Trump Hit by Bombshell Threat From Hackers Who Stole His Aides' Emails
A shocking threat has emerged from an Iranian-linked hacking group claiming to have obtained sensitive emails from Donald Trump's inner circle, sparking concerns about national security and the integrity of the 2024 presidential election.
The Hackers' Daring Claim
The hackers, known by their online pseudonym "Robert," claim to have stolen over 100 gigabytes of emails from the accounts of key Trump advisors and associates, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Trump lawyer Lindsey Halligan, longtime ally Roger Stone, and Stormy Daniels, the adult film star who was paid a hush money settlement by Trump ahead of the 2016 election.
According to Robert, the hackers are considering selling the stolen emails on the dark web, but have refused to disclose what information they contain or who potential buyers might be. The group's ominous warning has sent shockwaves through Washington, with top officials scrambling to respond to the threat.
A Response from Law Enforcement
FBI Director Kash Patel vowed that the FBI would take the threat "with the utmost seriousness" and would investigate any breach of national security. "Anyone associated with any kind of breach will be fully investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he said in a statement to the Daily Beast.
Director of Public Affairs at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Marci McCarthy described the threat as a "hostile" foreign adversary attempting to distract, discredit, and divide. She warned that the agency would leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of those responsible for the cyber attack.
Details Emerge
Reuters has authenticated several emails obtained by the hacking group, which reveal details of a financial arrangement between Trump and attorneys representing former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—now Trump's health secretary—as well as settlement negotiations between Trump and Daniels.
The Justice Department previously alleged that Iran's Revolutionary Guards were behind the Robert hacking group, but the hackers declined to comment on this claim in online conversations with Reuters.
A Controversial Past
Trump's campaign team had earlier accused Iran of hacking their emails and distributing a trove of sensitive information. The controversy surrounding Trump's past dealings with Russia and other foreign adversaries has left many wondering if the latest threat is part of a larger game of cyber espionage.
A Warning from Washington
At least three news organizations—Politico, The New York Times, and The Washington Post—received the documents but did not report on their contents. Independent journalist Ken Klippenstein later published materials handed to him on his Substack, allegedly obtained via the Iranian hack.
The information included details of Trump's vetting process for key figures such as JD Vance and Marco Rubio, who was chosen as the Republican vice presidential candidate.
A Calculated Smear Campaign
CISA Director McCarthy described the cyber attack as "digital propaganda" aimed at damaging President Trump and discrediting his associates. She warned that those responsible would be found and brought to justice, with no refuge or leniency for their actions.