Iran trying to undercut Trump campaign and Russia doing opposite, U.S. officials indicate
CBSJul 27
US Intelligence: Foreign Actors Seeking to Influence 2024 Elections
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Above: Voters cast their ballots at a Masonic Lodge on June 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. California could play a determining role in upsetting Republican control the U.S. Congress, as Democrats hope to win 10 of the 14 seats held by Republicans. Image copyright: Mario Tama/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The US intelligence community warned on Monday that multiple foreign hostile actors are looking for ways to exploit America's election infrastructure and influence the political process to their own advantage.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, intelligence officials claimed that China, Russia, and Iran were forced to revise their propaganda strategy as Pres. Joe Biden quit the race and former Pres. Donald Trump survived an attempted assassination.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
America is fighting an information war on many fronts, and it is incumbent on everyone to remain aware of the constant threat foreign actors pose to its national security. Foes such as China, Russia, and Iran benefit from spreading false, misleading, and inflammatory content that undermines faith in democracy. Tech companies and the national security establishment need to be proactive on this front.
Establishment-critical narrative
The US is perfectly capable of holding an election marked by division and instability without the aid of outside actors. These baseless smears serve only to distract the American public from the homegrown chaos of their political process. Proclamations like these needlessly heighten global tensions, as the US beats the war drum and gets the people to join along. These are wildly sensationalist and false allegations.
