Donald Trump has signed an executive order allowing for sanctions over election meddling amid fears Russia, China, Iran and North Korea could target the November midterms.

Any individual, entity or country which authorises, directs, sponsors or supports interference could be hit with economic penalties under the US president's new order.

The punishments could include blocking assets, restricting export licenses, limiting access to US banks or even deporting those who are found to have been involved.

It is an attempt to guarantee the legitimacy of the congressional and state-wide elections on November 6 as well as future votes after Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential race.

The move will ease pressure on Mr Trump to act. He was heavily criticised in July for not blaming Russia for the 2016 interference during a press conference with Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, in Helsinki.

John Bolton, the White House national security adviser, said the action showed that Mr Trump has “taken command of the issue” of election meddling, adding: “It is something he cares deeply about”.