The Biden administration has taken significant action against Russian attempts to spread disinformation ahead of the November presidential election. This includes seizing Kremlin-run websites, charging two Russian state media employees, imposing sanctions and visa restrictions. The U.S. government is working to disrupt threats from Russia, which intelligence officials have identified as the primary threat to elections, even as the FBI investigates a hack by Iran targeting both political parties. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that authoritarian regimes will not be allowed to exploit American democratic systems.
The Justice Department has charged two employees of RT, a Russian state media company, with covertly funding a Tennessee-based content creation company to publish English-language videos on social media platforms in support of the Russian government’s interests. The videos have garnered over 16 million views on YouTube alone. The company did not disclose its funding source and failed to register as a foreign agent, leading to charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The defendants are at large and it is unclear if they have legal representation.
Tenet Media, the Tennessee-based company described in the indictment, hosts videos by conservative influencers such as Tim Pool and Benny Johnson. These influencers responded to the allegations on social media, expressing shock and claiming they were deceived. In addition to the indictments, officials announced the seizure of 32 internet domains used by the Kremlin to spread propaganda and undermine support for Ukraine. The websites were designed to appear as authentic news sites but were actually fake, using bogus social media personas to pose as American users.
The Justice Department did not specify which candidate the propaganda campaign aimed to boost, but internal documents suggest it was intended to benefit the then-incumbent President Donald Trump. These efforts to influence elections highlight the ongoing threat posed by foreign governments, particularly Russia, to American democratic institutions. The State Department announced actions against employees of Russian state-owned media outlets, designating them as “foreign missions” and adding several media companies to the list. Russia continues to be a major threat to election integrity, with tactics involving cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns aimed at manipulating voter demographics and outcomes.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized Russia’s intent to target specific voter demographics and manipulate election outcomes. The use of state media and fake websites to advance anti-U.S. messages and inject disinformation into online conversations raises concerns about the influence of foreign actors on American voters. Kremlin-linked groups are employing marketing and communications firms in Russia to outsource the creation of digital propaganda and disguise their involvement. The objective is to get Americans to spread Russian disinformation without questioning its source, taking advantage of the trust placed in domestic content.
Overall, the U.S. government is intensifying efforts to combat foreign interference in elections, particularly from Russia. By seizing websites, charging individuals, imposing sanctions, and designating media companies as foreign missions, authorities are aiming to disrupt disinformation campaigns and protect American democracy. The threat of cyberattacks, disinformation, and propaganda remains a significant concern, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in safeguarding election integrity and countering foreign influence.
