As Election Day approaches, U.S. intelligence officials revealed on September 6, 2024 that Russia is significantly ramping up its election interference activities, specifically targeting efforts to help former President Donald Trump defeat Vice President Kamala Harris. The Kremlin is employing more sophisticated tactics, including using both unwitting and “witting” Americans, to influence the election and sway down-ballot races.

During a 75-minute briefing, senior U.S. officials outlined Russia’s expanded interference operations, which go beyond the recently publicized indictment alleging a $10 million scheme to use fake media companies and U.S. influencers to spread Russian propaganda. The officials confirmed that these efforts are unprecedented in scale and complexity.

The briefing marked a rare public acknowledgment of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s direct involvement in trying to elect Trump in the current cycle, following previous support in 2016 and 2020. The officials indicated that while Putin’s statements supporting Harris were made in jest, they reflect Kremlin disinformation tactics.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung dismissed these claims, citing a recent joke by Putin as evidence of the opposite. Trump himself has denounced the recent indictments as part of a Justice Department effort to interfere with the election, branding it as a revival of the “Russia Hoax.”

The U.S. intelligence update also highlighted Iran’s attempts to influence the election against Trump and in favor of Harris. Recent indictments included charges against Russian citizens and a former Trump adviser for their roles in distributing misinformation.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) described Russia’s interference as particularly concerning due to its scope and sophistication, including the use of American influencers to amplify divisive narratives. The ODNI noted that while no foreign actor has been identified as tampering with election machinery, Russia’s efforts aim to influence voter preferences and undermine U.S. political stability.

The Justice Department’s indictment detailed how Tenet Media, a Russian-funded operation, used high-profile U.S. influencers to push divisive content. Some influencers claimed they were unaware of the Russian connection. The ODNI has offered briefings on foreign interference to both Trump and Harris campaigns, though it’s unclear if these have been accepted.

Overall, the intelligence officials reiterated that Russia poses the most significant foreign influence threat to the 2024 elections, seeking to weaken U.S. democracy and support for Ukraine through its operations.