US Democrats prepare to counter any Trump claim of foreign meddling in midterms

U.S. Democratic lawmakers on intelligence committees are preparing to investigate and respond to any claims made by President Donald Trump regarding foreign interference in the November 3 midterm elections, despite no evidence of any interference, the lawmakers say. The concern arises as Democrats lead in the polls with eight points in the fight for control of Congress, according to a recent poll.

President Trump has claimed in the past that China interfered in the 2020 election, a claim that has not been substantiated by evidence. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Jim Himes and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner have previously criticized the administration for not providing the required reports on foreign threats before the election.

They are also asking the Director of National Intelligence and the CIA Director to be reachable by phone on Election Day to verify any claims of foreign interference in real time. While there has been no evidence of foreign interference in voting or vote counting, lawmakers say China is conducting influence operations targeting U.S. elections, such as social media bots spreading disinformation.