The cyber attack, which was carried out by the Department of Defense's network security network, has previously been secretly stamped and this is the first time the US confirms that it has been carried out.

Donald Trump was asked by the Washington Post earlier this week if he had ordered the cyber attack.

"Correct," the president replied, according to the newspaper.

Should stop Russian campaign

The attack was aimed at the Russian troll factory Internet Research Agency, which is linked to an oligarch close to President Vladimir Putin, the Washington Post writes. The disinformation company was active even during the 2016 election, and then published material on the internet in an attempt to fuel conflicts.

The attack on the Russian magic factory began on Election Day and then continued for several days, with the aim of stopping a campaign that would cast doubt on the election result.

Part of the first campaign

The US attack was part of a first campaign to stop Russian attempts to influence US elections.

Donald Trump has previously failed to confirm that such attempts were made from Russia.