Russia’s RT Aiming to Influence US Voters in Favor of Trump, Claims US Intelligence Official

By Jonathan Landay, Christopher Bing, and Doina Chiacu

WASHINGTON – A senior U.S. intelligence official reported that Russian state media outlet RT is employing American and other personalities to influence U.S. voters in favor of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump against his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris. This statement was made during a briefing addressing claims of foreign interference in the upcoming presidential election, coinciding with a broader U.S. government initiative aimed at counteracting such influences.

On Wednesday, two employees of RT were charged with money laundering. They are accused of being involved in a scheme where an American firm was paid to create online content designed to sway voter opinions.

These actions underscore the notion that Russia is utilizing private Russian entities along with RT to secretly exacerbate domestic divisions and promote electoral outcomes favorable to Russia. The official, speaking anonymously, explained that RT has established networks of Western personalities to create and circulate narratives that align with Russian interests. These individuals are allegedly supporting Moscow’s agenda to influence voter preferences toward Trump while undermining Harris’s chances.

While the official did not elaborate on the specific methods used to sway voters, RT responded to the allegations dismissively, stating that certain aspects of life are inevitable, including their involvement in U.S. elections. The Russian embassy in Washington declined to comment, and Russia has a history of denying interference in U.S. electoral processes.

The official indicated that Russia remains the most active foreign adversary attempting to influence the election, with China primarily focused on local races. U.S. officials have previously stated that they do not believe China is trying to affect the presidential election’s outcome. A Chinese embassy spokesperson has also rejected claims of interference as “malicious speculation,” asserting that China does not intend to intervene.

Additionally, the official noted that Iran has stepped up its activities to influence voters as the presidential and congressional elections approach. Iran’s mission to the United Nations countered these allegations, labeling them “baseless and biased” for domestic political gain.

The U.S. intelligence community is also increasing its efforts to provide private warnings to those targeted by foreign influence operations. Justice Department officials revealed that the two RT employees allegedly utilized shell companies and fictitious identities to funnel $10 million to a Tennessee-based organization for producing online videos aimed at exacerbating political divisions within the U.S.

In a Senate committee session held in May, U.S. officials expressed concerns about a growing array of foreign actors, including non-state entities, seeking to sway American elections, noting that while Russia, China, and Iran are prominent players, they are not the only ones involved.