Stephen Colbert on Deep State: Denies

The claim: A hidden network of unelected officials secretly controls US government policy.

2017-03-21: “in fact, it’s a permanent national security apparatus that is pulling the strings behind the scenes.” source
2017-03-21: “Even if there’s a vast government conspiracy out to get you, they’re never going to bug two phones.” source
2025-04-03: “One bit of good news coming out all this [is] it’s all pretty solid proof that there is no ‘deep state,’ because if there was, they would have stopped this.” source
2025-04-03: “Now, one bit of good news coming out of all this,” source
2025-04-03: “Because if there was, they would’ve stopped this shit,” Colbert said. “But if they do exist, I just want to say to the cabal of financial and governmental elites who pull all the strings behind the scenes: Maybe put a pause on your 5G chip JFK Jr. adrenochrome chemtrail orgy and jump in here cuz we’re fucking dying.” source