I never said it’s a conspiracy theory. I said it’s a rhetorical tactic to use vague terminology to manipulate people.
“The deep state” cuts both ways. When corrupt politicians try to get the government to facilitate their bullshit, it’s the “deep state” that is there to put a stop to them.
But if those corrupt politicians can use their “deep state” moniker to demonize them, or god forbid eliminate the bureaucratic state and go back to the political spoils system, we’ve lost a serious and needed protection against tyranny.