"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist." — Dwight D. Eisenhower, Farewell Address, January 17, 1961
Eisenhower's warning was particularly notable because the speaker was:
- Acheck_circle
A former five-star general and outgoing Republican president with personal experience commanding the U.S. military
- B
A lifelong pacifist who had opposed every American war since World War I
- C
A junior senator with no military background
- D
A former Secretary of Defense fired by the president he succeeded
Explanation
Eisenhower's credibility as Supreme Allied Commander in WWII and a two-term president gave the warning unusual weight; he had observed firsthand how postwar defense spending and contractor influence reshaped Washington.