The FBI informed Todd Blanche, President-elect Donald Trump's lawyer, that Chinese hackers hacked his phone and obtained audio recordings and texts, although the content did not relate to Trump, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Reports last month suggested that hackers jailed in China were targeting Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance and others, including people connected to the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris.
CNN first reported the news.
“The US government is investigating unauthorized access to telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People's Republic of China,” the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said in a joint statement last month.
CHINESE RIVERS ATTEMPTED TO COMPLETE TRUMP AND HARRIS CAMPAIGN DATA
Former President Donald Trump speaks with his attorney, Todd Blanche, right, as he arrives at his hush money hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
“After the FBI identified a specific malicious activity targeting this industry, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) quickly notified the companies involved, provided technical assistance, and quickly shared information to help other potential victims,” the statement noted.
Trump is now the president-elect after defeating Harris in the 2024 race for the White House earlier this week.
He won key states including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, and went on to sweep the Electoral College.
CHINA'S INTERNET GROUP SHOWS PHONES OF TRUMP FAMILY, BIDEN AIDES: REPORT
Attorney Todd Blanche listens as his client, former President Donald Trump, speaks during his hush money hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
While the US and China trade heavily, the Communist nation is widely viewed as a growing rival and adversary challenging US global power.
America's relationship with China is one of the many challenges Trump is expected to face next year after returning to the White House.
“On November 7, 2024, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Donald J. Trump on his election as the next President of the United States,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
XI JINPING WARNS TRUMP US WILL 'GET OUT OF RELATIONSHIP' WITH CHINA AS TRADE WAR RENEWS.
Former President Donald Trump, left, gives brief remarks with his attorney Todd Blanche after the conclusion of his hush money trial in Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
“Xi Jinping noted that history tells us that both countries will benefit from cooperation and lose from conflict,” the ministry added.
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