, and manipulation of government policy.  These persons generally hold [[liberal]] and [[globalist]] worldviews, with their ultimate aim to establish a [[one-world government]] utopia. The Deep State is similar to the [[Administrative State]].

*Singman, Brooke (January 31, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/31/trump-faces-bureaucratic-battle-in-implementing-agenda.html Trump faces bureaucratic battle in implementing agenda]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 1, 2017.

*Singman, Brooke (January 31, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/31/trump-faces-bureaucratic-battle-in-implementing-agenda.html Trump faces bureaucratic battle in implementing agenda]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 1, 2017.

*Kurtz, Howard (February 3, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/03/empire-strikes-back-why-trumps-private-talks-with-foreign-leaders-were-leaked.html The empire strikes back: Why Trump's private talks with foreign leaders were leaked]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 3, 2017.</ref><ref name="DeepStateVsTrump"/> Obama holdovers worked to block President Trump's agenda and continue liberal policies.<ref>Multiple references:

*Kurtz, Howard (February 3, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/03/empire-strikes-back-why-trumps-private-talks-with-foreign-leaders-were-leaked.html The empire strikes back: Why Trump's private talks with foreign leaders were leaked]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 3, 2017.</ref><ref name="DeepStateVsTrump"/> Obama holdovers worked to block President Trump's agenda and continue liberal policies.<ref>Multiple references:

*Starr, Penny (December 19, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/12/19/bureaucrats-continue-advance-obama-agenda/ Federal Bureaucrats Continue to Advance Obama’s Agenda, Including Climate Change Promotion]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 20, 2017.

*Starr, Penny (December 19, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/12/19/bureaucrats-continue-advance-obama-agenda/ Federal Bureaucrats Continue to Advance Obama’s Agenda, Including Climate Change Promotion]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 20, 2017.

*Rogers, Brian (September 13, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-holdovers-are-slowing-trumps-agenda-in-key-agencies/article/2634324 Obama holdovers are slowing Trump's agenda in key agencies]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved December 20, 2017.

*Rogers, Brian (September 13, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-holdovers-are-slowing-trumps-agenda-in-key-agencies/article/2634324 Obama holdovers are slowing Trump's agenda in key agencies]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved December 20, 2017.

*Gallington, Daniel (June 7, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/7/donald-trump-agenda-hampered-by-obama-holdovers-di/ Loyalty matters]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved December 20, 2017.

*Gallington, Daniel (June 7, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/7/donald-trump-agenda-hampered-by-obama-holdovers-di/ Loyalty matters]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved December 20, 2017.

*Pollock, Richard; Barton, Ethan (August 14, 2017). [http://dailycaller.com/2017/08/14/exclusive-obama-holdovers-still-in-dozens-of-key-national-security-council-jobs/ EXCLUSIVE: Obama Holdovers Still In Dozens Of Key National Security Council Jobs]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved December 20, 2017.

*Pollock, Richard; Barton, Ethan (August 14, 2017). [https://dailycaller.com/2017/08/14/exclusive-obama-holdovers-still-in-dozens-of-key-national-security-council-jobs/ EXCLUSIVE: Obama Holdovers Still In Dozens Of Key National Security Council Jobs]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved December 20, 2017.

*Garcia, Carlos (November 17, 2017). [http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/11/17/ice-union-says-obama-holdovers-are-sabotaging-immigration-enforcement-heres-how ICE union says Obama holdovers are sabotaging immigration enforcement, here’s how]. ''The Blaze''. Retrieved December 20, 2017.</ref> The fact that members of the Deep State have grown visibly scared of reports stating such confirms this view.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/03/22/politico-obama-admin-bureaucrats-panicked-by-breitbart-spotlight-dont-question-our-loyalty/ POLITICO: Obama Admin Bureaucrats ‘Panicked’ by Breitbart Spotlight: Don’t Question Our Loyalty!] ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 22, 2017.</ref>

*Garcia, Carlos (November 17, 2017). [http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/11/17/ice-union-says-obama-holdovers-are-sabotaging-immigration-enforcement-heres-how ICE union says Obama holdovers are sabotaging immigration enforcement, here’s how]. ''The Blaze''. Retrieved December 20, 2017.</ref> The fact that members of the Deep State have grown visibly scared of reports stating such confirms this view.<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/03/22/politico-obama-admin-bureaucrats-panicked-by-breitbart-spotlight-dont-question-our-loyalty/ POLITICO: Obama Admin Bureaucrats ‘Panicked’ by Breitbart Spotlight: Don’t Question Our Loyalty!] ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 22, 2017.</ref>

Numerous government officials who resigned due to President Trump's actions subtly inserted anti-Trump messages into their resignation letters.<ref>Pappas, Alex (August 23, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/08/23/hiding-secret-anti-trump-messages-in-resignation-letters-is-latest-political-craze.html Hiding secret anti-Trump messages in resignation letters is latest political craze]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved August 23, 2017.</ref> The Trump Administration was the victim of numerous leaks of information, many of which threatened U.S. [[national security]] – it was reported in July 2017 that leaks occurred once a day on average,<ref>Boylan, Dan (July 6, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/6/donald-trump-target-of-leaks-at-rate-of-one-a-day/ White House leaks that threaten national security stream out at rate of one a day]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved July 7, 2017.</ref> and Trump faced seven times more leaks than Obama or Bush II did.<ref>Wong, Kristina (July 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/07/deep-state-trump-facing-seven-times-more-national-security-leaks-than-obama-or-bush/ DEEP STATE: Trump Facing Seven Times More National Security Leaks Than Obama or Bush]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 7, 2017.</ref> The Russia probe headed by Special Counsel and former FBI Director [[Robert Mueller]] was found to have hired investigators extremely biased against President Trump.<ref>Multiple references:

Numerous government officials who resigned due to President Trump's actions subtly inserted anti-Trump messages into their resignation letters.<ref>Pappas, Alex (August 23, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/08/23/hiding-secret-anti-trump-messages-in-resignation-letters-is-latest-political-craze.html Hiding secret anti-Trump messages in resignation letters is latest political craze]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved August 23, 2017.</ref> The Trump Administration was the victim of numerous leaks of information, many of which threatened U.S. [[national security]] – it was reported in July 2017 that leaks occurred once a day on average,<ref>Boylan, Dan (July 6, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/6/donald-trump-target-of-leaks-at-rate-of-one-a-day/ White House leaks that threaten national security stream out at rate of one a day]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved July 7, 2017.</ref> and Trump faced seven times more leaks than Obama or Bush II did.<ref>Wong, Kristina (July 7, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/07/deep-state-trump-facing-seven-times-more-national-security-leaks-than-obama-or-bush/ DEEP STATE: Trump Facing Seven Times More National Security Leaks Than Obama or Bush]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 7, 2017.</ref> The Russia probe headed by Special Counsel and former FBI Director [[Robert Mueller]] was found to have hired investigators extremely biased against President Trump.<ref>Multiple references:

*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/13/ex-mueller-aides-texts-revealed-read-them-here.html Ex-Mueller aides' texts revealed: Read them here]. ''Fox News''. December 13, 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2018.

*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/13/ex-mueller-aides-texts-revealed-read-them-here.html Ex-Mueller aides' texts revealed: Read them here]. ''Fox News''. December 13, 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2018.

*Singman, Brooke (December 7, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/07/another-mueller-investigators-democratic-ties-raise-new-bias-questions.html Top Mueller investigator's Democratic ties raise new bias questions]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 5, 2018.

*Singman, Brooke (December 7, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/07/another-mueller-investigators-democratic-ties-raise-new-bias-questions.html Top Mueller investigator's Democratic ties raise new bias questions]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 5, 2018.

*[http://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2017/12/05/anti-trump-bias-exposed-in-mueller-probe.html Anti-Trump bias exposed in Mueller probe]. ''Fox News''. December 5, 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2018.

*[http://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2017/12/05/anti-trump-bias-exposed-in-mueller-probe.html Anti-Trump bias exposed in Mueller probe]. ''Fox News''. December 5, 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2018.

*Chamberlain, Samuel (December 12, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/12/texts-between-ex-mueller-team-members-emerge-calling-trump-loathsome-human-idiot.html 'F TRUMP': Texts between ex-Mueller team members emerge, calling Trump 'loathsome human,' 'an idiot']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 5, 2018.

*Chamberlain, Samuel (December 12, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/12/texts-between-ex-mueller-team-members-emerge-calling-trump-loathsome-human-idiot.html 'F TRUMP': Texts between ex-Mueller team members emerge, calling Trump 'loathsome human,' 'an idiot']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 5, 2018.

*Wong, Kristina (December 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/12/13/deepstate-fbi-agents-discussed-protecting-country-trump/ Deepstate: FBI Agents Texted About Protecting Country Against Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 5, 2018.</ref>

*Wong, Kristina (December 13, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/12/13/deepstate-fbi-agents-discussed-protecting-country-trump/ Deepstate: FBI Agents Texted About Protecting Country Against Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 5, 2018.</ref>

The deep state – including appointees handpicked by Trump – worked to undermine Trump's America First policies. This is seen by the Trump Administration's National Security Strategy, which globalist [[never Trump]]ers praised.<ref>Jasper, William F. (December 29, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/27832-deep-state-boasts-we-re-sabotaging-trump-from-the-inside Deep State Boasts: We’re Sabotaging Trump From the Inside]. ''The New American''. Retrieved December 29, 2017.</ref> The anti-Trump deep state was likely responsible for a press release by the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] which included criticism of a major executive order President Trump signed – something that governmental agencies never do when reporting on actions done by their officials.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (March 30, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/30/deep-state-suspected-epa-press-release-prank/ ‘Deep State’ Suspected in EPA Press Release ‘Error’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 30, 2017.</ref> In the State Department, career officials who oftentimes openly oppose the president's agenda have tried to destroy the reputations of effective pro-Trump political appointees.<ref>Multiple references:

The deep state – including appointees handpicked by Trump – worked to undermine Trump's America First policies. This is seen by the Trump Administration's National Security Strategy, which globalist [[never Trump]]ers praised.<ref>Jasper, William F. (December 29, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/27832-deep-state-boasts-we-re-sabotaging-trump-from-the-inside Deep State Boasts: We’re Sabotaging Trump From the Inside]. ''The New American''. Retrieved December 29, 2017.</ref> The anti-Trump deep state was likely responsible for a press release by the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] which included criticism of a major executive order President Trump signed – something that governmental agencies never do when reporting on actions done by their officials.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (March 30, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/30/deep-state-suspected-epa-press-release-prank/ ‘Deep State’ Suspected in EPA Press Release ‘Error’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 30, 2017.</ref> In the State Department, career officials who oftentimes openly oppose the president's agenda have tried to destroy the reputations of effective pro-Trump political appointees.<ref>Multiple references:

*Wong, Kristina (June 22, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/06/22/deep-state-weaponizing-leaks-against-trump-appointee-mari-stull/ Deep State Weaponizing Leaks Against Trump Appointee Mari Stull]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 22, 2018.

*Wong, Kristina (June 22, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/06/22/deep-state-weaponizing-leaks-against-trump-appointee-mari-stull/ Deep State Weaponizing Leaks Against Trump Appointee Mari Stull]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 22, 2018.

*Wong, Kristina (September 17, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/09/17/the-deep-state-exposed-investigation-uncovers-foggy-bottom-anti-trump-leak-factory/ The Deep State Exposed: Investigation Uncovers Foggy Bottom Anti-Trump Leak Factory]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 18, 2018.

*Wong, Kristina (September 17, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/09/17/the-deep-state-exposed-investigation-uncovers-foggy-bottom-anti-trump-leak-factory/ The Deep State Exposed: Investigation Uncovers Foggy Bottom Anti-Trump Leak Factory]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 18, 2018.

See also:

See also:

Former conservative National Security Council official [[Rich Higgins]] warned about the deep state, stating in a memo that "globalists, bankers, Islamists, and establishment Republicans" were seeking to undermine and eventually destroy Donald Trump's presidency – Higgins was fired because of the memo.<ref>Multiple references:

Former conservative National Security Council official [[Rich Higgins]] warned about the deep state, stating in a memo that "globalists, bankers, Islamists, and establishment Republicans" were seeking to undermine and eventually destroy Donald Trump's presidency – Higgins was fired because of the memo.<ref>Multiple references:

*Winter, Jana; Groll, Elias (August 10, 2018). [http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/08/10/heres-the-memo-that-blew-up-the-nsc/ Here’s the Memo That Blew Up the NSC]. ''Foreign Policy''. Retrieved April 12, 2018.

*Winter, Jana; Groll, Elias (August 10, 2018). [https://foreignpolicy.com/2017/08/10/heres-the-memo-that-blew-up-the-nsc/ Here’s the Memo That Blew Up the NSC]. ''Foreign Policy''. Retrieved April 12, 2018.

*Wong, Kristina (August 12, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/08/12/mcmaster-detonated-over-memo-that-warned-of-political-warfare-effort-against-trump/ McMaster ‘Detonated’ Over Memo that Warned of Political Warfare Effort Against Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 12, 2018.

*Wong, Kristina (August 12, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/08/12/mcmaster-detonated-over-memo-that-warned-of-political-warfare-effort-against-trump/ McMaster ‘Detonated’ Over Memo that Warned of Political Warfare Effort Against Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 12, 2018.

*Gertz, Bill (August 11, 2017). [http://freebeacon.com/national-security/fired-nsc-aide-reveals-political-warfare-operation-targeting-trump/ Fired NSC Aide Reveals Political Warfare Operation Targeting Trump]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved April 12, 2018.</ref> [[Sebastian Gorka]], a conservative who served as a national security advisor to President Trump, revealed several examples of the deep state at work trying to undermine Trump's conservative and nationalist agenda.<ref>Wong, Kristina (September 18, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/18/sebastian-gorka-permanent-state-views-white-house-enemy/ Sebastian Gorka Discusses How the ‘Permanent State’ Is Undermining Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref> Trump Administration officials have claimed the deep state "weaponized" the security clearance process to hurt them and the president's agenda.<ref>Re, Gregg (May 3, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/03/deep-state-has-weaponized-security-clearances-against-trump-conservative-pentagon-officials-lawyer-says.html Deep state has 'weaponized' security clearances against Trump, conservative Pentagon official's lawyer says]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 3, 2018.</ref>

*Gertz, Bill (August 11, 2017). [https://freebeacon.com/national-security/fired-nsc-aide-reveals-political-warfare-operation-targeting-trump/ Fired NSC Aide Reveals Political Warfare Operation Targeting Trump]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved April 12, 2018.</ref> [[Sebastian Gorka]], a conservative who served as a national security advisor to President Trump, revealed several examples of the deep state at work trying to undermine Trump's conservative and nationalist agenda.<ref>Wong, Kristina (September 18, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/18/sebastian-gorka-permanent-state-views-white-house-enemy/ Sebastian Gorka Discusses How the ‘Permanent State’ Is Undermining Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref> Trump Administration officials have claimed the deep state "weaponized" the security clearance process to hurt them and the president's agenda.<ref>Re, Gregg (May 3, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/03/deep-state-has-weaponized-security-clearances-against-trump-conservative-pentagon-officials-lawyer-says.html Deep state has 'weaponized' security clearances against Trump, conservative Pentagon official's lawyer says]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 3, 2018.</ref>

The [[uniparty]] intelligence community opposed President Trump's decision to revoke the security clearance of [[John Brennan]], an [[anti-Trump]] commentator, with several former CIA chiefs signing a letter against the decision.<ref>Jasper, William F. (August 17, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/29813-deep-state-dirty-dozen-ex-intel-spooks-rally-for-brennan-against-trump Deep State Strikes Again: 13 Ex-Intel Spooks Rally for Brennan Against Trump]. ''The New American''. Retrieved August 17, 2018.</ref>

The [[uniparty]] intelligence community opposed President Trump's decision to revoke the security clearance of [[John Brennan]], an [[anti-Trump]] commentator, with several former CIA chiefs signing a letter against the decision.<ref>Jasper, William F. (August 17, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/29813-deep-state-dirty-dozen-ex-intel-spooks-rally-for-brennan-against-trump Deep State Strikes Again: 13 Ex-Intel Spooks Rally for Brennan Against Trump]. ''The New American''. Retrieved August 17, 2018.</ref>

According to Amanda Taub and Max Fisher from ''[[The New York Times]]'', "deep state" is ''"where shadowy networks within government bureaucracies, often referred to as 'deep states,' undermine and coerce elected governments."''<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/16/world/americas/deep-state-leaks-trump.html?_r=0 As Leaks Multiply, Fears of a ‘Deep State’ in America]</ref>

According to Amanda Taub and Max Fisher from ''[[The New York Times]]'', "deep state" is ''"where shadowy networks within government bureaucracies, often referred to as 'deep states,' undermine and coerce elected governments."''<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/16/world/americas/deep-state-leaks-trump.html?_r=0 As Leaks Multiply, Fears of a ‘Deep State’ in America]</ref>

[[Bill Kristol]], the prominent Republican analyst who founded ''The Weekly Standard'', wrote on Twitter, ''"Obviously strongly prefer normal democratic and constitutional politics. But if it comes to it, prefer the deep state to the Trump state."''<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/15/bill-kristol-backs-deep-state-president-trump-republican-government/  Bill Kristol Backs ‘Deep State’ over President Trump, Republican Government]</ref>

[[Bill Kristol]], the prominent Republican analyst who founded ''The Weekly Standard'', wrote on Twitter, ''"Obviously strongly prefer normal democratic and constitutional politics. But if it comes to it, prefer the deep state to the Trump state."''<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/15/bill-kristol-backs-deep-state-president-trump-republican-government/  Bill Kristol Backs ‘Deep State’ over President Trump, Republican Government]</ref>

===FISA abuse===

===FISA abuse===

{{See also|Obamagate|Obamagate timeline|FISA abuse}}

{{See also|Obamagate|Obamagate timeline|FISA abuse}}

Nine days after the election, President-elect Trump was warned by [[NSA]] Director [[Adm. Mike Rogers]] of Obama's illegal surveillance on the [[Trump transition]] team. In early March 2017, President Trump went public with the information and announced that Obama had wiretapped his office in Trump Tower during the campaign. The leftist mainstream media accused him of having no evidence for that claim,<ref>Shear, Michael D.; Schmidt, Michael S (March 4, 2017). [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/04/us/politics/trump-obama-tap-phones.html?_r=0 Trump, Offering No Evidence, Says Obama Tapped His Phones]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.</ref> even though they contradicted themselves through earlier reports and showed themselves to be hypocrites.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (March 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/05/deepstategate-obama-trump-surveillance-fisa-investigation-russia/ DeepStateGate: Democrats’ ‘Russian Hacking’ Conspiracy Theory Backfires]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Hayward, John (March 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/05/trump-ends-innuendo-game-dealing/ DeepStateGate: Trump Ends the Wiretapping Innuendo Game by Dealing Himself In]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved March 5, 2017.</ref> President Trump requested Congress to investigate this.<ref>Weber, Joseph (March 5, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/05/trump-calls-for-congressional-probe-into-possible-wire-tapping-his-campaign.html Trump calls for congressional probe into possible wiretapping of his campaign]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.</ref>

Nine days after the election, President-elect Trump was warned by [[NSA]] Director [[Adm. Mike Rogers]] of Obama's illegal surveillance on the [[Trump transition]] team. In early March 2017, President Trump went public with the information and announced that Obama had wiretapped his office in Trump Tower during the campaign. The leftist mainstream media accused him of having no evidence for that claim,<ref>Shear, Michael D.; Schmidt, Michael S (March 4, 2017). [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/04/us/politics/trump-obama-tap-phones.html?_r=0 Trump, Offering No Evidence, Says Obama Tapped His Phones]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.</ref> even though they contradicted themselves through earlier reports and showed themselves to be hypocrites.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (March 5, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/05/deepstategate-obama-trump-surveillance-fisa-investigation-russia/ DeepStateGate: Democrats’ ‘Russian Hacking’ Conspiracy Theory Backfires]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Hayward, John (March 5, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/05/trump-ends-innuendo-game-dealing/ DeepStateGate: Trump Ends the Wiretapping Innuendo Game by Dealing Himself In]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved March 5, 2017.</ref> President Trump requested Congress to investigate this.<ref>Weber, Joseph (March 5, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/05/trump-calls-for-congressional-probe-into-possible-wire-tapping-his-campaign.html Trump calls for congressional probe into possible wiretapping of his campaign]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.</ref>

On March 22, 2017, GOP U.S. Representative [[Devin Nunes]] revealed that some of the Trump Team's conversations had been spied upon.<ref>Derespina, Cody (March 23, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/23/trump-basks-in-nunes-surveillance-news-so-that-means-im-right.html Trump basks in Nunes surveillance news: 'So that means I'm right']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref> On March 29, 2017, [[Evelyn Farkas]], the deputy assistant secretary of defense under Obama, admitted that the Obama Administration attempted to gather as much intelligence as possible on Trump's alleged ties to Russia after the 2016 election and that it tried to hide their intelligence sources from the Trump Administration.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/29/former-obama-official-discloses-rush-to-get-intelligence-on-trump-team.html Former Obama official discloses rush to get intelligence on Trump team]. ''Fox News''. March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2017.</ref><ref>Poor, Jeff (March 29, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/03/29/fmr-obama-official-reveals-pre-inauguration-effort-to-gather-intel-on-incoming-trump-team/ Fmr Obama Official Reveals Pre-Inauguration Effort to Gather Intel on Incoming Trump Team]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 30, 2017.</ref> U.S. intelligence agencies had been investigating people in Trump's presidential campaign throughout the campaign season.<ref>Bertrand, Natasha (January 24, 2017). [http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-advisers-russia-investigation-2017-1 A look at the scope of the intelligence community's investigations into Trump's ties to Russia]. ''Business Insider''. Retrieved April 1, 2017.</ref> According to a [[Fox News]] report, an unnamed but well-known and senior intelligence official not associated with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] directed investigations attempting to unveil private Americans working with Trump's transition team.<ref>McCabe, Neil W. (March 31, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/31/fox-news-senior-obama-intelligence-official-unmasked-trump-associates/ Fox News: Senior Obama Intelligence Official Unmasked Trump Associates]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 1, 2017.</ref>

On March 22, 2017, GOP U.S. Representative [[Devin Nunes]] revealed that some of the Trump Team's conversations had been spied upon.<ref>Derespina, Cody (March 23, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/23/trump-basks-in-nunes-surveillance-news-so-that-means-im-right.html Trump basks in Nunes surveillance news: 'So that means I'm right']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref> On March 29, 2017, [[Evelyn Farkas]], the deputy assistant secretary of defense under Obama, admitted that the Obama Administration attempted to gather as much intelligence as possible on Trump's alleged ties to Russia after the 2016 election and that it tried to hide their intelligence sources from the Trump Administration.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/29/former-obama-official-discloses-rush-to-get-intelligence-on-trump-team.html Former Obama official discloses rush to get intelligence on Trump team]. ''Fox News''. March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2017.</ref><ref>Poor, Jeff (March 29, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/03/29/fmr-obama-official-reveals-pre-inauguration-effort-to-gather-intel-on-incoming-trump-team/ Fmr Obama Official Reveals Pre-Inauguration Effort to Gather Intel on Incoming Trump Team]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 30, 2017.</ref> U.S. intelligence agencies had been investigating people in Trump's presidential campaign throughout the campaign season.<ref>Bertrand, Natasha (January 24, 2017). [http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-advisers-russia-investigation-2017-1 A look at the scope of the intelligence community's investigations into Trump's ties to Russia]. ''Business Insider''. Retrieved April 1, 2017.</ref> According to a [[Fox News]] report, an unnamed but well-known and senior intelligence official not associated with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] directed investigations attempting to unveil private Americans working with Trump's transition team.<ref>McCabe, Neil W. (March 31, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/31/fox-news-senior-obama-intelligence-official-unmasked-trump-associates/ Fox News: Senior Obama Intelligence Official Unmasked Trump Associates]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 1, 2017.</ref>

The [[FISA]] warrant approved to surveil [[Carter Page]] in October 2016, labelling him as an "agent of a foreign power," granted the FBI the authority to apply the same extensive intrusions to anyone Carter Page had electronic (cell phone, text & email) communications with in the Trump transition team and Trump administration. The surveillance authority was in effect at least up to August 2017. Being that Special Counsel Robert Mueller was given unprecedented power by taking over a counterintelligence investigation, it is unknown if Mueller has FISA authority. Under the FISA Act, if an American citizen is labelled an "agent of a foreign power," their rights of [[due process]] and protections of the [[Fourth Amendment]] can be ignored. This appears to have happened to an inordinate number of Trump appointees, White House staffers, and even possibly Congressional Republicans.

The [[FISA]] warrant approved to surveil [[Carter Page]] in October 2016, labelling him as an "agent of a foreign power," granted the FBI the authority to apply the same extensive intrusions to anyone Carter Page had electronic (cell phone, text & email) communications with in the Trump transition team and Trump administration. The surveillance authority was in effect at least up to August 2017. Being that Special Counsel Robert Mueller was given unprecedented power by taking over a counterintelligence investigation, it is unknown if Mueller has FISA authority. Under the FISA Act, if an American citizen is labelled an "agent of a foreign power," their rights of [[due process]] and protections of the [[Fourth Amendment]] can be ignored. This appears to have happened to an inordinate number of Trump appointees, White House staffers, and even possibly Congressional Republicans.

===Public perception===

===Public perception===

According to a June 2017 Harvard-Harris poll, nearly 2/3rds of people believed that "there exists a campaign to delegitimize" President Trump,<ref>Lee, Tony (July 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/27/harvard-poll-two-thirds-believe-campaign-to-delegitimize-trump/ Harvard Poll: Nearly Two-Thirds Believe Campaign Exists to ‘Delegitimize’ Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 1, 2017.</ref> and 54% of people believed that the deep state "is trying to unseat President Trump using leaks of classified information."<ref>Lee, Tony (July 26, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/26/harvard-poll-majority-believe-deep-state-leaking-to-unseat-trump/ Harvard Poll: Majority Believe Deep State Leaking to ‘Unseat’ Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 1, 2017.</ref>

According to a June 2017 Harvard-Harris poll, nearly 2/3rds of people believed that "there exists a campaign to delegitimize" President Trump,<ref>Lee, Tony (July 27, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/27/harvard-poll-two-thirds-believe-campaign-to-delegitimize-trump/ Harvard Poll: Nearly Two-Thirds Believe Campaign Exists to ‘Delegitimize’ Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 1, 2017.</ref> and 54% of people believed that the deep state "is trying to unseat President Trump using leaks of classified information."<ref>Lee, Tony (July 26, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/26/harvard-poll-majority-believe-deep-state-leaking-to-unseat-trump/ Harvard Poll: Majority Believe Deep State Leaking to ‘Unseat’ Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 1, 2017.</ref>

According to a Monmouth University conducted in March 2018, 74% of Americans believe in the existence of a deep state.<ref>Multiple references:

According to a Monmouth University conducted in March 2018, 74% of Americans believe in the existence of a deep state.<ref>Multiple references:

*Shelbourne, Mallory (March 19, 2018). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/379065-majority-in-new-poll-deep-state-manipulating-policy Majority in new poll: 'Deep state' is manipulating policy]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

*Shelbourne, Mallory (March 19, 2018). [https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/379065-majority-in-new-poll-deep-state-manipulating-policy Majority in new poll: 'Deep state' is manipulating policy]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

*Nolte, John (March 19, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2018/03/19/media-fail-60-troubled-deep-states-public-policy-manipulation/ Nolte — Media Fail: 60% Troubled by Deep State’s Public Policy Manipulation]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

*Nolte, John (March 19, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2018/03/19/media-fail-60-troubled-deep-states-public-policy-manipulation/ Nolte — Media Fail: 60% Troubled by Deep State’s Public Policy Manipulation]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

*Harper, Jennifer (March 19, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/mar/19/inside-the-beltway-74-of-americans-say-the-deep-st/ 74% of Americans say the ‘deep state’ exists]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

*Harper, Jennifer (March 19, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/mar/19/inside-the-beltway-74-of-americans-say-the-deep-st/ 74% of Americans say the ‘deep state’ exists]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

*Boyer, Dave (March 20, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/mar/20/majority-us-believes-deep-state-controls-dc-poll/ Majority of Americans believe ‘Deep State’ controls Washington: Poll]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved March 20, 2018.</ref>

*Boyer, Dave (March 20, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/mar/20/majority-us-believes-deep-state-controls-dc-poll/ Majority of Americans believe ‘Deep State’ controls Washington: Poll]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved March 20, 2018.</ref>