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US Voters Warned of Foreign Influence Operations

Jeff Seldin

   PENTAGON - U.S. security and intelligence officials are warning voters
   to expect foreign actors to try to sway their views as they prepare to
   go to the polls in a series of key presidential primaries.

   The warning, issued on the eve of Super Tuesday votes in 14 states and
   one territory, comes as a series of intelligence leaks in recent weeks
   suggested Russia, in particular, has been trying to put its mark on the
   upcoming U.S. presidential election.

   While the latest statement did not single out Russia, it urged voters
   to beware.

   "Foreign actors continue to try to influence public sentiment and shape
   voter perceptions," it said. "They spread false information and
   propaganda about political processes and candidates on social media in
   hopes to cause confusion and create doubt in our system."

   The warning from leaders of the departments of State, Defense, Homeland
   Security and Justice - with the FBI, the National Security Agency and
   other federal entities - added, "We remain alert and ready to respond
   to any efforts to disrupt the 2020 elections."

   There has been growing concern in recent weeks following reports
   indicating Russia is seeking to bolster the reelection campaign of both
   President Donald Trump and a Democratic candidate, Vermont Senator
   Bernie Sanders.

   U.S. intelligence officials have since denied some of the allegations
   -- based on leaks from a classified briefing to lawmakers -- that there
   is any evidence Moscow is backing Trump's reelection efforts.

   But Sanders told reporters he was, in fact, warned about Russian
   meddling. And since then there has been an increasing number of calls
   from lawmakers and former U.S. intelligence officials for the
   government to clarify what is and is not transpiring.
   

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