The U.S. Department of State announced three measures aimed at countering Russian influence and interference in the 2024 U.S. elections. These actions are part of a coordinated effort with the Department of the Treasury and other government agencies.
The Department introduced a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals using Kremlin-supported media as cover for covert activities aimed at influencing U.S. elections. The policy focuses on those responsible for or complicit in such activities, not on the content of their reporting or disinformation efforts. Due to confidentiality, specific details about individuals affected by this policy will not be disclosed publicly.
Under the Foreign Missions Act, the State Department has designated Rossiya Segodnya and its subsidiaries—RIA Novosti, RT, TV-Novosti, Ruptly, and Sputnik—as foreign missions due to their operational presence in the United States and control by the Russian government. These entities must now notify the Department of all personnel working in the U.S. and disclose all real property they hold within the country.
Additionally, through its Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, the State Department is seeking information on foreign efforts to influence or interfere in U.S. elections. This includes organizations like RaHDit (Russian Angry Hackers Did It), which has previously engaged in election influence operations elsewhere and poses a threat to the 2024 U.S. elections through cyber-enabled tactics. Informants providing relevant information could receive up to $10 million or relocation assistance under RFJ’s standing reward offer.
RaHDit members are known for disseminating propaganda from Kremlin-funded organizations like RT and have ties to Russian intelligence services. The group is led by Aleksey Garashchenko of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).
The Department of the Treasury also designated ten individuals and two entities under Executive Order 14024 for acting on behalf of or being controlled by the Russian government. Concurrently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a civil forfeiture search and seizure warrant against Social Design Agency (SDA) for its activities supporting Russian interests.
