“In the councils of government we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence whether sought or unsought by the military-industrial complex”

Simplified Meaning:

We need to be careful about the power that businesses that make weapons and the military might try to get over our government. Sometimes, these groups might try to use their influence to push the government to make decisions that benefit them, rather than what's best for everyone. It's like if a company that makes toys convinced the town's leaders to buy a lot of toys with the town's money, even if that money was needed for schools or hospitals instead. To prevent this, it's important for government leaders to keep an eye on these groups and make sure their actions are in the public’s best interest. If citizens stay informed and ask questions, we can help make sure that decisions are made for the good of all people, not just a powerful few. For instance, in history, there were times when governments spent huge amounts on weapons because defense contractors pushed for it, rather than on things like healthcare or education that the people needed. By being aware and asking our leaders to be transparent, we can make sure the government's choices reflect what is truly needed.