US national security halts anti-Russia efforts under Trump
The Reuters agency, citing its sources, reported that American national security services halted efforts to combat Russian sabotage, disinformation, and cyberattacks. This reportedly occurred after President Donald Trump assumed office.
Working groups aimed at preventing Russian acts of sabotage, disinformation, and cyberattacks were established by President Joe Biden's administration. These groups included representatives from at least seven agencies working in collaboration with European allies. The activities were led by the National Security Council.
Since President Trump's assumption of office, the work has ceased, current and former American officials told Reuters.
According to information from these sources, meetings between the National Security Council and European national security officials are no longer planned. The Council has also reportedly stopped coordinating actions between American security agencies.
Employees on leave, team disbanded
Last month, the FBI ended efforts to counter election interference in the U.S. by foreign adversaries, including Russia, and placed on leave the employees working on this issue in the Department of Homeland Security. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice disbanded the team that was seizing assets from Russian oligarchs.
According to Reuters' informants, the White House did not inform the staff who previously participated in the interagency working groups whether they would be reconstituted.
Does the USA cooperate with its allies?
It is also unclear to what extent the United States continues to share intelligence information related to the sabotage campaign with European allies.
British government officials told Reuters that the routine exchange of intelligence information between the United States and the British government continues.
Brian Hughes, National Security Council spokesman, stated that coordination is carried out "with relevant agencies to assess and thwart threats posed to Americans."
CIA, FBI, and State Department refuse to comment
President Trump made it clear that any attack on the USA will meet with a disproportionate response, he said.
A senior U.S. official at NATO mentioned that the USA continues to coordinate actions with its allies in this matter but refused to provide further details. The CIA, FBI, and State Department declined to comment.
Anitta Hipper, EU spokeswoman for foreign affairs and security policy, stated she had no specific information to share when asked about the suspension of some intelligence meetings. She mentioned that the EU coordinates actions with NATO in countering hybrid threats, which include everything from physical sabotage of critical infrastructure to disinformation campaigns.
