Avril Haines, the Director of US Intelligence, informed the Senate Intelligence Committee that Russia, China, and Iran continue to pose significant threats to U.S. elections.
This warning comes despite the increasing number of threats from other actors. Haines emphasized the persistent nature of these threats which seek to undermine the integrity of U.S. electoral processes.
Jen Easterly, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), highlighted an especially concerning threat targeting election workers, often stemming from false narratives about the 2020 elections.
Both Haines and Easterly noted that the federal government’s capacity to protect elections has significantly improved in recent years, with Easterly stating that the US has never been more prepared.
However, Easterly pointed out a disturbing trend where some election workers have resigned due to threats.
She stated, “Such claims erode the sacred foundations of our democracy and have led to harassment and threats of violence against election officials from both parties and their families.”
Regarding foreign influences, Haines identified Russia as the most active foreign threat aimed at demonstrating the erosion of trust in American institutions, exacerbating societal divisions, and diminishing U.S. support for Ukraine.
She also mentioned China’s sophisticated influence apparatus. While China did not deploy this system in the 2020 presidential elections, there is no indication it will be used in the current elections.
Historically, China has targeted candidates from both major political parties to garner support for its foreign policy initiatives, including its regional claims in Taiwan and Tibet.
