US Secret Service accused China, Russia and Iran of interfering in the US elections

US Director of National Intelligence Avril D. Haines has raised concerns over efforts by foreign powers—particularly Russia, China, and Iran—to disrupt the electoral process. Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday, Haines warned that these nations are actively working to exploit divisions within the US, using disinformation and manipulation to undermine public confidence in the democratic system.

“Foreign actors, specifically Russia, Iran, and China, remain intent on fanning divisive narratives to divide Americans,” Haines stated. “These activities are consistent with what they perceive to be in their interests, even as their tactics continue to evolve.”

Haines highlighted that the scope of foreign interference has expanded beyond traditional propaganda, now incorporating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. These actors are leveraging social media platforms to spread misleading information, discredit candidates, and influence both presidential and congressional races.

An example cited by Haines involved a misleading post on the platform X, allegedly generated by Russian influence actors. The post targeted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the vice-presidential candidate alongside Kamala Harris, and contained false allegations. Intelligence assessments found multiple indicators of manipulation, consistent with patterns linked to Russian interference operations.

In addition to disinformation, Haines indicated that foreign actors could potentially resort to physical threats or acts of violence to create chaos around the elections. “While the focus has been on online disinformation, the possibility of physical disruptions cannot be discounted,” she noted.

The intelligence community has observed that these efforts align with a broader strategy to weaken the US by exacerbating political divisions. Haines emphasized that while the tactics may be evolving, the core objective remains unchanged—undermining the credibility of US democracy.

“Russia, China, and Iran will continue to pursue their strategic interests by attempting to influence voters and disrupt the electoral process. The methods may change, but the aim is still to erode trust in democratic institutions,” she said.

As Election Day draws near, officials are urging citizens to be cautious of misleading information and to verify news from trusted, credible sources. The intelligence community remains on high alert, monitoring potential threats and coordinating efforts to safeguard the integrity of the election process.

The warning from Haines comes at a critical time, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and resilience against foreign interference in one of the world’s most influential democracies.