WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — With millions of Americans already voting, election officials and law enforcement at all levels are focused on holding safe, secure and fair elections. But they’re not the only ones staying vigilant. The U.S. intelligence community is also on alert.
Microsoft said in a report Wednesday foreign adversaries have shown continued determination to influence the U.S. election — and there are signs their activity will intensify as Election Day nears.
Russian operatives are doubling down on fake videos to smear Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, while Chinese-linked social media campaigns are maligning down-ballot Republicans who are critical of China, the company’s threat intelligence arm said Wednesday.
Groups in Russia created and helped spread viral disinformation targeting Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, a senior U.S. intelligence official said Tuesday.
The content, which includes baseless accusations about the Minnesota governor’s time as a teacher, contains several indications that it was manipulated, said the official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Meanwhile, Iranian actors who allegedly sent emails aimed at intimidating U.S. voters in 2020 have been surveying election-related websites and major media outlets, raising concerns they could be preparing for another scheme this year, the tech giant said.
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., didn’t mince words when describing the threats to NewsNation.
“Particularly Russia and Iran want to do everything they can to undermine our democracy,” Warner said. “And if that can lead to civil dissent — or even violence — that’s in their long-term goal, absolutely.”
Russia, China and Iran have all rejected claims that they are seeking to meddle with the U.S. election. Messages from The Associated Press left with the Russian Embassy seeking comment on the Walz video were not immediately returned.