What is the “deep state”?
And where does it come from?
By R.J.E.
THE Trump era is reshaping not just American politics but also its lexicon. Terms such as “fake news”, “alt-right” and “post-truth” have entered mainstream use, and kicked up debates about what they actually mean in the process. “Deep state” is the latest to gain attention, as leaks from inside the administration frustrate Donald Trump’s supporters. Right-wing websites such as Breitbart News warn of a “deep state” that wants to “terminate” Mr Trump. Some extreme sites talk of a “war” between the deep state and the president. “If it comes to it, prefer the deep state to the Trump state,” Bill Kristol, a conservative critic of Mr Trump, recently tweeted. But what does the term actually refer to?
Discover more
What is Kamala Harris’s record as a prosecutor?
Republicans say she was soft on crime. Progressives say she was too harsh
Can Donald Trump use songs against a musician’s will?
Many stars have complained, and some have filed lawsuits
What is the Fed’s preferred inflation measure?
The PCE gauge is broader and more dynamic than its better-known relative, the CPI
Will Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris matter?
Celebrity endorsements are unlikely to change voters’ minds. But they may boost turnout
Donald Trump says immigrants are eating Springfield’s pets. What?
He repeated the bizarre—and false—claim in his presidential debate against Kamala Harris
Who will lead Britain’s Conservative Party?
Here are the four candidates vying for the daunting job