National security adviser H.R. McMaster says there are early signs of Russian interference in Mexico’s upcoming presidential election.
Providing the keynote address for the Jamestown Foundation, McMaster pointed to Mexico as an example of where Russia is engaging in a disinformation campaign.
Mexicans will vote on July 1 to elect a new president, every senator and representative, some governors, and thousands of officials in states across the country, and analysts and officials have already expressed concern about the potential for Russian interference.
Russia has a history of backing left-wing governments in Latin America. It had close relations with Cuba throughout the Cold War, maintains ties with Nicaragua's government, and has grown increasingly close to Venezuela's embattled government.
Many speculate Moscow could try to back Mexico's left-wing presidential candidate, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Some Mexican political commentators said that there was little reason yet to fear Russian involvement in the electio due to lack of evidence supporting US claims. Mexico still considers them as "speculation".
