U.S. imposes sanctions targeting Russia and Iran over 2024 election interference
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US Sanctions Entities in Russia and Iran for Alleged 2024 Election Interference
Above: The United States Dept. of the Treasury Headquarters on Nov. 24, 2024, in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Michael A. McCoy/Contributor/The Washington Post via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
These election manipulation operations are classic Russian and Iranian tactics, demonstrating these two countries' continued efforts to destabilize American democracy. The sole aims of these actions are to stoke tensions and sway voter opinion, a clear breach of US sovereignty. The use of sanctions is imperative not only to safeguard democratic institutions but also to send a strong message that future elections will remain free from foreign meddling.
Establishment-critical narrative
These sanctions are the latest example of the US and its allies labeling any online information they disagree with as so-called "election interference." Germany, for instance, recently accused Elon Musk of election interference because he supported the AfD Party. The US, meanwhile, smears Russia and Iran as part of an "Axis of Evil" to justify its policies, painting a simplistic picture to vilify non-Western regimes and control the world.