The head of the National Security Division within the Department of Justice, in a recent statement, highlighted the increasing aggressiveness of foreign election interference during the current election cycle. According to the official, Russia, Iran, and China are actively targeting U.S. elections, viewing this period as a vulnerability.
The official emphasized the sophisticated tactics employed by these adversaries, including the use of fake websites that mimic reputable news sources like the Washington Post and Fox News. These efforts are aimed at manipulating public opinion and sowing discord.
Addressing past claims that Russian interference in the 2016 election was a hoax, the official asserted that such interference was indeed real then and continues to be a threat now. Specifically, Russia has been identified as attempting to boost the candidacy of a former president while undermining the candidacy of a vice president.
Furthermore, concerns were raised about Iran's involvement in compromising election campaigns, with a particular focus on targeting former and current elected officials. The official expressed grave concerns about Iran's activities and emphasized the need for vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.