Entries by siena

Robert S. Mueller III: Servant Leader

With Thanks to Wikipedia March 20, 2026, a true servant leader, Robert S. Mueller III, died. To many people, Mueller was one of his titles: FBI Director, Federal Prosecutor, Special Counsel, but to thousands of us in the FBI, he was our boss. And some of us had the privilege of working closely with him […]

Important Stuff to Know About: Building the Ice Gulag: Part 3, Detentions

This is is the third in the series of four articles that examines the way in which the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department (ICE) under Trump has created a vertically integrated structure that relies on a massive multi-year appropriation from Congress, its newly recruited paramilitary detention force, Roberts Court Shadow Docket decisions, and the ability […]

Important Stuff to Know About: Building the Ice Gulag – Part 2, Apprehensions

This is the second in the series of four articles that examines the way in which ICE has created a vertically integrated structure that relies on a massive multi-year appropriation from Congress, its newly recruited paramilitary detention force, Roberts Court Shadow Docket decisions, and the ability to operate without fear of serious legal consequences to […]

🎬 🎙️ From Iran to Ukraine: Inside America’s National Security Breakdown

In the latest episode of the Sentinel podcast, hosts investigative journalist to discuss the U.S. war with Iran, domestic security, and global policy challenges. Domestically, they discuss the weakened state of our institutions, loss of expertise, and politicization of decision-making. Globally, they highlight strained credibility, particularly regarding Ukraine, and the declining trust in the U.S. […]

Conflicting Signals – Trump’s Semi-Forever War

Anyone who is confused by Donald Trump’s most recent statements on ending the war against Iran can be forgiven. Trying to interpret what he’s saying at any given time has been like tracking one of those air-filled mannequins in front of a used car dealership on a windy day. The following are some examples of […]

Statement on the Passing of Robert S. Mueller III

The Steady State mourns the passing of Robert S. Mueller III, a public servant whose life and career exemplified fidelity to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the highest traditions of federal service. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Robert Mueller’s career spanned some of the most consequential chapters […]

The War with Iran May Already be Lost

If wars were won by bombastic press conferences, the White House should already be planning another military parade in our capital’s streets. In America’s latest war of choice, President Trump’s Secretary of War is emerging as the head cheerleader for our misadventure in Iran. Mr. Hegseth has already mistakenly defined what constitutes victory: the destruction […]

Hormuz 2026, Suez 1956 – Déjà Vu?

The ongoing US and Israeli war against Iran, with the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Trump’s plea for allied help, is beginning to have echoes of the 1956 Suez Crisis. While the war is not over, it suggests that the Trump administration is finding it unable to undertake some operations in the […]

AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE STEADY STATE TO THOSE STILL ON DECK

[PDF AVAILABLE HERE] March 20, 2026 The Steady State is a group of more than 400 former senior U.S. national security officials who believe that our national security institutions must remain apolitical, professional, and dedicated to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. Our members, including former intelligence officers, diplomats, military leaders, prosecutors, and […]