(LibertySociety.com) – In a coordinated effort to “sow discord and shape the outcome of U.S. elections,” Iranian cyber actors sent emails over the summer to individuals connected with President Biden’s re-election campaign, containing stolen materials from former President Trump’s campaign, according to a joint statement released Wednesday by the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
The U.S. agencies reported that “Iranian malicious cyber actors in late June and early July sent unsolicited emails to individuals then associated with President Biden’s campaign that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former President Trump’s campaign as text in the emails.” The agencies emphasized that there is currently no evidence that any of the recipients responded to these emails.
The intelligence agencies also revealed that Iran’s efforts to interfere with the U.S. election process have continued beyond the summer. Since June, Iranian operatives have attempted to send stolen Trump campaign materials to U.S. media outlets, seeking to manipulate public perception. “Iranian malicious cyber actors have continued their efforts since June to send stolen, non-public material associated with former President Trump’s campaign to U.S. media organizations,” the agencies noted.
The statement underscored that Iran’s activities are part of a broader campaign to “stoke discord and undermine confidence in our electoral process.” The FBI is actively investigating the matter and coordinating with the victims involved. “Foreign actors are increasing their election influence activities as we approach November,” the agencies warned.
Former President Trump responded to the revelations during a campaign stop in Uniondale, New York, calling the Iranian interference “insanity.” He criticized the Biden administration, suggesting that Iranian operatives targeted his campaign because of his tough stance on Iran. “Three agencies of the Kamala Harris and Joe Biden administration – the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency – they just released a report, confirming that Iranian actors hacked into the Trump campaign’s email accounts and, in turn, sought to give the hacked material to the Biden-Harris campaign,” Trump said.
Trump accused Biden of cooperating with Iran, stating, “They gave them all of the materials because Biden is working with Iran, and Iran doesn’t exactly like me because they were ready to make a deal.” He continued his attack on the administration, calling for change in the upcoming election. “But we cannot allow this insanity to continue anymore… Kamala, you’ve been a terrible vice president. You will be an even worse president. We’re not going to take it anymore. You’re fired. Get out!”
Iran is not the only foreign power accused of meddling in the 2024 presidential election. In July, ODNI officials identified Russia as the “preeminent threat” to the election, noting that Russian operatives are employing familiar tactics, such as using social media to amplify their narratives and targeting swing state voters.
The intelligence community has previously warned that foreign adversaries are likely to escalate their efforts to interfere as Election Day approaches, posing a significant threat to the integrity of the U.S. electoral process.
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