U.S. Intelligence Agencies to Establish Foreign Malicious Activity Response Center

Politico, citing a spokesman for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, reported that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence will establish a Foreign Malicious Influence Response Center

In a report published in March 2020, U.S. intelligence agencies accused Moscow of trying to support former President Trump, smear current President Joe Biden and “create disputes” in U.S. society. Moscow denies any involvement. Iran, Hezbollah and Cuba are also listed among those presumed to have tried to influence the election. At the same time, the report concluded that the Chinese Communist Party has not made active efforts in the U.S. election.

The center will be responsible for collecting intelligence data on “malicious influence” from U.S. government agencies and making assessments. Politico noted in its report that U.S. officials and lawmakers have repeatedly said that foreign forces will continue to try to influence the United States.

The center will play the role of “consolidating all foreign malign influence-related intelligence and providing appropriate assessments for policymakers. The center will also be responsible for “malicious” activities related to Russia, Iran, North Korea and the Chinese Communist Party.