When government power is weaponized, what happens to those who tell the truth?

Deep State Gangsters is a feature-length documentary examining the alleged abuse and weaponization of government power within America's national-security establishment.

Through firsthand testimony from former CIA and FBI insiders, whistleblowers, and expert commentators, the film explores what can happen when individuals challenge powerful institutions—and the personal consequences faced by those who refuse to remain silent.

Directed by Frank X. Panico from Xs in the Sky Films, LLC and featuring John Kiriakou, Pedro Israel Orta, Garret O'Boyle, Nate Cain, J. Michael Waller, and Lee Smith.

WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER:

WATCH THE FILM

Now available on Amazon Prime Video Direct in the United States and United Kingdom, and SalemNow Video-on Demand

“Weaponized government is a threat to all Americans. Deep State Gangsters tells you exactly why.”
— Mike Davis, Founder & President, Article III Project

"I highly recommend watching this documentary, as it offers a deep and sobering understanding of the stakes involved in the ongoing battle for truth and justice."—Law Enforcement Today, the “Site” of The 1776 Project, LLC.

“If you ever wondered if our own government is corrupted and, if so, how bad is it? Just watch this documentary.”
— Kevin Sorbo

“A fantastic documentary.”
— Steve Cortes

THE CAST OF CHARACTERS:

Man in glasses and sweater speaking indoors, with text overlay about his background.

JOHN C. KIRIAKOU

Former CIA counterterrorism officer and whistleblower who publicly confirmed the CIA's use of waterboarding. He later served 23 months in federal prison following an Espionage Act prosecution.

BOOKS BY JOHN
Man in suit with bookshelf, featuring 'The Broken Whistle' book, office setting.

PEDRO ISRAEL ORTA

Former CIA intelligence and operations officer and Intelligence Community Inspector whose 18-year intelligence career included war-zone service, counterintelligence, technical targeting, and oversight. He was subjected to years of retaliation after making protected whistleblower disclosures.

PEDRO'S BOOK
A person with a beard and long hair wearing a blue suit and yellow checkered tie, sitting in a room with a window in the background. Text on the image reads: Garret O'Boyle, FBI Whistleblower, Founder – “The Suspendables.”

GARRET O’BOYLE

Former FBI Special Agent, Army combat veteran, and congressional whistleblower who testified about alleged misconduct within the FBI and fought a lengthy suspension before returning to federal service.

GARRET’S WEBSITE
A man in a plaid shirt standing indoors near a window with a plant, with text overlay introducing his name and background.

NATE CAIN

Dennis “Nate” Cain is a former FBI contractor, cybersecurity professional, and whistleblower who provided materials concerning the Clinton Foundation and Uranium One to the Department of Justice Inspector General. In 2018, the FBI raided his home and seized materials he said had been provided through protected whistleblower channels. His experience provides a firsthand perspective on whistleblowing, government power, and retaliation.

NATE'S WEBSITE
Man in a blazer speaking outdoors with trees in the background; text overlaying the image shows the name J. Michael Waller and his affiliation with the Center for Security Policy, author of "Big Intel."

J MICHAEL WALLER

J. Michael Waller is a national-security scholar and specialist in political warfare, propaganda, psychological warfare, and subversion. He is Senior Analyst for Strategy at the Center for Security Policy and author of Big Intel: How the CIA and FBI Went from Cold War Heroes to Deep State Villains. In Deep State Gangsters, Waller provides historical and strategic context for the whistleblowers’ experiences.

MICHAEL’S BOOK

LEE SMITH

Man with gray beard sitting on a white sofa, wearing a white shirt and dark striped tie. Text overlay reads: Lee Smith, Journalist / Author, The Plot Against the President.

Lee Smith is a veteran journalist and author whose work has appeared in Tablet, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and numerous other publications. He is the author of The Permanent Coup and The Strong Horse. In Deep State Gangsters, Smith provides commentary on government power, political institutions, the media, and the broader significance of the whistleblowers’ accounts.

LEE’S BOOK

Film Festivals Honors:

  • Cannes World Film Festival - Award Winner February 2025

  • Seven Continents Award - Los Angeles Film Festival - Award Winner June 2025

  • Venice Under the Stars International Film Festival - Award Winner June 2025

  • Spotlight Documentary Awards - Award Winner January 2025

  • Around International Film Festival // Berlin - Finalist October 2024

  • Near Nazareth Festival - Finalist December 2024

  • New York Film & Cinematography - Honorable Mention February 2025

  • Around International Film Festival // Barcelona - Semi-Finalist March 2025

  • Around International Film Festival // Paris - Semi-Finalist June 2025

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WATCHDOGS BECOME THE TARGETS?

MEDIA & PRESS

Journalists, reviewers, podcasters, and event organizers can access the official Deep State Gangsters Press Kit here.

  • "The deep state destroys anyone who doesn't spout their propaganda, and this documentary is a great look into this terrifying reality. There's no better way to describe this than a must-see."

    The Article III Project

  • “Weaponized government is a threat to all Americans. Deep State Gangsters tells you exactly why.”

    Mike Davis, Founder and President of the Article III Project.

  • "I highly recommend watching this documentary, as it offers a deep and sobering understanding of the stakes involved in the ongoing battle for truth and justice."

    Law Enforcement Today, the “Site” of The 1776 Project, LLC.

  • “If you ever wondered if our own government is corrupted and, if so, how bad is it? Just watch this documentary.”

    Kevin Sorbo, Actor, Director, Producer, Author.

  • “A fantastic documentary.”

    Steve Cortes, Founder League of American Workers.