Deep state
The "Deep state" is a term used to describe a, often alleged, secret network of non-elected government officials, military personnel, intelligence agents, or private entities who operate independently of elected political leadership to pursue their own agendas and maintain power.
It is often described as a "state within a state," where these entrenched actors—who are not accountable to the public—can manipulate, influence, or thwart the decisions of elected leaders.