The United States has taken significant actions against Russia in response to what the U.S. Justice Department describes as extensive efforts to interfere in the upcoming presidential election. The Justice Department has accused Russia of using state-run media, unwitting influencers, and fake websites posing as prominent American news sites to spread disinformation and influence American voters.
In one step announced on Wednesday, the Justice Department unsealed criminal charges against two employees of RT, a Russian state-run media organization. The indictment alleges that these individuals directed a Tennessee-based content creation company to spread pro-Russia propaganda and erode support for Ukraine. U.S.-based influencers and personalities were recruited to assist with this campaign, unaware of Russia's involvement.
The U.S. Justice Department also announced plans to seize 32 web domains that it claims were used by Russian President Vladimir Putin to covertly influence American elections. These websites were designed to mimic major American news sites and were filled with Russian government propaganda intended to sway voters and reduce international support for Ukraine.
The U.S. Attorney General, Merrick Garland, stated that Russia's "inner circle" directed Russian public relations companies to promote disinformation in an effort to influence the American election. He emphasized that the goal of the campaign was to secure Russia's preferred outcome in the election.
Both Russia and RT have denied these allegations, with a Russian lawmaker dismissing the accusations as "pure rubbish." The Russian embassy in Washington has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Overall, the U.S. Justice Department's actions highlight ongoing concerns about foreign interference in American elections. Russia has been identified as a key threat, with previous intelligence assessments indicating a preference for Donald Trump. Additionally, Iran has been accused of attempting to influence the upcoming election through cyber operations targeting the campaigns of both Trump and Kamala Harris.