Foreign Influence Operations Target November Election Following Biden’s Exit
U.S. adversaries targeting the November election are expected to adapt their influence operations in response to recent developments in the presidential race, a U.S. intelligence official stated on Monday. This appears to reference President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the reelection bid.
Focus on Recent Developments
The official highlighted that unidentified foreign actors are particularly focused on “events that occurred this month regarding the presidential race.” Without directly mentioning Biden’s decision, the comments suggested that these actors would shift their efforts toward influencing the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden endorsed as the Democratic candidate to face Republican Donald Trump in the November 5 presidential election.
“We expect these actors to adjust to these events and incorporate them into their influence narratives, seeking to undermine democratic institutions,” the official said, though they did not specify which foreign actors were involved.
Biden’s Withdrawal and Its Impact
President Biden, 81, ended his reelection campaign on July 21 under growing pressure from fellow Democrats. He endorsed Harris as the party’s candidate, reshaping the race. This change has prompted foreign actors to refocus their strategies, according to the official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
The official cited reports from non-governmental organizations that foreign actors had already used the July 13 attempted assassination of Trump “as part of their narratives.”
Historical Preferences and Tactics
A senior intelligence official noted that Tehran and Moscow maintain their traditional presidential preferences. Iranian operatives are reportedly working to undermine the Republican ticket, while Russia is making efforts to discredit the Democrats, based on previous intelligence assessments.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations denied any involvement in influencing the U.S. election, describing such accusations as “psychological operations designed to artificially pep up election campaigns.” The Russian embassy did not respond to requests for comment.
In past elections, Russia and Iran have employed Americans through false front companies and third-party websites, providing cover and an authentic voice for their operations. Currently, U.S. adversaries are outsourcing influence operations to marketing and communications firms, with Russia using influence-for-hire companies based in Russia to shape U.S. public opinion.
Influence Operations Beyond Russia and Iran
Officials also noted the presence of similar firms across Latin America and the Middle East, which may be used to obscure responsibility for influence operations. Additionally, Chinese government entities are leveraging a China-based technology company to enhance covert influence operations in the United States. While the Chinese government is likely not planning to influence the election outcome directly, it is using social media to sow divisions among Americans.
A Chinese embassy spokesperson reiterated that China does not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs and has “no intention and will not interfere in the U.S. election,” urging the United States not to make China an election issue.