The Steady State is an organization of more than 430 former national security, intelligence, diplomatic, military, law enforcement, and homeland security officials who served across administrations of both parties.

The Steady State is an organization of more than 430 former national security, intelligence, diplomatic, military, law enforcement, and homeland security officials who served across administrations of both parties.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2026

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) closed a Hatch Act complaint against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just one day after receiving it, and a subsequent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request has produced no records showing how OSC reached that decision. The complaint was filed by The Steady State, a nonpartisan organization of more than 430 former national security officials, which today filed an administrative appeal challenging OSC’s response to its records request.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) closed a Hatch Act complaint against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just one day after receiving it, and a subsequent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request has produced no records showing how OSC reached that decision. The complaint was filed by The Steady State, a nonpartisan organization of more than 430 former national security officials, which today filed an administrative appeal challenging OSC’s response to its records request.

The Steady State, an organization of more than 430 former national security officials, today transmitted a formal criminal referral to the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General to investigate changes made to the Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), the Department’s official public accounting of United States military casualties, and to preserve all related records. The referral was also sent to the Archivist of the United States.

The Steady State, an organization of more than 420 former national security, intelligence, diplomatic, military, law enforcement, and homeland security officials on August 21 transmitted a formal criminal referral to the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Securities and Exchange Commission requesting immediate investigation and preservation of evidence concerning Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.’s sale of preferential access to potentially market-moving posts from Truth Social’s most influential accounts, foremost among them President Trump’s.

The Steady State, an organization of more than 420 former national security, intelligence, diplomatic, military, law enforcement, and homeland security officials, filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in the case of former CIA Director John O. Brennan, who is challenging a politically retaliatory Department of Justice investigation.

The Steady State, an organization of more than 420 former national security, intelligence, diplomatic, military, law enforcement, and homeland security officials–whose careers traditionally required political neutrality–will be announcing endorsements in the upcoming November midterm elections.

Opposition to the Nomination of Todd Blanche to Serve as Attorney General of the United States.

The Steady State, an organization of more than 415 former national security, intelligence, diplomatic, military, law enforcement, and homeland security officials, today filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for failing to release records about the agency’s monitoring of citizens engaged in constitutionally protected protest and political speech.

The Steady State, an organization of more than 400 former national security, intelligence, diplomatic, military, law enforcement, and homeland security officials, opposes President Trump’s selection of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence.

A new national poll on the health of democracy released today reveals a participation enigma. While a plurality of the population describes U.S. democracy as strong, there is a significant undercurrent of fear. Most Americans self-censor, hesitating to express political views due to fear of professional or social consequences.

The Steady State today filed a formal public comment strongly opposing the U.S. Department of Justice’s proposed rule, “Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against Department of Justice Attorneys,” warning that the rule would undermine the rule of law, violate federal statute, and erode a core system of independent oversight. The filing can be found here.

The Steady State, an organization of more than 400 former senior national security officials, is excited to announce its participation in the March 28 nationwide “No Kings” movement and call upon Americans in every state to join a local event. Steady State’s participation brings together experts in fighting authoritarianism and a nationwide grassroots coalition to protect American democracy against executive overreach.

The Steady State mourns the passing of Robert S. Mueller III, a public servant whose life and career exemplified fidelity to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the highest traditions of federal service. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

The reported U.S. attack on Iran marks one of the most consequential national security decisions in recent years. It demands sober scrutiny — not reflexive celebration, not partisan instinct, but constitutional seriousness.

At the outset, we state clearly our respect for and support of the men and women who serve this nation in uniform, in our intelligence services, and in our diplomatic corps. They execute lawful orders, often at personal risk, and with professionalism that reflects the highest traditions of public service. Our concerns are not directed at those who serve, but at the process and judgment that place them in harm’s way. Their courage and commitment deserve clarity of mission, constitutional legitimacy, and strategic discipline.

The Steady State, an organization of more than 380 former senior U.S. national-security, intelligence, diplomatic, defense, and law-enforcement officials, today sent a formal demand letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concerning public statements by a senior DHS official threatening “consequences” for individuals engaging in constitutionally protected speech.

The Steady State unequivocally condemns the fatal shooting earlier today in Minneapolis by ICE paramilitary officers, in which a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident was shot and killed at the intersection of 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue. This incident constitutes another lethal use of force by heavily armed federal agents in the city, following the January 7 killing of 37-year-old Renée Nicole Good by an ICE paramilitary.