Russia, China already interfering in election
Foreign adversaries like Russia and China are actively attempting to interfere in U.S. elections. Intelligence agencies have reported that both countries have been employing various tactics to undermine trust in the electoral process. "Russia and China are using a wide range of influence measures to interfere in the 2024 elections," said a senior U.S. intelligence official, warning that these nations seek to exploit political divisions and erode confidence in democracy.
Russia, in particular, has a well-documented history of election interference. The 2016 U.S. presidential election saw Russian operatives hacking into email servers, as well as launching disinformation campaigns on social media to manipulate voters. These efforts were confirmed by a 2019 Senate Intelligence Committee report, which revealed a "vast, coordinated" Russian campaign aimed at undermining the election. As 2024 approaches, U.S. officials warn that Moscow is once again engaging in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, this time focusing on deepening existing political rifts.
China’s methods of interference, while more subtle, are equally concerning. Beijing has increasingly relied on cyber espionage and economic leverage to shape political outcomes. The FBI reported in 2022 that China has attempted to influence local and national elections through funding political campaigns and leveraging Chinese-owned media companies to promote pro-Beijing narratives. According to FBI Director Christopher Wray, “China is seeking to become the world’s dominant superpower, and interfering in the U.S. election process is part of that strategy.”
Both countries exploit the vulnerabilities of open democracies, utilizing cyber tools and misinformation to destabilize institutions. Experts emphasize the need for increased security measures and public awareness to safeguard elections. As Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of Homeland Security, stated, “Democracies are open systems, and that’s what makes them vulnerable to foreign interference.”
AP, Reuters, The New York Times, Senate Intelligence Committee Report 2019, FBI Director Christopher Wray
