Ex-DHS chief Chad Wolf delayed, altered intelligence report on Russian meddling in 2020 election, IG finds
![Chad Wolf, Donald Trump](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jBhi3izJfC4b5jwnE92gnC-415-80.jpg)
Former acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf inappropriately interfered with a 2020 intelligence assessment that Russia was trying to meddle in the 2020 election, delaying and making changes to the report that "appear to be based in part on political considerations," according to a report by the department's inspector general released Tuesday.
Wolf "participated in the review process multiple times despite lacking any formal role in reviewing the product, resulting in the delay of its dissemination on at least one occasion," and risking "creating a perception of politicization," the Department of Homeland Security watchdog wrote in the April 26 report.
The DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis wrote a draft report warning about Russia's efforts to spread misinformation harmful to the candidacy of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, and a whistleblower filed a complaint in September 2020 alleging that Wolf ordered the report to be "held" and expanded because it "made the president look bad."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Wolf told me that the plan with respect to the administration was to downplay Russian disinformation, that was supporting the Democrats," and instead to "upscale the threat from China" and Iran, the whistleblower, Brian Murphy, told CBS News.
The final report included a "tone box" on efforts by China and Iran to amplify questions about then-President Donald Trump's mental health, an addition criticized by an analytic ombudsman from Intelligence and Analysis. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence concluded in a March 2021 report that Russian President Vladimir Putin had authorized agents to undermine Biden, Iran had expanded its efforts to meddling in the election, and China had determined interfering was not worth the risk.
Wolf, who resigned in January 2021 after several federal judges and the Government Accountability Office determined that he was holding his office illegally, told the DHS inspector general in writing that the report on Russian meddling "was not well written" and wouldn't have given election officials "any knowledge they could use," so he tried to improve the report.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
'Democrats now have a chance to present a vigorous, compelling case'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?
In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
How Black organizations quickly pivoted and mobilized for Kamala Harris
In the spotlight Harris has a shot at being the first Black woman to lead the Democratic ticket
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Menendez convicted of bribery, fraud, and extortion
Speed Read The New Jersey Democratic Senator was found guilty in a federal corruption trial
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Florida judge dismisses Trump documents case
Speed Read Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that special counsel Jack Smith was improperly appointed
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Hamas says military chief survived Israeli strike
Speed Read An Israeli bombing failed to hit its intended target, military commander Mohammed Deif, but killed at least 90 Palestinians
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden, Trump urge calm after assassination attempt
Speed Reads A 20-year-old gunman grazed Trump's ear and fatally shot a rally attendee on Saturday
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
First Israeli report on Oct. 7 finds 'severe mistakes and errors' in IDF response
Speed Reads Israeli military admits failures in response to deadly Hamas attack that triggered Gaza war
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Even with the incumbency factor, the center-left can win and win big'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Biden saw neurologist during physicals
Speed Read Following his bad debate performance, many are asking questions about the president's brain
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published