Chinese Hackers Targeted Phones Used by Donald Trump, JD Vance: Report

Chinese hackers allegedly targeted the phones of former President Donald Trump and Republican Senator JD Vance as part of a cyber-espionage effort against high-ranking American figures, according to reports. Citing sources close to the investigation, CNN stated that hackers linked to the Chinese government focused on prominent targets, including senior officials within the Biden administration.

The suspected cyberattacks were part of an extensive campaign that has compromised multiple U.S. telecommunications companies in recent months. Hackers reportedly aimed to gather sensitive information, particularly national security data, according to sources. U.S. intelligence agencies have recently alerted Trump’s campaign team to the targeting incident. Although it’s unclear what data the hackers may have accessed, foreign intelligence agencies, including China’s, value high-level communications from U.S. leaders.

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a joint statement confirming their active investigation into the unauthorized access of commercial telecommunications systems by “actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China.”

In a statement on Friday, the FBI and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), said, "The US Government is investigating the unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People's Republic of China."

Following these attacks, the FBI and CISA quickly provided technical support and warned affected companies to safeguard other potential targets.

Reports also suggest that this hacking campaign extends beyond individual targets, affecting major telecommunications providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen. CNN reported that the hackers likely attempted to intercept critical intelligence, possibly including data related to wiretap warrants from the Justice Department, although investigators found no direct evidence of searches tied to law enforcement matters involving Trump or Vance.

China has officially denied any involvement in the attacks, which U.S. intelligence officials see as part of a broader effort by China, Russia, and Iran to monitor or influence American political affairs. Though Chinese interference in the 2024 presidential election hasn’t been confirmed, there is evidence of covert social media operations linked to Chinese entities affecting congressional and local races.