US Security Chiefs Express Alarm About Election Meddling in presser today at WH briefing room

[Amaryllis]

https://www.voanews.com/a/us-officials-concerned-potential-efforts-meddle-election/4511150.html



Top U.S. national security leaders made a rare joint appearance in the White House briefing room Thursday to express concern about efforts by Russia — and potentially others — to meddle in upcoming elections here, and to reassure the public that strong countermeasures are being taken.

"We continue to see a pervasive message campaign by Russia to try to weaken and divide the United States," said the director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, adding that he was aware "Russia is not the only country that has an interest in trying to influence our domestic political environment."

Coats said President Donald Trump "has specifically directed us to make the matter of election meddling and securing our election process a top priority."

FBI Director Christopher Wray, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Army General Paul Nakasone, who is head of the National Security Agency, also appeared at Thursday's briefing.

As they spoke, a letter national security adviser John Bolton sent to five senators of the opposition Democratic Party was released outlining the Trump administration's "extensive, historic actions" taken to "ensure the integrity of our elections and defend against foreign malign influence."

The letter specifically mentioned actions taken against the Russian government, companies and individuals.

snip

Wray warned, however, "Any moment is just a moment before the dial can be turned up." He also revealed that FBI field offices across the country were investigating election interference, and he stated that adversaries were "manipulating news stories and spreading disinformation."

More at link

[Equinox Moon]

1. Thank you for your post! This press conference was significant today.

They actually say our democracy is at risk and we are being hacked. Wow!

Sanders introduces the intelligence heads saying that Trump asked them to brief the public.

[triron]

4. This was a "dog and pony" show imo.

[Equinox Moon]

2. What I don't get is that the republicans passed a bill that dems strongly objected to...

leveling funds for election integrity. Remember, the one where they had, oddly chosen, "USA - USA - USA..." in protest.

[roamer65]

3. This dichotomy is unsustainable.