Protecting Our Democracy. Preserving the Rule of Law. Securing Our Future.
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The 450+ members of the Steady State are former national security and intelligence officials who remain committed to their oaths to “defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
They promote democracy, rule of law, the Constitution and the institutions that support these pillars.
We assess that the deterioration of US democratic governance has accelerated since our last assessment in June. The defining change of the summer is one of kind, not degree: the administration has moved from retribution against individuals and institutions to intervention in the machinery of the November 3 midterm elections. The period from election day to the seating of the new Congress on January 3, 2027, is probably the window of greatest risk to constitutional order prior to the 2028 election.
This assessment, Accelerating Authoritarian Dynamics: Assessment of Democratic Decline, authored by members of The Steady State, all of whom are former U.S. Intelligence Community officers with analytic responsibilities,applies the analytic tradecraft of the U.S. Intelligence Community to conditions inside the United States. It concludes—with moderate to high confidence—that the cumulative effect of multiple reinforcing dynamics is placing the nation on a trajectory toward competitive authoritarianism: a system in which elections, courts, and other democratic institutions persist in form but are systematically manipulated to entrench executive control.
The Steady State is an organization of more than 450 former national security, intelligence, diplomatic, military, law enforcement, and homeland security officials. We ask the Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General to review whether federal award funds administered by the National Park Foundation (NPF) and its subsidiary, Freedom 250 LLC, have been used, or are to be used, for advertising services provided by Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). We also ask whether that arrangement complied with the conflict-of-interest and procurement requirements that apply to recipients and subrecipients of federal awards. We also ask the Attorney General to review whether these facts warrant inquiry under any applicable federal criminal statute, and to coordinate with the Inspector General as appropriate.
On 3 November 2026, the U.S. population slapped President Donald J. Trump, a slap that was heard around the world. It was not simply a rebuke. It was a full-on repudiation of Trump, his political allies, his followers and the money donated by his Number One Fanboy, the richest man in America, Elon Musk.
We assess that the deterioration of US democratic governance has accelerated since our last assessment in June. The defining change of the summer is one of kind, not degree: the administration has moved from retribution against individuals and institutions to intervention in the machinery of the November 3 midterm elections. The period from election day to the seating of the new Congress on January 3, 2027, is probably the window of greatest risk to constitutional order prior to the 2028 election.
The Steady State, an organization of more than 450 former national security officials, today asked the Attorney General and the Interior Department’s Office of Inspector General to examine an advertising deal between Freedom 250, the group running America’s 250th-anniversary events, and Trump Media & Technology Group, the company that owns Truth Social.
Brian Bengs is running as an Independent for the U.S. Senate in South Dakota after a career spanning military service, law, national security, and education. Bengs served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, he served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, military prosecutor, and legal adviser, including assignments as Staff Judge Advocate and Operational Law Instructor at the NATO School in Germany and Assistant Professor of Law at the U.S. Air Force Academy. After retiring from military service, he taught at Northern State University and worked as a National Park Service ranger. His background combines military legal expertise, international operational law, federal ethics, constitutional accountability, and national-security experience.
Twenty-five-year CIA veteran Margaret Henoch weighs in on the fallout from the arrest of Germany's former intelligence chief August Hanning on treason charges, examining how compromised classified memos impact Western intelligence sharing and allied trust.
Veteran diplomat and former ambassador Eric Rubin weighs in on the resignation of Kimberly Guilfoyle amid misconduct allegations, warning of international backlash and the consequences of career ambassador appointments dropping to historic lows.
Featuring Eric Balliet | Nov 6, 2026 | The Human Intelligence Ledger
Former ICE special agent Eric Balliet joins The Human Intelligence Ledger to discuss federal investigative operations, intelligence tradecraft, and national security.
Julia Curlee analyzes the evolving institutional norms, legislative accountability mechanisms, and oversight challenges facing intelligence committees in the new Congress.
Julia Curlee joins Lawfare Daily to unpack executive authority, covert influence operations, and U.S. policy responses to Russian intelligence activities.
Former U.S. diplomat Carmela Conroy reflects on democratic norms and extends congratulations following the race in Washington's 5th Congressional District.
Coverage of the midterm election results in Washington's 5th Congressional District following a closely watched race featuring former diplomat Carmela Conroy.
Featuring John Dinkelman | Nov 5, 2026 | Federal News Network
Former senior Foreign Service officer John Dinkelman weighs in on federal talent recruitment, critical skill gaps, and civil service workforce readiness.
Featuring Richard Danzig | Nov 6, 2026 | Arms Control Association
Former Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig outlines strategic guardrails and risk-reduction frameworks for artificial intelligence in nuclear command and control.
Featuring Andrew Hyde | Nov 11, 2026 | Alaska World Affairs Council
Veteran diplomat Andrew Hyde explores international reactions to the U.S. midterm elections and what shifting domestic politics mean for global alliances.
Former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath critiques command accountability and constitutional obligations in response to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's remarks.
Featuring Katrina Mulligan | Nov 6, 2026 | WashingtonExec
WashingtonExec highlights national security and technology policy leader Katrina Mulligan for her ongoing contributions across the defense and government sector.
Featuring Brian Naranjo | Nov 12, 2026 | El Pitazo
Former U.S. diplomat Brian Naranjo analyzes U.S.-Venezuela relations, democratic transition dynamics, and Washington's approach to María Corina Machado.
Featuring Marc Polymeropoulos | Nov 12, 2026 | Engelsberg Ideas
Former senior CIA operations officer Marc Polymeropoulos traces the history and enduring tradecraft of honey-trap espionage operations in intelligence history.
Featuring John Sipher | Nov 10, 2026 | The New Zealand Times
Former CIA clandestine service officer John Sipher analyzes corporate espionage risks, counterintelligence tactics, and technology-sector security threats.
In the United States, opposition to Donald Trump sometimes struggles to be heard. Yet quietly, former administration officials are organizing to denounce what they consider a threat to American institutions.
