Chinese Hackers Target Trump and Running Mate J.D. Vance’s Phones in Espionage Campaign
U.S. Officials Race Against Time to Secure Presidential Campaign Amid Escalating Foreign Cyber Threats
Chinese hackers have reportedly targeted cellphones used by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, according to two sources familiar with the ongoing investigation. While it remains uncertain if any data was compromised, U.S. officials are grappling with this high-profile breach, believed to be part of a larger Chinese cyber-espionage campaign aimed at influential American figures.
Though the FBI has not confirmed specific targets, it acknowledged its investigation into “unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China.” The agency emphasized its collaboration with other government entities and industry partners to bolster cyber defenses across the telecommunications sector, signifying a united front in mitigating this national security threat.
Espionage Campaign Targeting High-Level Figures
U.S. intelligence agencies suspect Trump and Vance are part of a broader target list, with other high-profile individuals reportedly under similar cyber scrutiny by Chinese operatives. Sources suggest this breach aligns with recent Chinese tactics exploiting vulnerabilities in U.S. communication and infrastructure networks.
The incident was first reported by The New York Times, noting that U.S. security officials had alerted Trump and Vance earlier in the week. In response, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung accused the campaign of Democrat Kamala Harris of emboldening foreign adversaries, including China and Iran, through perceived weaknesses in national security policies.
Previous Chinese Cyber Attacks on U.S. Infrastructure
This recent breach adds to a growing list of Chinese cyber threats directed at American infrastructure. Earlier this year, FBI Director Chris Wray informed Congress about Volt Typhoon, a state-backed Chinese hacking group that targeted small office and home routers across the U.S. These routers were reportedly used as access points to critical infrastructure like water treatment plants, the electrical grid, and transportation networks.
Last month, Wray disclosed another Chinese campaign that the FBI had disrupted. This operation planted malicious software on over 200,000 consumer devices, including cameras, video recorders, and routers, targeting universities, government agencies, and other critical organizations, fueling concerns over China’s advancing cyber capabilities.
Political and Security Implications Ahead of the Election
If confirmed, the infiltration of Trump and Vance’s phones highlights the growing cybersecurity risks for political campaigns. With foreign adversaries intensifying their digital warfare tactics, cybersecurity remains a priority for U.S. officials working to protect election integrity and prevent interference in the upcoming election.