"
Eisenhower warned us."
Along with his mention of guarding against "unwarranted influence," Eisenhower also said the following in the same letter.
“Farewell to the American People”
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Address to the nation
Washington, D.C.
https://www.airforcemag.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Documents/2004/October%202004/1004keeperfull.pdf [Excerpt:]
“Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United States corporations.
This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence-economic, political, even spiritual—is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government.
We recognize the imperative need for this development.”