Trump Campaign Reports Hacking of Internal Communications, Blames 'Hostile Foreign Sources'

Former President Donald Trump's campaign announced on a Saturday that their internal communications were infiltrated by hackers. This acknowledgment followed POLITICO's receipt of emails from an anonymous account containing internal documents from Trump's campaign. Foreign adversaries, particularly Iranian hackers, were blamed for the breach, according to a Microsoft report.

Anonymous Emails and Microsoft's Report

The anonymous emails, received by POLITICO, contained documents from within Trump's campaign. These documents were claimed to have been obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, causing concern about potential interference in the 2024 election.

Trump Campaign's Response and Attribution to Iran

Trump's campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, attributed the breach to "foreign sources hostile to the United States," specifically citing Iranian hackers. Cheung emphasized the timing of the breach coinciding with President Trump's selection of a vice presidential nominee.

Anonymous Source and the Data Obtained

POLITICO received the emails from an anonymous source, referred to as "Robert," who claimed to have extensively infiltrated Trump's campaign. The documents obtained included a detailed research dossier on Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and internal campaign discussions.

Hacker's Identity and Scope of Breach

The hacker's identity remains unknown, and the full scope of the information obtained is still unclear. However, it signifies a significant security breach and compromise of internal communications within Trump's campaign.

Political Implications and Security Concerns

This breach raises concerns about potential foreign interference in the 2024 election, similar to the 2016 hacks on the Democratic Party. The incident brings forth the need for enhanced security measures and safeguarding internal communications to prevent such breaches in the future.