Executive Summary

Foreign adversaries are intensifying covert action operations within and against the United States. These campaigns extend beyond disinformation to include cyberattacks, physical threats, and plots targeting individuals on US soil. Adversaries are exploiting political polarisation, public sentiment, and technological vulnerabilities to undermine trust in democratic institutions and influence public discourse. Today, disinformation campaigns have become more sophisticated, leveraging social media, deep fakes, and online personas. Increasingly, state and non-state actors exploit the often unwitting amplification by individuals, influencers, and even US political figures. This trend, therefore, poses a persistent and evolving threat to US national security. It has the potential to shape policy debates, public opinion, erode trust, and strain diplomatic relations.