To the editor:

Don’t look now! But the “deep state” is upon us. Except it’s not what social media, Trump and conspiracy theorists have tried to claim.

I know that right-wing sources spent a fortune convincing millions of people that a shadow government of Democrat “rich, coastal, liberal elites” were using their wealth to buy elections, manipulate government regulations and force unwanted social equality on this country. Oh, those DemocRat Trump haters are so evil!

But the reality is very different. Historians have documented how, for decades, the influencers are right-wing/libertarian billionaires (who number more than Democrat billionaires, contrary to what Trump voters are told). They’ve been quietly using their wealth and power to insist that we’re a capitalist nation, not a democratic one, and the government should be run as a “business” by the richest people.

In 2010, right-wing billionaires used high-power lawyers to convince the Supreme Court to lift campaign funding restrictions. According to the ruling of Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission, “corporate funding of political broadcasts can not be limited under the First Amendment.” That essentially means, whoever has the most money controls the bullhorn. Trump keeps right on lying that the “liberals” control the media. Not so.

Once the Supreme Court had given the green light, right-wing billionaires began buying up and monopolizing 90% of rural radio, TV and printed publications that exist today. Along with over 100 “non-profit” right-wing organizations like The Heritage Foundation, they spread their message: 1) democratic government is too bureaucratic and wasteful; 2) helping people is “socialism”; 3) all politicians lie; 4) being taxed is unconstitutional; and 5) regulations and laws restrict our rights.

Trump and Republican politicians basically distract voters by raising alarms about a Democrat “Deep State.” But meanwhile, right-wing/libertarian billionaires conspired to pack a favorable Supreme Court, elect a malleable businessman, install their rich (though unqualified) friends in Cabinet positions, institute their Project 2025 agenda and allow Elon Musk, a rogue operative, to have free reign in dismantling our constitutionally-founded government.

The “deep state” is certainly upon us; given that the three richest men in America stood behind Trump at his inauguration, having made it clear that “unlimited personal freedom and unregulated capitalism” is all they care about. Good-bye to a democratic federal government that prioritizes protecting and safeguarding American citizens or standing for justice, equality and the common good. Right-wing/libertarian billionaires are now dangerously in complete control.

Martha Hodges

Massena