Trump weakens US defenses against foreign interference as risks rise

Senate finds efforts by Saudi Arabia and others to meddle in US policy growing in scope, sophistication and reach'

The Trump administration has weakened tools the US government uses to combat foreign-influence campaigns, even as covert attempts by Saudi Arabia and other malign actors" to influence American policy are growing in scope, sophistication, and reach", according to a new Senate report.

The report, which was written by Democratic staff on the Senate permanent subcommittee on investigations and is expected to be released today, follows a Senate investigation into the controversial proposed takeover of the PGA Tour by the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.