U.S. intelligence officials have stated that Russia is behind a fake video spreading false sexual abuse allegations against Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz in an effort to interfere in the election and favor Donald Trump. This fake video contained baseless allegations from Walz’s time as a high school teacher and was boosted online and on social media by Kremlin operatives. The officials also warned that Russia, Iran, and potentially other countries could increase their efforts after the election to undermine American democracy. Russia is said to be considering various influence operations timed with the election, including inciting violence and spreading false information that may worsen post-election tensions. Iran, which opposes Trump, may also try to incite violence, as it did after the last presidential election. The officials stressed that foreign actors aim to divide Americans and undermine confidence in the U.S. democratic system. Iran, Russia, and China are specifically mentioned as countries intent on fanning divisive narratives. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a declassified memo on this intelligence, emphasizing that these foreign interference efforts will continue even after the polls close. The briefing document also noted that these actors perceive undermining confidence in the elections as weakening the legitimacy of U.S. democracy and making the country less capable of effectively pursuing policies counter to their interests.
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