Topline
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign said Saturday it was hit by a hack “from foreign sources hostile to the United States,” according to multiple outlets, pointing to a Microsoft report published Friday that Iran-affiliated groups are engaging in disinformation and hacking to interfere in the upcoming election.
Trump speaks at a Bozeman, Montana, rally Friday. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)
Key Facts
Politico first reported the hack after reporting it began receiving emails from an “anonymous account with documents from inside Trump’s operation.”
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung confirmed to Axios that internal documents were received from an anonymous account that “intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process.”
Cheung also said the report coincides with “the close timing” of Trump’s selection of JD Vance as his vice president.
The Microsoft report identified a spear-phishing email sent in June to a high-ranking official of an unnamed presidential campaign, noting the hack was conducted using email credentials of a former senior advisor.
Politico reported the documents it received included a 271-page research document from February labeled “potential vulnerabilities” on Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, that was apparently the Trump campaign’s initial efforts to vet him as a vice-presidential candidate.
Also shared, according to Politico, were apparent vetting documents on Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., also a one-time contender to become Trump’s running mate.
Cheung did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment.
Crucial Quote
“The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House,” Cheung said in a statement sent to various news organizations.
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Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, the Reddit blackout protest and debunked viral rumors. Prior to joining Forbes, Antonio was a reporter with the San Fernando Valley Business Journal and Los Angeles Business Journal covering the local finance and biotech sectors. He graduated from California State University San Marcos in 2020 and completed a master’s degree in journalism at the University of Southern California the following year. Follow Pequeño for continued coverage on Elon Musk, X and ongoing developments at various social media companies. Tips: apequeno@forbes.com.
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