Russia is attempting to influence the outcome of the 2024 US presidential elections, said an anonymous American intelligence representative on Tuesday. He noted that the Kremlin is targeting specific demographic groups of voters, spreading divisive ideas, and tarnishing individual politicians, reports The Record
According to the official, Russia prefers to support former President Donald Trump in the upcoming elections. He also noted that Moscow's strategy in this regard has not changed from previous presidential races, considering US relations with Ukraine and a broader policy towards Russia.
Intelligence officials concluded that in the previous 2016 and 2020 elections, the Kremlin also sought to influence the outcomes in favor of Trump. Representatives of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) have discussed with pre-election campaigns and candidates to prevent such influence.
According to the ODNI representative, Moscow uses various methods to enhance its influence, including the use of commercial firms to conceal its role. They also plan to use social media to amplify their messages in swing states to reduce American support for Ukraine.
One case involved attempts by a Russian influential organization to reach the American audience through encrypted channels, although details were not disclosed. An assessment conducted on the same day noted that the US government is taking measures to secure the elections.
National Intelligence Director Avril Haines also stated that Iranian actors are trying to interfere in American protests in support of Gaza, posing as activists and providing financial support. She urged Americans to be vigilant online and avoid interacting with unknown individuals and accounts.
In conclusion, the ODNI representative emphasized that Russia's approach to US elections has become more sophisticated since previous cycles, focusing on voters in swing states. He noted that despite their efforts, the success of campaigns to influence abroad is not always guaranteed, and the intelligence community continues to assess the effectiveness of such efforts.
