MIAMI, United States – A recent report from the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) reveals that the Cuban regime is conducting influence operations to support candidates in the 2024 legislative elections, particularly those who favor easing sanctions and improving relations between Havana and Washington.
The report places Cuba alongside major powers like Russia and China on a list of foreign governments interfering in US electoral processes.
The report, published just over a month before the US presidential elections and cited by the AP news agency, indicates that the Cuban government is “almost certainly” attempting to influence the results, especially those candidates that could benefit its foreign policy interests.
“Cuba has attempted in past elections to assist candidates it views as sympathetic to its interests, such as the reduction of economic sanctions,” according to a US intelligence official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
According to the report, these influence activities are designed to shape public and political perception of Cuba, capitalizing on the tight race for control of the US Congress.
Cuban influence operations are not limited to high-profile races but could also target local and state elections that could directly impact US foreign policy toward the island. “Cuba is not new to these attempts, but the current conditions allow them to intensify their efforts,” the report adds.
Like other foreign powers mentioned in the report, such as Russia and China, the Cuban government has turned to disinformation campaigns to influence public opinion and potentially sway the election outcomes. These tactics include creating networks of fake websites and social media accounts that pose as US citizens, spreading misinformation about candidates and key issues. The strategy also seeks to divide voters on hot-button topics such as the economy and foreign policy.
“Disinformation is a powerful tool used to generate distrust in the electoral system and deepen internal divisions in the United States,” explained another ODNI official. In Cuba’s case, the narrative focuses on improving bilateral relations and reducing economic tensions caused by US sanctions.
The report notes that these tactics may be designed to favor candidates more aligned with opening relations with the island, as has been the case in the past with those advocating for the lifting of the embargo or promoting cultural and trade exchanges.
The intelligence agencies’ warning comes at a time when US elections for the House of Representatives and Senate are expected to be particularly close. Analysts suggest that foreign influence could tip the balance in some of these key districts. “This kind of interference is more effective in tight races, where every vote counts and results can hinge on disinformation campaigns or foreign influence,” noted one of the officials consulted.
In the context of the presidential election, the report also mentions that Russia has been supporting former President Donald Trump, while China has maintained a more neutral stance. However, in Cuba’s case, its primary interest remains improving bilateral relations, regardless of who occupies the White House.
Both Cuba and other countries mentioned in the report, such as Russia, China, and Iran, have categorically denied accusations of interference in US elections. However, US national security officials have warned that influence and disinformation operations pose a significant threat to the integrity of the elections. “Although there is no evidence that election results can be changed, disinformation is a threat we must take seriously,” warned Jen Easterly, Director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
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