kitchen cabinet

Definition

A politician's informal group of trusted advisors who aren't part of the official cabinet or staff, meeting privately to provide unfiltered counsel. It's the real decision-makers minus the official titles and public scrutiny.

Example Usage

While the official cabinet debated publicly, the president's kitchen cabinet of longtime friends met at the residence to discuss the real strategy.

Origin

Coined in the 1830s to describe Andrew Jackson's unofficial advisors, suggesting they met in the White House kitchen

Fun Fact

Jackson's critics used 'kitchen cabinet' as an insult, implying these advisors were low-class, but Jackson wore it as a badge of honor for their loyalty.

Source: Executive branch terminology

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