US warns Russia’s election meddling more sophisticated, widespread

The official added that Russia has other active assets and that Washington is pursuing a broad counter-effort. 

“Russia is looking to amplify divisive rhetoric and influence election outcomes, which is consistent with Moscow’s broader foreign policy goals of weakening the United States and undermining Washington’s support for Ukraine,” the ODNI said in updated report on election security released Friday. 

US authorities have stepped up their vigilance of election security after signs that foreign adversaries, including Russia, Iran and China, sought to meddle in the 2016 and 2020 elections. The government’s steps have included closely coordinating among agencies, calling out efforts by state-backed groups and charging individuals.

President Vladimir Putin’s government has sought to use influencers in the US because it believes that’s a more effective way to deceive and influence Americans, the intelligence official said.

In July, the agencies warned Russia and Iran would seek to influence the 2024 US presidential election. US intelligence agencies in August blamed Iran for a recent hack of Trump’s presidential campaign.

The agencies have also said they are monitoring the possibility that actors linked to Beijing could seek to influence down-ballot races that threaten its interests.

Among the three adversaries, Russia is still seen as the US top concern, the ODNI official said, pointing to its technical ability and the significant scope and scale of its activities. 

First Published: Sep 07 2024 | 7:55 AM IST