China-Linked Cyberattack Targets Trump, Vance in Espionage Concerns
US authorities are currently investigating a cyberattack that allegedly targeted the telecommunications systems used by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, in what sources believe may be an effort by China-linked cybercriminals to access sensitive campaign information. This breach, first reported by CBS News, suggests that foreign actors attempted to infiltrate networks tied to both Republican and Democratic campaigns. Additionally, officials confirmed that phones associated with the Harris-Walz campaign were also likely targeted in this breach.
While it remains unclear whether any information was compromised, the incident has drawn the attention of the Department of Justice and the FBI. Both agencies declined to comment specifically on the targeting of candidates but acknowledged they are actively working to secure the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure from foreign threats. In a joint statement, the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed that they are “investigating unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications networks by affiliates of the People’s Republic of China.” They also noted that affected companies had been notified and were receiving assistance to secure their networks.
The Trump campaign reacted sharply, attributing the incident to “Democrat interference” aimed at hindering Trump’s return to the presidency—a claim for which there is no current evidence. Law enforcement officials are treating the cyberattack as an act of espionage rather than a campaign influence attempt, according to one source familiar with the investigation.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced that major US telecommunications firms, including Verizon, were targeted in related hacking attempts. Rich Young, a Verizon spokesperson, confirmed that “a sophisticated nation-state actor” appeared to be involved and assured the company’s cooperation with law enforcement in addressing any security breaches.
This attack on Trump’s campaign is not the first foreign interference incident this year. In September, three Iranian nationals allegedly linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were charged with attempting to disrupt the 2024 presidential race. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan recently acknowledged foreign actors view US elections as opportunities to disrupt and undermine confidence in American democracy. He emphasized the government’s focus on countering such interference as threats persist.
FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the risk posed by foreign cyber actors, particularly from China, in a January congressional hearing, noting their potential to inflict “real-world harm” on US infrastructure and institutions. This latest incident has raised fresh concerns among government officials about the vulnerability of US telecommunications networks to foreign espionage.
