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The FBI has confirmed it is investigating alleged cyberattacks on the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, with accusations pointing toward Iranian government involvement.
What’s the deal: Over the weekend, the Trump campaign alleged that Iranian hackers breached their operation, stealing sensitive documents, including a research file on Ohio Senator JD Vance, his running mate. The dossier, obtained months before Vance’s selection, was anonymously shared with media outlets, raising concerns about foreign interference in the 2024 election. The Iranian government is also suspected of targeting Biden’s former campaign advisers.
What the FBI is saying: According to various news outlets, the FBI has confirmed they have been investigating cyberattacks against both Trump and at least one against President Biden’s former campaign.
Iran responds: In a brief comment, Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York City said, “The Iranian government neither possesses nor harbors any intent or motive to interfere in the United States presidential election.” They added, “We do not accord any credence to such reports.”
What Trump claimed: In a statement, Trump said, “We were just informed by Microsoft Corporation that one of our many websites was hacked by the Iranian Government – Never a nice thing to do! They were only able to get publicly available information but, nevertheless, they shouldn’t be doing anything of this nature. Iran and others will stop at nothing, because our Government is Weak and Ineffective, but it won’t be for long. What Iran doesn’t realize is that I will make the World a better and safer place, and that’s good for them, also!”
Trump spokesman comments: When asked about the dossier leak, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said, “These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process. 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.”
