Russia Authorizes Midterm Disinformation Campaign, U.S. Finds No Voting-Machine Threat
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 18
Russia Authorizes Midterm Disinformation Campaign, U.S. Finds No Voting-Machine Threat
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 18
Summary
Classified U.S. assessments say the Kremlin has again approved a covert online campaign targeting Americans ahead of November’s midterm elections.
U.S. officials said the effort aims to undermine confidence in the vote and amplify domestic divisions, largely through social media disinformation rather than attacks on election infrastructure.
Recent campaigns spotted by disinformation experts used artificial intelligence to generate fake videos of Hollywood celebrities discussing key battleground Senate races.
Officials said the operation appears less extensive and coordinated than some past Russian election efforts, with Moscow seen as more focused on presidential contests and distracted by the war in Ukraine.
The findings land as President Trump has publicly questioned U.S. election security, adding to concerns that foreign influence operations could further inflame distrust.