Written by Nathaniel Harper.

As President Trump prepares to begin his second term, revelations of a potential plot to undermine his administration have surfaced from an unlikely source: the Pentagon. Investigative journalist James O’Keefe released undercover footage showing Jamie Mannina, a Pentagon advisor specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), discussing efforts to sabotage Trump’s presidency.

The footage includes Mannina openly criticizing Trump, revealing covert discussions with retired generals, and admitting to ghostwriting over 100 opinion pieces to sway public perception. What’s more alarming is his description of meetings with top Department of Defense (DoD) officials, where sensitive topics like AI governance were discussed in secure environments.

The video highlights the simmering tensions within America’s power structures. It suggests that some members of the so-called “Deep State” may be actively working to undermine Trump’s policies—even before he steps back into the Oval Office.

Behind the Scenes: Mannina’s Disturbing Confessions

Jamie Mannina, a Pentagon insider with a long history in Washington, didn’t hold back during his conversations with O’Keefe’s undercover journalist. A self-described “spy hunter,” Mannina outlined his disdain for Trump, calling him a “sociopathic narcissist.” He also criticized incoming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging personal misconduct.

But it wasn’t just trash talk. Mannina claimed to have worked with retired generals and ambassadors through an organization called National Security Leaders for America. This group reportedly sought to educate Americans about the “national security consequences” of another Trump presidency. Mannina admitted he ghostwrote op-eds under various names to influence public opinion.

When asked if there was anything more he could do to protect the country from Trump, Mannina hinted at ongoing discussions with military leaders. He claimed to have spoken with retired one-, two-, and three-star generals about strategies to counter Trump’s actions in office.

This is where the line between policy critique and subversion begins to blur. While dissent and debate are part of any healthy democracy, Mannina’s admissions raise questions about the ethics and legality of using official platforms and covert influence campaigns to target a sitting—or incoming—president.

The “Tank” Meeting: What Was Discussed?

One of the more revealing parts of Mannina’s confession involved his attendance at a high-level meeting in the Pentagon’s “Tank,” a secure room where the nation’s top military leaders discuss classified matters.

Mannina described the meeting as the culmination of three years of preparation, with representatives from every major combatant command in attendance. This included leaders from European Command, Pacific Command, Space Command, and others.

During the meeting, Mannina focused on the need for greater collaboration on AI development and reducing bureaucratic obstacles. He also emphasized the importance of working with international partners—an idea aligned with broader globalist goals.

While Mannina painted the meeting as a serious discussion about technology and security, his loose comments to the undercover journalist call into question his judgment. Sharing details of such a sensitive meeting, even jokingly, is a glaring lapse in professional responsibility.

Deep State Allegations Gain Traction

The idea of a “Deep State” working behind the scenes to influence or undermine elected officials has long been dismissed by some as conspiracy theory. However, Mannina’s revelations lend weight to claims that unelected bureaucrats and military officials may be wielding outsized power.

By his own admission, Mannina worked with a network of retired generals and ambassadors to sway public opinion against Trump. He also suggested that Trump might refuse to leave office after his term, claiming the former president fears potential legal consequences.

This level of distrust and active resistance within government institutions underscores a broader problem. When officials, whether active or retired, prioritize personal or political agendas over their sworn duty, it undermines public confidence in the very institutions meant to serve the nation.

Our Take

The revelations from Mannina’s confessions are deeply troubling. They highlight the ongoing struggle between elected leadership and unelected officials who believe they know better. This kind of behind-the-scenes plotting erodes the foundational principles of democracy.

If Mannina’s claims are true, then some government officials have been actively working to undermine the will of the people. That’s not just unethical—it’s dangerous. When bureaucrats and military leaders blur the line between dissent and sabotage, they risk destabilizing the very institutions they’re supposed to protect.

For conservatives, this confirms long-held suspicions about the Deep State. Trump’s presidency has been a lightning rod for resistance from entrenched bureaucrats and political elites. These revelations make it clear that the battle isn’t just about policies—it’s about who controls the direction of the country.

The American people deserve transparency, accountability, and institutions that put national interests above personal vendettas. Anything less is a betrayal of trust.