US intelligence official claims Russia, China, Iran are meddling in presidential election

As US presidential election draw closer, a top intelligence official has stirred new storm with warning over foreign threats. William Evanina, who is director of National Counterintelligence and Security Centre, raised fears of a repeat of 2016 election.

US intelligence official ted that Russia is backing Donald Trump, China is supporting Joe Biden and Iran is seeking to sow chaos. Back in 2016, Russia was accused of manipulating social media to help Trump and hurt his opponent Hillary Clinton. 

According to a press release, Evanina said, “Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia “establishment”. This is consistent with Moscow’s public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in Obama Administration’s policies on Ukraine and its support for anti-Putin opposition inside Russia”. 

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NCSC director ted that Andriy Derkach, a pro-Russian Ukrainian politician, is spreading claims about corruption to undermine Biden’s candidacy. He added that several Kremlin-linked actors are also seeking to boost Trump’s candidacy on social media and Russian television. 

Evanina even presented evidence of interference by Beijing. NCSC assessed that China does t want Trump to win upcoming election. official ted that China has been expanding its influence ahead of 2020 US presidential election to shape country's policy environment, pressurise political figures it views as opposed to China’s interests, and deflect and counter-criticism of China. 

NCSC director said that Beijing recognises that all of aforementioned efforts might affect presidential race in United States. Furr, Evanina highlighted China’s criticism of Trump’s handling of COVID-19 pandemic, closure of China’s consulate in Houston and White House responses to Chinese actions in Hong Kong and South China Sea. 

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Iran seeking to undermine Trump

National Counterintelligence and Security Centre also believes that Iran is seeking to undermine US democratic institutions and President Donald Trump. Evanina said that Iranian efforts are aimed to divide country ahead of 2020 election. 

He said, “Iran’s efforts along se lines probably will focus on on-line influence, such as spreading disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-US content. Tehran’s motivation to conduct such activities is, in part, driven by a perception that President Trump’s reelection would result in a continuation of US pressure on Iran in an effort to foment regime change”. 

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While upcoming US presidential election are already under siege amid pandemic, NCSC director warned that foreign adversaries may try to interfere with election systems by trying to sabot voting process, stealing election data systems or questioning validity of results.

recent report has also raised concerns on Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, Evanina said that foreign efforts to influence or interfere with election are a direct threat to fabric of country’s democracy. He assured that NCSC is doing everything in its power to combat both cyber and influence efforts targeting democratic process. 

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