U.S. intelligence identified in 2020 that Chinese actors accessed voter registration data from multiple states, according to a declassified April 2020 National Intelligence Council memo and officials with direct knowledge. The memo states Chinese intelligence analyzed U.S. voter data to conduct public opinion research tied to the presidential election.
Officials said additional raw intelligence reports and at least one presidential daily briefing referenced the data access, though the declassified memo remains the only publicly available document confirming the activity. The scope of the breach, how the data was obtained, and any follow-on actions have not been fully disclosed.
Former intelligence officer Christopher Porter said agencies were aware by April 2020 that China had obtained voter data and was analyzing it in connection to the election, but efforts to elevate the information were blocked. He also alleged the intelligence was not fully shared with policymakers or Congress.
U.S. intelligence agencies have maintained that China developed the capability to influence the election but did not carry out overt interference. That assessment has been disputed by some officials, including Porter, who said there was evidence suggesting potential meddling.
