American Elections are not only participated in by Americans—foreign forces are busy trying to exert their influence in the race behind the scenes.
U.S. intelligence officials warned that adversarial governments are targeting various American elections, including presidential, House, Senate, and even local races this year.
An official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), said on Monday that Russia and China are conducting influence operations to support their favorable candidates or undermine those who oppose their agendas, particularly in congressional races.
Specifics on the number of affected races were not disclosed.
The warning comes amid a close battle for control of the House and Senate, where a few races could determine the outcome.
While foreign interference has drawn attention primarily in the presidential race, this warning highlights that state and local elections are also at risk.
However, Jen Easterly, director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, made assurances last week that foreign adversaries cannot change overall results, as state and local authorities have made significant investments in securing the vote.
Russia, China, and Cuba
Moscow aims to weaken congressional candidates backing aid to Ukraine, though officials did not specify candidate names.
Intelligence officials have said that Russia supports Trump in the presidential race.
However, last month, Putin said while in the Russian Far East port of Vladivostok for an economic forum, that he supported Biden and Harris.
“We had the current president, Mr. Biden, as our favorite, but he was taken out of the race. He recommended all his supporters back Mrs. Harris, so we will too,” Putin said. He also mentioned that Harris has an “expressive and infectious laugh,” which shows “she’s doing well.”
Officials observed Chinese disinformation efforts in “tens” of races, noting that Beijing has targeted candidates from both parties. Their focus has been on those whose positions on key issues, such as support for Taiwan, conflict with the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) interests.
According to the assessment, China remains neutral in the race between Trump and Harris.
Officials noted that smaller nations, like Cuba, are also attempting their own influence operations. A report released Monday indicated that communist Cuba is “almost certainly” backing candidates who support its interests, such as easing economic sanctions.
Intelligence officials also found that Iran opposes Trump’s reelection. Trump’s administration withdrew from President Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear deal, reinstated sanctions, and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
Influence Operations
National security officials have identified cyberattacks on election systems and influence operations that fuel distrust and division as key threats to the 2024 election.
Their tactics include spreading false claims or propaganda to mislead voters about candidates, issues, or races. They also use social media and digital content to suppress voter turnout through intimidation or by sharing false election procedure details, aiming to manipulate public perception and disrupt the electoral process.
Intelligence officials often provide what’s called a defensive briefing when foreign governments target a candidate or organization. According to the ODNI, the number of such briefings this election cycle has tripled compared to the previous one.
Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba have denied accusations of interfering in the U.S. election.
The Associated Press contributed to this report