"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 delivered a cautionary message about the relationship between the military, industry, and government, warning that their close collaboration could lead to the accumulation of power outside the appropriate bounds of a democratic society. He held deep respect for the military, yet understood that its increasing entanglement with private defense contractors, what he named the "military-industrial complex", posed significant risks. As war and national security became central features of policy, vast industries and a cadre of officials depended on perpetual preparedness and military funding. The interwoven interests of these entities could exert excessive sway on public policy and priorities, especially when economic and political incentives aligned.

Eisenhower’s reference to "unwarranted influence" reflects anxiety about decision-making processes slipping from public scrutiny and democratic debate into the hands of people or organizations not directly accountable to citizens. Whether such influence is overtly pursued or simply a byproduct of systemic inertia, its accumulation weakens the principles of self-governance. The warning did not suggest conspiracy but highlighted the ways power can amass and become entrenched, sometimes subtly, sometimes by design.

He noted that the potential for this "disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist", acknowledging that democracy continually faces the challenge of restraining concentrations of authority. If unchecked, this structure could steer the nation’s priorities toward militarization, diverting resources from other public needs and distorting both foreign and domestic agendas. Eisenhower called on leaders and citizens alike to remain vigilant, continually reevaluating where power lies and ensuring it serves the common good rather than vested interests. His words endure as a reminder that democratic systems require not just institutional checks and balances, but also the active, informed participation of the governed to prevent abuses of power, especially when vast economic and security interests are at stake.