I think the biggest ‘wealth’ for the deep state is bribes from middle eastern countries and cushy jobs in the defense industry once they retire.
Same with our years of ‘bad trade deals’ that never benefited the United States. The people making those trades - the ‘elite’ of DC were selling out the country for benefits for themselves, their wives, kids, and probably friends and hookers.
Our people weren’t incompetent - they were on the take.
No argument from me!
Though I have met some of them, they are incompetent as well as on the take!