Imposing Certain Sanctions in the Event of Foreign Interference

Sep 14, 2018

Summary

Sets up a system for U.S. intelligence agencies to find foreign election meddling and for the government to punish those responsible with sanctions.

What problem does this solve?

Foreign countries might try to secretly influence U.S. elections using the internet, which could make people lose trust in the results. This order creates a formal process to investigate any meddling and automatically punish the foreign people or groups involved.

What does this order do?

Post-election assessment of foreign interference

Requires the Director of National Intelligence to assess and report on any foreign government's attempt to interfere in a U.S. election within 45 days after it concludes.

Mandatory sanctions on foreign meddlers

Directs the Treasury Department to block all property and assets in the U.S. belonging to any foreign person or entity found to have interfered in an election.

Report on election infrastructure impact

Requires the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to report on whether foreign interference affected election equipment, vote counting, or results.

Recommends sanctions on major foreign companies

Requires a recommendation to the President for additional sanctions on major companies in the financial, defense, energy, and tech sectors of the interfering country.

Suspends U.S. entry for sanctioned individuals

Bans any foreign person whose property is blocked under this order from entering the United States, either as an immigrant or nonimmigrant.

Who does this affect?

Foreign governments and individuals
U.S. intelligence and security agencies
U.S. financial institutions

What is the real world impact?

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Creates a formal process to counter election interference

Establishes a clear, repeatable process for the intelligence community to identify foreign meddling after an election and for government agencies to apply penalties, ensuring a structured response.

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Deters future foreign meddling

Aims to discourage foreign governments and individuals from attempting to interfere in U.S. elections by making it clear that there will be automatic and severe economic consequences.

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Could be influenced by political bias

Critics might argue that the final decision to impose sanctions rests with political appointees in the executive branch, which could lead to biased enforcement based on political relationships rather than the evidence.

When does this start?

This order became effective on September 12, 2018, and establishes several deadlines for actions following future U.S. elections.

Framework for implementation

Within 30 days of the order (by October 12, 2018), key department heads must develop a framework for carrying out their responsibilities.

Intelligence assessment deadline

No later than 45 days after a U.S. election, the Director of National Intelligence must deliver an assessment on foreign interference.

Impact report deadline

Within 45 days of receiving the intelligence assessment, the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security must deliver a report on the interference's impact.