China and Russia are attempting to meddle in congressional races, according to the U.S. intelligence community’s latest assessment less than one month before the election.
The Kremlin, which the intelligence community believes wants former President Donald Trump to win the presidency, is seeking to get as many downballot candidates who are against continuing U.S. aid to Ukraine elected, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s Monday update revealed.
Over the course of Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, a small but seemingly growing number of isolationist Republicans have begun questioning whether the United States should continue providing military aid to Ukraine. One of those lawmakers is Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), former President Trump’s running mate.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also running for president, has repeatedly reiterated her support for Ukraine, as have most members of the Democratic Party.
China, for its part, is not supporting candidates of a specific party. Rather, they are opposing candidates “perceived by Beijing to threaten its core interests, especially in relation to Taiwan.”
Both countries are not only trying to sway congressional races but are also targeting state and local races as well.
The intelligence community release noted that they have not seen indications that Tehran is seeking to influence downballot races, though Cuba “almost certainly has considered influence efforts targeting some candidates.”
Iran is interfering in the presidential election, specifically to denigrate Trump, due to their perception that his election would increase tensions between the two countries.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The Department of Justice brought charges against three Iranian citizens over allegations they hacked into email accounts belonging to Trump campaign officials and distributed the material to his political opponent and media outlets, according to an indictment unsealed in late September.
The defendants successfully gained unauthorized access to the personal email accounts of a Trump lawyer, an informal Trump political adviser, and a Trump campaign official, according to the indictment.