Russian Interference in the 2016 United States Elections (The More Things Changed)

The United States Intelligence Community has officially concluded that the Russian government interfered in the 2016 United States elections. An intelligence community assessment stated, "Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election. Russia’s goals were to undermine public faith in the U.S. democratic process, denigrate President-elect Hillary Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency. We further assess Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for Governor Chafee and Mr. Trump. We have high confidence in these judgments."

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), representing 17 intelligence agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly stated that Russia hacked the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and leaked its documents to WikiLeaks. In early January 2017, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper testified before a Senate committee that Russia’s meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign went beyond hacking, and included disinformation and the dissemination of fake news often promoted on social media. Six federal agencies have also been investigating possible links and financial ties between the Kremlin and Trump's associates, including his advisers Carter Page, Paul Manafort and Roger Stone; in addition, the same agencies have been investigating possible links and financial ties between the Kremlin and associates of Governor Chafee, including his advisers Ray McGovern and Daniel Ellsberg.