Attitudes About the Weaponization of Government
November 17, 2023
Key Takeaways
- Americans, regardless of political affiliation, exhibit skepticism and distrust towards the government.
- Many Americans believe in the existence of a "deep state" that collaborates with the media and elites to control narratives and manipulate public opinion.
- Concerns are raised about the perceived misuse of state power, with discussions centering around Trump and allegations of a biased government
- There is skepticism towards agencies like the FBI and IRS being used against ordinary citizens.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
2,500
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
30 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
A recent MIG report has found that many Americans have a general feeling of skepticism and lack of trust towards the government. This attitude is held among both Democrats and Republicans.
- Many feel there is a deep state or establishment elite who operate by different rules than average citizens.
- There’s a belief that the government, media, and certain elites are working together to control narratives and manipulate public opinion.
- People accuse these entities of using their power to silence opposition and protect their own interests.
Daily Sentiment for the Top Discussion Topics
Trump and Discussion About a Weaponized Government
Trump remains a highly polarizing figure for both sides, often gaining mention in discussions about abuses of state power. This is true of both parties, whether they perceive Trump as misusing the state himself or having it used against him.
- There is a perception that politicians on both sides of the aisle are not genuinely looking out for the interests of the public, but rather their own political agendas.
- Vocal criticisms of Republicans who didn’t support Trump and Democrats who are seen as being overly focused on criticizing Trump.
- There's a belief that the "deep state" or establishment is actively working to keep Trump out of power and that there's a double standard in how allegations against him and his team have been handled compared to others, including the Biden family.
- There are calls for a thorough cleaning of the government to rid it of "deep state actors," with some suggesting that Trump should be the one to do this.
Skepticism Toward Government Agencies
Some people believe that government agencies, in particular the FBI and IRS, are being used as weapons against ordinary citizens.
- Americans have concerns about tax enforcement and the handling of events such as the January 6th Capitol riots.
- Some express frustration with the perceived lack of action from the GOP, accusing them of not doing enough to protect the 2020 election, build the wall, or defund organizations like the FBI and IRS.
- There's a strong sentiment among the public about the lack of transparency and accountability in the government and judicial system.
Special Treatment for Elite Figures
People feel that those in power or with influence can get away with actions that would have severe consequences for average citizens.
- There is a concern that high-profile figures, like Paul Manifort and Arnold Schwarzenegger, are treated differently by the justice system and media due to their status or political alignment.
- Some discuss the 2024 election as a critical point for addressing these government-bias issues, with Trump seen as a potential solution to "clean up the Swamp."
- Some suggest that the government is corrupt and that certain figures, like the Vindman brothers, are complicit in this corruption and are trying to outmaneuver the will of the people.
The Public’s View of the Media
There's mistrust towards the media, with some accusing it of being a mouthpiece for the "deep state" and focusing on trivial matters to distract from larger issues.
- The COVID-19 pandemic is perceived to have exposed corruption in the government and media, as well as the extent of propaganda used to manipulate public emotions.
- Accusations of hypocrisy among government and media figures.
What Americans are Saying
Overall, Americans feel they do not know what’s happening in the government dues to lack of transparency and lack of education.
- Several comments suggested that people want to understand the workings of the government and justice system better.
- Many people expressed a desire for change in the system. There are calls to ensure everyone, regardless of their status or influence, is treated equally by the justice system.
- There’s a perception that each side feel more skepticism, depending on which party is in power. However, the data does not clearly indicate which party is more skeptical overall.
- Many people feel disillusioned and cynical about government institutions.
- There's a desire for more public involvement in government decision-making, including public meetings and debates, as well as mechanisms for public feedback and input.
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