WASHINGTON >> The Justice Department indicted an American commentator for Russian television Thursday as part of a broader effort by the government to crack down on Russia’s attempts to influence U.S. politics before November’s presidential election.

Dimitri Simes, who was an adviser to Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign, and his wife, Anastasia Simes, were charged with violating economic sanctions against Russia for their work for Channel One, a state-owned television network.

The indictments come as the United States has been cracking down on Russian efforts to spread content from Russian broadcasters among American audiences, often by disguising its origins. Dimitri Simes, who owns a home with his wife in Virginia but currently lives in Russia, has hosted a political talk show since 2022 on the network four nights a week and another on Sundays.

— The New York Times