the deep state over at the FDA

[GoodTaste]

The use of "over at" is unusual to me. Trump might have used a slang here. I guess it means "riding on (the FDA)". I am not sure.

What does "over at" mean?

==================
There can be no doubt that Trump’s attacks aim to influence decision-making at the agency. Last month, he alleged, without evidence, that “the deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA” is stalling interventions for COVID-19. His chief of staff has publicly stated that the president wants the agency to “feel the heat”.

Source: Nature Sep.9, 2020
How the FDA should protect its integrity from politics

 

[Tarheel]

The use of "over at" is unusual to me. Trump might have used a slang term here. I guess it means "riding on (the FDA)". I am not sure.

What does "over at" mean?

==================
There can be no doubt that Trump’s attacks aim to influence decision-making at the agency. Last month, he alleged, without evidence, that “the deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA” is stalling interventions for COVID-19. His chief of staff has publicly stated that the president wants the agency to “feel the heat”.

Source: Nature Sep.9, 2020
How the FDA should protect its integrity from politics

It's common usage. Over at - at that place

 

[GoodTaste]

It's common usage. Over at - at that place

Is it very informal?

 

[GoesStation]

Is it very informal?

I'd say it's somewhat informal. Remember that the President's English is often barely coherent or worse. It's not a model for learners.

 

[GoodTaste]

I'd say it's somewhat informal. Remember that the President's English is often barely coherent or worse. It's not a model for learners.

Can you use a synomy to replace "over at"? Or can you offer some examples in which "over at" is used?

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Can you use a synomyn to replace "over at"? Or can you offer some examples in which "over at" is used?

You can replace it with at.

In this context, at and over at mean almost the same thing, but over often (not always!) tells us that it's nearby.

Examples:

Me: Where were you at lunchtime?
You: Over at my sister's apartment.

Me: Can you get me some airplane glue?
You: Sure. I'll get it when I'm over at the mall.

Me: I lost my hat in the park.
You: Oh! Let's go over there and look for it.

Me: Turn on the lights! I can't see you!
You: I'm over here.

Examples that are not nearby often involve travel:

Me: Have you ever been to California?
You: Yes, I was over there last spring.

Me: Has your brother been home from France lately?
You: No, but he'll be over here next year.