U.S. intelligence officials have ‘not observed any foreign actor seeking to interfere in the conduct of the 2024 elections,’ according to a report.
The ODNI has found efforts by foreign adversaries to influence U.S. election outcomes in other ways, according to the report.
“Instead of interference, the [Intelligence Community] assesses adversaries so far are focused on using information operations and propaganda to try to shape voter preferences or undermine confidence in the election,” the report states.
“Foreign actors are increasing their election influence activities as we approach November. In particular, Russia, Iran, and China are trying by some measure to exacerbate divisions in U.S. society for their own benefit, and see election periods as moments of vulnerability.”
Russia currently presents “the most active foreign influence threat” to the 2024 contest, according to U.S. intelligence officials.
The report points to the Department of Justice’s indictment against two employees of RT, also known as Russia Today, a Moscow-backed media organization. They are accused of siphoning about $10 million to fund and direct a U.S. media company to promote content that favors Russia’s interests, according to the department.
The Justice Department also has claimed that the media company used the money to hire influencers including Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Benny Johnson, among others. The department also has seized 32 internet domains allegedly used by the Russian government.
“Both of the schemes I have just discussed make clear the ends to which the Russian government—including at its highest levels—is willing to go to undermine our democratic process” Attorney General Merrick Garland said at an event last week. He also said that the recent court filings indicate that Russia is promoting “state-sponsored narratives as part of a program to influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election.”
In social media statements last week, Pool wrote, “Should these allegations prove true, I as well as the other personalities and commentators were deceived and are victims.”
My statement regarding allegations and the DOJ Indictment
— Tim Pool 🇮🇱🇺🇦 (@Timcast) September 4, 2024
Should these allegations prove true, I as well as the other personalities and commentators were deceived and are victims. I cannot speak for anyone else at the company as to what they do or to what they are instructed…
However, he said, “Never at any point did anyone other than I have full editorial control of the show and the contents of the show are often apolitical.”
