POLITICO: The EU, Canada, and Lithuania withdrew from a conference on disinformation under pressure from the US / Telegram also received by the embassy in Romania

The Trump administration allegedly pressured diplomatic officials from the European Union, Canada and Lithuania to withdraw from an international conference dedicated to combating disinformation, according to excerpts from a State Department cable reviewed by POLITICO.

The alleged pressure came after the conference organizers announced discussion sessions on threats associated with U.S. government officials and with U.S. influence more broadly. In the excerpts reviewed, the document does not provide full details about the nature of the efforts or the response of the officials targeted.

The cable was reportedly also sent to the United States Embassy in Romania, indicating that U.S. diplomatic missions had been informed of the Washington administration’s position. The information comes amid tensions over how the U.S. government addresses international criticism related to disinformation and political influence.

As of yet, no complete official responses have been presented by the Trump administration, the European Union, Canada or Lithuania. The information is based on excerpts from a diplomatic cable reviewed by POLITICO, and the exact circumstances of the alleged pressure remain to be clarified.