Chinese spies hacked Trump attorney Todd Blanche’s phone: source
The FBI has notified Todd Blanche, an attorney for President-elect Donald Trump, that Chinese hackers breached his phone and obtained voice recordings and texts, although the data did not relate to Trump himself, as per a source familiar with the situation. Reports emerged last month indicating that hackers associated with China had targeted Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and other individuals linked to Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign.
CNN was the first to report this news. The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a joint statement last month saying, “The U.S. Government is investigating the unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China.”
Regarding the breach, the FBI identified specific malicious activities targeting the sector and promptly notified affected companies, provided technical assistance, and shared information to aid potential victims. Trump, having decisively defeated Harris in the 2024 White House contest, is now the president-elect. He secured victory in crucial swing states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, resulting in an Electoral College landslide.
While the U.S. and China maintain significant trade relations, China is widely perceived as a rising competitor and adversary that challenges U.S. dominance on the global stage. Trump is expected to face various challenges next year, particularly in U.S.-China relations, upon his return to the White House.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that on November 7, 2024, President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Donald J. Trump on his election as the next President of the United States. Xi Jinping emphasized that history indicates both countries benefit from cooperation and suffer from confrontation.
As the world awaits Trump’s return to the White House, it is crucial to address cybersecurity concerns and potential threats from foreign adversaries like China. The unauthorized access to personal data, including voice recordings and texts, highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information.
In conclusion, it is imperative for government agencies and private entities to collaborate on cybersecurity initiatives to prevent future breaches and protect national security interests. As Trump prepares to assume office once again, he must prioritize cybersecurity and address the challenges posed by foreign adversaries to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
