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DHS report identifies Russia as main culprit of disinformation in the U.S.

President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied that Russia has spread misinformation in the U.S. Photo: Mikhail Klimentyev/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images

Russia is the "primary covert influence actor and purveyor of disinformation and misinformation" in the U.S., a Department of Homeland Security report out Tuesday has concluded.

The big picture: The findings echo previous statements from various U.S. intelligence officials about the Kremlin's activities in the U.S. The efforts have focused on U.S. foreign and domestic policy, the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 presidential election, among other issues.

  • The efforts aim to "sow discord, distract, shape public sentiment, and undermine trust in Western democratic institutions," per the report.

What else they're saying: "We assess that Moscow’s primary objective is to increase its global standing and influence by weakening America — domestically and abroad —through efforts to sow discord, distract, shape public sentiment, and undermine trust in Western democratic institutions and processes," the report states.

The big picture: FBI Director Chris Wray told Congress last month the Bureau has seen "very active efforts" by Russia to influence the 2020 election.

Go deeper: Putin proposes non-interference pact with U.S. amid election meddling accusations

Go deeper

Zach Dorfman of the Aspen Institute, author of Codebook
Jan 13, 2021 - Technology

Trump's four-year information war

Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch. Photos: Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images

Last week's riot at the Capitol was many things, but perhaps chiefly it was the culmination of four years of information warfare waged against the country from within the Oval Office.

Why it matters: A sprawling disinformation campaign led by President Trump — and buttressed by his allies in the media, online and in Congress — has severely destabilized the U.S. and makes further acts of violence and would-be insurrection a near certainty.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow
Caitlin Owens, author of Vitals
1 hour ago - Health

Who benefits from Biden's move to reopen ACA enrollment

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Nearly 15 million Americans who are currently uninsured are eligible for coverage on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, and more than half of them would qualify for subsidies, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation brief.

Why it matters: President Biden is expected to announce today that he'll be reopening the marketplaces for a special enrollment period from Feb. 15 to May 15, but getting a significant number of people to sign up for coverage will likely require targeted outreach.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Sara Fischer, author of Media Trends
2 hours ago - Technology

Big Tech bolts politics

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

Big Tech fed politics. Then it bled politics. Now it wants to be dead to politics. 

Why it matters: The social platforms that profited massively on politics and free speech suddenly want a way out — or at least a way to hide until the heat cools. 

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow