The FBI has launched an investigation into allegations that hackers affiliated with the Iranian government targeted the Trump presidential campaign, according to a statement released on Monday. The probe follows claims from the Trump campaign that documents were illicitly obtained by “foreign sources hostile to the United States.”
While the FBI confirmed the investigation, it did not specifically name former President Trump or Iran. Iranian officials have denied any involvement in the hacking claims, and the U.S. government has yet to formally accuse Iran of any wrongdoing.
The scrutiny comes after Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) reported in June that an unnamed U.S. presidential campaign, which has not been identified, was targeted by spear-phishing attempts. These emails were designed to appear legitimate to deceive recipients into clicking malicious links.
In a statement on Saturday, Trump suggested that the hackers only accessed publicly available information. The FBI’s investigation reportedly began in early summer, following phishing attempts against both the Trump and Biden-Harris campaigns.
According to CBS News, the Biden-Harris campaign also experienced phishing attempts, with three staff members receiving suspicious emails shortly before President Biden’s announcement of his decision to step down from the race. However, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign stated that they are not aware of any breaches and continue to monitor cyber threats vigilantly.
The investigation into these hacking attempts was first reported by the Washington Post in June. Democratic lawmakers, including Congressman Adam Schiff, have expressed concern over the FBI’s response, urging the intelligence community to act swiftly to address potential foreign interference. Schiff criticized the slow response to previous Russian hacking efforts in 2016 and called for prompt action.
Congressman Eric Swalwell has also requested a briefing from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the alleged hack. Swalwell, who has been vocal about foreign interference in U.S. elections, highlighted that while Trump has previously invited foreign hacking, America must not tolerate such interference.
Additionally, the U.S. Justice Department recently charged a Pakistani national with alleged ties to Iran, accusing him of plotting to assassinate U.S. officials, including possibly the former president. This development underscores ongoing concerns about international threats against high-profile figures in the U.S.
The FBI’s investigation into the Iranian hacking claims and other related security issues continues, reflecting broader anxieties about foreign influence and cybersecurity in American politics.
