Iran-Linked Hackers Threaten New Email Leak Targeting Trump Circle
A hacker group with alleged ties to Iran has threatened to release additional stolen emails from individuals close to U.S. President Donald Trump, according to online communications reviewed by Reuters.
The group, operating under the alias "Robert," claims to possess approximately 100 gigabytes of emails. The messages were reportedly taken from accounts belonging to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Trump attorney Lindsey Halligan, adviser Roger Stone, and Stormy Daniels.
The hackers previously distributed a batch of emails to journalists ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Some of the material, authenticated by Reuters, included discussions about legal settlements and campaign strategy. However, the leaks did not significantly impact the election, which Trump ultimately won.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the breach as "an unconscionable cyber-attack." FBI Director Kash Patel said those responsible would be "fully investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
A post by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) described the incident as "digital propaganda" and a "calculated smear campaign."
According to a 2024 indictment, the U.S. Justice Department accused Iran's Revolutionary Guards of operating the Robert hacking group. The hackers have not commented on that allegation.
Robert previously said they had ceased operations but resumed activity following the recent Israel-Iran conflict and subsequent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. They are now attempting to sell the stolen data and have reached out to media outlets to publicize the issue.
Iranian officials have not responded to requests for comment. In the past, Tehran has denied involvement in cyberespionage.
