Foreign adversaries, including Russia, China, and Iran, are expected to continue their efforts to undermine Americans’ confidence in the legitimacy of the upcoming election results in November. Intelligence officials stated that these countries are likely to spread false claims and disinformation about ballot counting, both during and after the election, in an attempt to sow doubt about the integrity of the electoral process.
These efforts are not limited to the presidential race but also include meddling in congressional and state races. Russia is focused on undermining Vice President Kamala Harris and her fellow Democrats, as well as seeking to undercut Western support for Ukraine. China is denigrating specific candidates in “tens” of races using social media and online activities. Iran is aiming to disparage former President Donald Trump’s candidacy.
Additionally, Cuba has been identified as seeking to influence or undermine congressional, state, or local candidates. Foreign adversaries are becoming more adept at using Americans to spread their false narratives, either through foreign influence firms or by using unwitting Americans to launder propaganda through authentic U.S. voices.
Despite these reports, officials in Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba have denied any attempts to interfere in the U.S. election through covert information operations. However, intelligence agencies have indicted three Iranians for hacking Trump’s campaign and attempting to offer the stolen information to the Biden campaign. Overall, the intelligence community remains vigilant in monitoring and addressing foreign efforts to manipulate and influence the American electoral process.
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