With threats to midterms, states say Trump administration isn’t helpi…

States Cite Reduced Federal Election Support as Intelligence Agencies Monitor Foreign Influence Efforts Ahead of Midterms

U.S. intelligence agencies are monitoring efforts by Russia and other foreign actors to influence the 2026 midterm elections. Officials state that changes to federal election security programs under the Trump administration have affected coordination with states on these issues.

Intelligence assessments indicate that Russia plans to use digital disinformation to increase distrust in election results and widen divisions, according to lawmakers and officials. No indications have been reported that foreign actors can directly alter voting machines or vote tallies.

State election officials have expressed concerns about the level of threat information and other assistance available from federal agencies with five weeks remaining until the elections. Utah Lt. Gov. Deirdre Henderson said her state lacks updates on foreign adversary activities. Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane described states as operating without a permanent CISA director.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency reduced its staff by nearly one-third in early 2025. The agency has operated with three acting directors since then. The Foreign Malign Influence Center, which tracked foreign disinformation, was closed. The Election Assistance Commission lost two Democratic members after their removal and saw the remaining commissioner resign, limiting its operations to specific functions with reduced personnel.

President Trump has stated that the 2020 election results were inaccurate and that he won that contest. His administration has examined claims of election irregularities. Federal officials have discussed possible federal involvement in state election processes and limits on mail voting. In September, Trump advised supporters to match alleged practices by opponents in prior elections.

During a July speech, Trump stated that China had interfered in the 2020 campaign and described vulnerabilities in election systems. Prior public intelligence assessments and declassified documents tied to the speech did not include the China interference finding.

A recent National Intelligence Council assessment shared with Congress concludes that foreign actors are unlikely to directly affect 2026 vote counts. Rep. Jim Himes noted after a September briefing that the intelligence community has assessed no prior successful interference with election infrastructure or counting and sees no change for the current cycle.

The assessment identifies Russia as the most active in using digital methods to create divisions and question election processes. China has focused on specific congressional races involving policy toward Beijing. Iran has shown activity at a lower level. The report notes increased use of artificial intelligence in online campaigns.

Former CISA official Geoff Hale described a 2020 incident in Alaska where Iranian actors accessed voter data and sent messages impersonating the Proud Boys. Federal agencies identified the source quickly at that time. Hale said reduced CISA connections with states have limited similar threat identification.

A CISA spokesperson stated that the agency is following its updated election infrastructure security plan. The plan offers threat information sharing, technical assistance, vulnerability scanning, and other support at no cost to states. The agency said it remains committed to assisting state and local officials.

Hale noted that current AI capabilities could increase the scale of foreign influence operations compared with past cycles. Federal grants to states for election security totaled $55 million in 2024, dropped to $15 million in 2025, and rose to $45 million for the current year.

Some state officials, including West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner, said they have developed partnerships outside federal channels and do not require close federal coordination. Henderson stated that actions by federal agencies represent the primary concern for election administration.

Several Republican state officials have prepared for possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence at polling places. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin indicated during a June hearing that deployments would occur only for specific threats or warrants.

The National Security Agency has recently reestablished its Election Security Group. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo directing Cyber Command and military intelligence units to work against foreign election interference. On Sept. 24, CISA published its Election Infrastructure Security Plan, which includes training, assessments, briefings, and the hiring of new state liaison advisers.

Hale said the timing of the plan limits its usefulness because ballots are already in use in multiple states. Sen. Alex Padilla said the plan does not provide the needed assistance. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes reported that during an August call, Acting CISA Director Nick Andersen indicated the agency’s focus was on 2028 and that rebuilding prior support levels was not feasible for 2026.

Henderson said trust between state officials and federal agencies has been damaged. Patrick Marley contributed to this report.