Trump’s FBI nominee targeted in Iran-backed hack, reports say 15 hours ago James FitzGerald BBC News US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the FBI was reportedly one of the targets of a recent cyberattack backed by Iran.
The FBI informed Kash Patel that his communications had been targeted, two people familiar with the matter told CBS News, the BBC’s partner network in the US.
In September, US authorities charged three members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with hacking Trump’s presidential campaign.
The scale or consequences were not clear following the fresh hacking attempt of Patel, which was first reported by the news website Semafor.
For Patel to take the job, the current FBI director Christopher Wray – also appointed by Trump during his first stint – would need to resign or be sacked.
According to reports, an Iran-backed hack targeted Trump’s FBI nominee.
Fifteen hours prior.
Fitz Gerald James.
BBC News.
According to reports, a recent cyberattack supported by Iran targeted US President-elect Donald Trump’s appointed FBI director.
Two people with knowledge of the situation told CBS News, the BBC’s partner network in the US, that the FBI notified Kash Patel that his communications had been targeted. It’s unclear if the purported hacking attempt was successful or how much data was compromised.
The announcement comes after US officials warned of hackings on Trump allies from Iran since the summer. In September, three Iranians were charged by prosecutors in relation to a cyberattack on Trump’s campaign for the 2024 election.
Similar accusations have previously been refuted by Iran.
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“Kash Patel was a key part of the first Trump administration’s efforts against the terrorist Iranian regime and will implement President Trump’s policies to protect America from adversaries as the FBI director,” a Trump spokesperson declared in a statement to US news outlets that did not specifically acknowledge the reports. “..”.
Regarding the purported hacking, the FBI chose not to comment.
Trump ordered a deadly drone strike on top Iranian commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani in 2020, during his first term in the White House, and officials have previously accused Iran of repeatedly attempting to target those close to him.
In September, US officials accused three Iranian members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of hacking the Trump campaign. The three were charged with providing the opposing Democratic campaign with stolen content.
Following Patel’s recent hacking attempt, which was initially publicized by the news website Semafor, the scope and repercussions were unclear.
The United States accuses three Iranians of hacking the Trump campaign.
Trump appoints former aide Patel, a loyalist, to head the FBI.
Trump has plans to restructure the FBI, but some question whether he is qualified.
Patel, a loyalist and former head of the defense department during his first term, was named by Trump on Saturday as his choice to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), an organization that both men have frequently criticized.
He has been praised by the president-elect as “a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people.”.
However, after Patel promised to “come after” some Trump opponents, detractors attacked his credentials and expressed concerns that the FBI might be used to exact revenge.
The current FBI director, Christopher Wray, who was also appointed by Trump during his first term, would have to step down or be fired in order for Patel to take the position.
The United States Senate will need to confirm Patel’s appointment. Trump is scheduled to take office again on January 20, 2025.
