Russia’s ongoing efforts to manipulate American public opinion, spread falsehoods, and incite potential violence.

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election season unfolded, American intelligence agencies issued stark warnings about foreign influence campaigns designed to undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process. In a joint statement from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the FBI, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), officials warned that Russia-linked actors are disseminating disinformation on social media, producing fake videos and articles to foster fear, and sowing discord among American voters. “These efforts risk inciting violence, including against election officials,” the agencies stated, emphasizing the potential threat to public safety and democratic integrity.

Russia’s current influence operations echo its strategies from the 2016 and 2020 elections, but they have evolved to incorporate more advanced digital tools, such as artificial intelligence (AI) for content generation. This campaign, informally dubbed the “Good Old USA” project, uses social media not only to amplify divisive narratives but also to create fabricated news articles and deploy fake videos that appear credible at first glance. Intelligence officials have highlighted the urgency of combating these influence tactics, noting the increased likelihood of targeted harassment or violence against election workers and officials.

Background and Context

For nearly a decade, Russia has been deploying influence campaigns aimed at shaping the political landscape of the United States. These campaigns seek to exploit societal divisions, inflame partisan conflicts, and ultimately erode public trust in democratic processes. In 2016, Russian operatives used social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to spread disinformation favoring then-candidate Donald Trump. While some of these strategies were exposed and mitigated in subsequent election cycles, the Kremlin’s influence tactics have grown increasingly sophisticated, adapting to newer platforms and technological advances.

In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Russia’s focus has broadened beyond general misinformation to include more targeted and persuasive techniques. According to U.S. intelligence and sources familiar with the “Good Old USA” project, Russian agencies have been capitalizing on AI tools that allow for rapid production of misleading content. This technology enables operatives to produce fake profiles, videos, and articles en masse, making it harder for average citizens to discern fact from fiction.

The Good Old USA project, guided by Russia’s Social Design Agency (SDA) and other Kremlin-affiliated organizations, aims to amplify themes that resonate with conservative and right-wing communities in America. Key narratives pushed by these operatives include false claims about election fraud, exaggerated reports of politically motivated violence, and inflammatory content portraying American democracy as inherently flawed. For example, fabricated articles and videos are often crafted to suggest that Americans are turning to violence over political differences, a narrative designed to weaken confidence in peaceful democratic discourse.

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Russian Tactics and Methods

The “Good Old USA” project relies on a multi-pronged approach to influence American voters. According to intelligence documents and federal reports, this campaign employs a range of methods, from AI-generated content to covert social media sleeper cells, each tailored to exploit the vulnerabilities of the U.S. digital landscape.

One of the most prominent tactics involves creating fake media, including fabricated news articles, videos, and social media posts that appear authentic but are designed to mislead. According to a joint statement from the FBI and CISA, Russian operatives are using AI to produce these items en masse, enabling rapid deployment of content that mimics reputable news sources. The AI-generated content makes it increasingly difficult for users to differentiate between legitimate news and manipulated information, especially when presented on platforms that users perceive as neutral or trustworthy.

Social media sleeper cells—fake accounts that lie dormant for extended periods—are another cornerstone of the Good Old USA strategy. Operatives use these sleeper cells to amplify pro-Russian and pro-Trump narratives in crucial swing states and conservative-leaning online spaces, such as certain Reddit and Facebook groups. These accounts remain inactive until they are activated to push key messaging at strategic moments, maximizing the impact of disinformation campaigns close to election deadlines.

Additionally, Russian influence agents have been working with U.S.-based influencers and fringe media personalities to subtly spread Kremlin-backed narratives. In its reporting, Politico found that these influencers, selected for their appeal to conservative and right-wing audiences, were paid to promote anti-Biden content and anti-Ukraine sentiment. These partnerships allow Russia’s message to reach broader American audiences under the guise of independent opinion, which makes the messaging appear more organic and credible.

Another critical tool in this influence campaign is targeted advertising. Through platforms like Facebook, Russia-linked operatives can monitor user responses to advertisements in real time, adjusting messaging based on which narratives resonate most with each target demographic. For example, some ads focus on casting doubts about election security, while others play on economic grievances by suggesting that U.S. foreign aid, particularly to Ukraine, is harming American taxpayers. These targeted ads reach specific audiences in swing states, maximizing the disinformation’s effect on voter perceptions.

Impact on American Society

The impact of the Good Old USA project on American society is significant and multifaceted, with consequences that reach beyond the 2024 election. The campaign’s tactics, particularly the creation of fear-inducing content, are designed to deepen political divides within the U.S. and reduce public confidence in democratic institutions.

One immediate effect is the erosion of trust in the electoral process. By spreading narratives that falsely suggest widespread election fraud and political violence, Russian actors create a climate of suspicion that threatens the legitimacy of election results. This distrust not only makes it easier for foreign actors to manipulate public sentiment but also fosters a reluctance among Americans to accept election outcomes, potentially leading to increased polarization and even violent responses.

The campaign’s emphasis on targeting specific demographics—such as young, economically disadvantaged individuals in online gaming communities—also highlights Russia’s strategy to exploit societal vulnerabilities. The influence of the Good Old USA project in these groups may persist beyond election day, embedding divisive narratives into American discourse in a way that could hinder unity and foster long-term skepticism toward government institutions.

Another dangerous outcome of this influence campaign is the potential incitement of violence against election officials and volunteers. Intelligence reports from the ODNI and CISA warn that the fabricated stories and videos circulating online could embolden individuals to take aggressive actions against perceived political enemies, particularly those involved in administering elections. This trend has prompted a greater security presence at polling sites and an emphasis on protective measures for election workers, who increasingly face threats as disinformation spreads.

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U.S. Government Response

In response to the Good Old USA project and similar influence operations, U.S. agencies have implemented several countermeasures to disrupt Russian disinformation efforts. The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently seized over 30 web domains connected to Russia’s “Doppelganger” disinformation campaign, a key element of the broader influence strategy targeting the U.S. election. These domains, designed to resemble legitimate American news outlets, directed users to Russian-manufactured content that promoted narratives supporting Trump’s re-election and anti-Ukraine sentiments. As Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, these actions are part of a broader initiative to counter foreign interference and safeguard democratic institutions. Read the full DOJ statement here.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has also played a prominent role in countering election disinformation by working with social media platforms to remove harmful content and monitor suspicious activity. CISA’s Election Security Initiative has focused on educating the public about identifying credible sources and discouraging the spread of misinformation. To keep voters informed, CISA offers regular election security updates through its Election Threat Updates portal, which provides insights into the latest threats and measures taken to secure the election process.

Further actions by the Treasury Department included sanctions on Russian entities linked to disinformation, including assets tied to the Kremlin-backed media outlet RT. These sanctions aim to financially disrupt the Kremlin’s propaganda efforts, targeting both key individuals and affiliated companies involved in these influence campaigns. The Treasury’s sanctions list is available on their official website.

Wrap up

The Good Old USA project and related Russian influence campaigns reveal the complex and evolving threat that foreign interference poses to U.S. democracy. Through sophisticated techniques like AI-generated content, sleeper social media cells, and coordinated influencer networks, Russia has strategically embedded divisive narratives into the American digital landscape, deepening societal divisions and undermining public trust in elections.

For American voters, it’s more important than ever to engage critically with news sources, verify information, and rely on credible channels. The FBI and ODNI advise checking official resources, such as CISA’s Election Security site, for verified information regarding election integrity and security updates. You can view the joint FBI, ODNI, and CISA statement here.

For further details on Russia’s tactics, the FBI’s recent press releases and CISA’s threat briefings provide ongoing updates about Russian operations and government responses. More in-depth analysis of the broader impact of these influence tactics can be found through reports from reputable think tanks such as the Kettering Foundation.

This concerted effort underscores the high stakes of protecting democratic institutions in an increasingly digital world, where foreign actors exploit new technologies to shape public perceptions and undermine trust. As Russia continues to evolve its tactics, the responsibility falls on both government agencies and individual citizens to remain vigilant and uphold the integrity of democratic processes.