FBI Investigates Chinese Hacking of Trump, Vance, and Harris Campaign Phones
The FBI has launched an investigation into allegations that Chinese hackers targeted the mobile phones of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and individuals associated with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris’ campaign.
The New York Times reported on Friday that hackers may have infiltrated the network of mobile provider Verizon to access communications.
The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a joint statement confirming the investigation into “unauthorised access” to the US telecom infrastructure by “actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China.” The agencies are working with industry partners to bolster cybersecurity and prevent further breaches.
Targeting High-Profile Campaign Phones
The New York Times reported that both Trump and Vance’s phone numbers were among those targeted, but the Republican campaign has not yet confirmed whether their communications were compromised. The Associated Press also reported that the Harris campaign had been targeted, although the Democratic team has not commented on the matter.
Verizon acknowledged that there had been a sophisticated attempt to infiltrate its systems, reportedly aimed at gathering intelligence through the US telecom network.
Ongoing Cybersecurity Threats
This latest incident highlights ongoing concerns about foreign interference in US elections and telecommunications. The FBI and CISA are aggressively working to mitigate the threat, collaborating with telecom companies to strengthen defenses across the commercial communications sector.
