Russia

US Intelligence Chief Thinks Russia Might Target The 2018 Midterms

National Intelligence Director Dan Coats expects Russia to continue its efforts to interfere in U.S. elections.

US Intelligence Chief Thinks Russia Might Target The 2018 Midterms
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Russia likely isn't done trying to meddle in U.S. elections, at least according to the head of the U.S. Intelligence Community.

“We expect Russia to continue using propaganda, social media, false flag personas, sympathetic spokesmen and other means to influence ... and exacerbate social and political fissures in the United States," said National Intelligence Director Dan Coats.

Coats testified in front of the Senate intel committee at its hearing on worldwide threats. And he thinks Russia could be gearing up to meddle in the 2018 midterms.

"There should be no doubt that Russia perceives its past efforts as successful and views the 2018 U.S. midterm elections as a potential target for Russian influence operations," Coats said.

Coats' comments come shortly after the Trump administration declined to impose new sanctions against Russia for interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and said the threat of sanctions is already a deterrent.