Former Homeland Security Official Says ‘Every Single American’ a Target of Election Interference

Well, dear SOFREP readers, the fat lady that is the American Presidential electoral process is about to sing, and it’s about time. I don’t know about you, but if I see one more political ad on TV I might just puke on my shoes. But that’s OK, this election is important. Damn, important. Once you get to be my age, you can honestly say it will likely set the tone of America for the rest of your life. No, that’s not hyperbole. Before I even launch into the meat of this article, I’m going to implore all eligible voters to get out there and vote their conscience. Think about what kind of future you want, do a quick gut check, and fill in the circle for the candidate that best embodies your beliefs.

Ok, I’ll now jump down from my political soap box. Here is something you all need to know. If your friends and colleagues don’t read SOFREP, please pass this on to them; they are not likely to find this information in the mainstream media.

A Warning From Homeland Security

In the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. elections, Suzanne Spaulding, former Under Secretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has issued a stark warning: every American is a potential target for election interference.

Spaulding, now a senior adviser for homeland security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), emphasizes that foreign adversaries are not only aiming to influence election outcomes but are also seeking to erode public trust in democratic institutions.

The Evolving Threat Landscape

Spaulding’s concerns are rooted in the sophisticated tactics employed by foreign actors, notably Russia, China, and Iran, to meddle in U.S. elections. These nations have developed advanced methods to disseminate disinformation, manipulate social media narratives, and exploit societal divisions. In a recent podcast, Spaulding highlighted the continuous nature of these threats, stating that adversaries are “actively working to undermine the legitimacy of our justice system” and other democratic pillars.

Disinformation: A Pervasive Weapon

Central to these interference efforts is the strategic use of disinformation. Foreign entities aim to sow discord and confusion among the American populace by spreading false or misleading information. Spaulding has been vocal about the dangers of such tactics, noting that they “prey on sensationalist and divisive topics” to paint U.S. institutions as corrupt or ineffective.

The Conservation is running a great article about “Five disinformation tactics Russing is using to try to influence the US election.” I’ll touch on some of their points here. First off, the Russians are using local US influencers to get their message out. This makes sense; if we know the Russians are telling us something, we won’t listen to it. A lot of their dirty work is done through RT, or Russia Today, a Russian state-controlled international TV network funded by the Kremlin. The source of the funding was supposedly not revealed to the content creators.

The US Department of Justice (you can read the court documents here) alleges that RT paid a Tennessee firm almost ten million dollars to come up with social media content. Not the fair and balanced kind either, it’s the Russian hard line, what they want you to think.

The Russians have used real Americans to spread their propaganda, and they have also used fake American sites as well. These are in the form of internet domains spoofing themselves to seem like US sites when, in actuality, they are Russian-controlled. To be extra tricky, this network of foreign-owned and controlled sites cross-reference each other to make themselves seem legitimate.

The bottom line: Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Despite your best efforts, you can never be 100% sure what the source is.

The Role of Every American

Spaulding underscores that combating election interference is not solely the responsibility of government agencies. She advocates for a collective effort where every citizen plays a part in safeguarding democracy. This includes being vigilant about the information consumed and shared, critically evaluating news sources, and fostering a culture of informed civic engagement. In a 2021 interview, she emphasized the need for Americans to “be reminded of the value of democracy” and to actively participate in its defense.

Building Resilience Through Education

A key component of Spaulding’s strategy to counteract foreign interference is enhancing civic education. She believes that a well-informed public is less susceptible to manipulation. I agree. By promoting a deeper understanding of democratic processes and the importance of critical thinking, Spaulding aims to build societal resilience against disinformation campaigns. She has called for a “year of civic renewal” to reinvigorate civics education across the country.

Do they even teach civics in American schools? Legitimate question. By the time my youngest finished high school five years ago, he had not had one lesson in it.

Summing Up

As the 2024 elections approach, Suzanne Spaulding’s warnings serve as a crucial reminder of the pervasive threats facing American democracy. Her insights highlight the importance of collective vigilance and proactive engagement in defending the integrity of the electoral process. By recognizing that every individual is a potential target, Americans can take informed steps to protect themselves and their nation from the insidious tactics of foreign adversaries.