Chinese hackers target campaign phones of Trump, Vance and Harris: US media reports

The FBI has launched an investigation into alleged hacking by Chinese operatives after reports surfaced that mobile phones belonging to Donald Trump, JD Vance, and individuals connected to Kamala Harris’s campaign were targeted. According to The New York Times, Chinese hackers allegedly infiltrated Verizon’s mobile network, attempting to access communications linked to these high-profile figures. Both The New York Times and Associated Press confirmed that members of Harris’s campaign were also targeted.

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a joint statement about “unauthorized access” to U.S. telecom infrastructure by agents linked to the People’s Republic of China. They emphasized a coordinated response with industry partners to enhance cybersecurity defenses, particularly within commercial communication sectors. Although the FBI and CISA did not disclose specific targets, Verizon acknowledged a sophisticated attempt aimed at compromising U.S. telecom networks for intelligence purposes.

This news arrives as U.S. officials remain vigilant about foreign interference ahead of the November presidential election. Previously, the Trump campaign had suffered a hacking attempt, allegedly by members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. While U.S. Intelligence believes that China maintains a neutral stance in the presidential race, they suspect China has shifted its focus to local elections, targeting candidates across both parties based on their positions on issues sensitive to Beijing, such as Taiwan.