‘Alarming allegations': FBI director Kash Patel declassifies documents on 2020 election; China, Russia accused of meddling
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FBI Director Kash Patel has made public a batch of documents that he claims contain 'alarming allegations' about foreign interference in the 2020 US presidential election.
"The FBI has located documents which detail alarming allegations related to the 2020 US election, including allegations of interference by the CCP.
I have immediately declassified the material and turned the documents over to Chairman Grassley for further review," Patel tweeted.
According to BBC, a statement from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) before the 2020 election had warned that China, Russia, and Iran were among the countries trying to influence the outcome of the election through both open and secret methods.
William Evanina, the head of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) had said China was believed to oppose Donald Trump's re-election and had been working to expand its influence in the United States.
Russia, on the other hand, was accused of attempting to damage Joe Biden's candidacy, partly by spreading disinformation on social media and Russian TV. Iran was also said to be engaging in efforts to create confusion and undermine democratic institutions.
When asked about the interference report during a press conference, President Trump had said at that time his administration would examine the claims 'very closely.' He added that he didn't believe Russia wanted him to win, arguing that his administration had taken the toughest stance against Moscow compared to any other.
Since starting his second term in January 2025, Trump has taken steps and made remarks that suggest a friendlier approach towards Russia than earlier US administrations.
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