Intelligence chief reaffirms Russia is trying to meddle in the midterms, says he doesn't know what Trump and Putin discussed

Dan Coats.
(Image credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats on Thursday said that the cyberattacks that are persistently working to "weaken and divide the United States" are targeting all Americans, "regardless of party."

Speaking at a White House press briefing, Coats emphasized the "pervasive messaging campaign" that could influence the 2018 midterm elections, but said the efforts were not as "robust" as the interference in the 2016 elections.

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Summer Meza, The Week US

Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.