Wasserman Schultz, Thompson Write Trump on Lack of Election Security Leadership in Run-up to 2020 Election

Washington, July 25, 2019 “It is imperative that you respond appropriately to contain the influence that Russia and other malign foreign actors are attempting to exert on our elections.”

(WASHINGTON) – Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to President Trump on the White House’s lack of election security leadership.

Letter excerpts:

“To the best of our knowledge, you have not designated any individual at the White House to coordinate interagency efforts to defend our elections against foreign interference, nor have you requested or received a recent joint briefing from the officials leading election security efforts across the Federal government. If this is accurate, it is deeply troubling and suggests a total disregard of a proven threat to our national security and our democratic system of government.

“We write to officially request confirmation that you designate an individual to coordinate a whole of government effort to secure our elections and that you receive an in-depth briefing from the Intelligence Community on Russian interference – and any other foreign interference – in our 2020 election. It is imperative that you respond appropriately to contain the influence that Russia and other malign foreign actors are attempting to exert on our elections.

“It is your responsibility, as Commander in Chief, to address the threat of cyber-attacks, influence operations, disinformation campaigns, and other activities that undermine the security and integrity of U.S. democratic institutions.  We implore you to treat this issue with seriousness and with the utmost sense of urgency and concern that it demands.”