Tulsi Gabbard Criticizes Slow Progress in Combating Deep State Resistance
Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, has voiced frustration over the sluggish progress in dismantling entrenched “deep state” elements within the federal government, as bureaucratic interests continue to obstruct President Donald Trump’s agenda. Her remarks came in the wake of the Trump administration’s controversial decision to withhold the ‘Epstein list’, a set of documents allegedly naming high-profile associates of the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Critics argue that the move underscores the deep state’s enduring influence, with Gabbard emphasizing that these elements exist within every agency of the federal government and the national security state.
Gabbard’s frustrations were shared at a student conference hosted by the conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA in Tampa, Florida, where she acknowledged the widespread discontent among the public over the slow pace of change. “I feel the same frustration that I see many of you expressing [online],” she said. “Why aren’t things going faster? Why aren’t we getting results more quickly? The deep state is fighting us every step of the way.” Her comments align with recent calls from former Trump campaign strategist Steve Bannon, who urged patience for a potential full release of documents related to the Epstein case. Bannon, who believes that intelligence institutions and foreign governments may have ties to Epstein, suggested that a special counsel could eventually reveal the truth. However, Trump himself has dismissed the idea of a cover-up, supporting Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of the matter.
The Epstein case has become a focal point in the broader debate about the extent of the ‘deep state’—a term often used to describe a shadowy network of bureaucrats, intelligence officers, and media elites said to exert undue influence over the government. The administration’s refusal to release the ‘Epstein list’ has drawn sharp criticism from Trump allies, including Bannon, who argue that it exemplifies the deep state’s resistance to transparency. Meanwhile, the White House has consistently denied any involvement in cover-ups, with Trump asserting that the matter has been thoroughly examined by his legal team and the Justice Department.
The controversy has also sparked broader discussions about the balance between national security and whistleblowing, as well as the role of the media in shaping public perception of these issues. While some view the deep state as a necessary check on power, others argue that it represents an overreach that threatens democratic accountability. Gabbard’s remarks, therefore, serve as a reflection of the ongoing political tensions within the United States, where the fight against perceived corruption and mismanagement remains a contentious issue.