In a new twist to the 2024 election cycle, an Iranian-linked hacking group known as “Robert” has managed to leak sensitive campaign emails from Donald Trump’s team. The emails, now posted on platforms like Substack and American Muckrakers PAC, provide a rare look into Trump’s internal communications and underscore the foreign interference risks that have plagued U.S. elections in recent years.
South Korea’s spy agency first tracked the hacking activities in May and June, when the Iranian group, allegedly working with Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, infiltrated multiple Trump campaign accounts. They used fake AOL emails under the alias “Robert,” reaching out to major media outlets including Politico, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, though initial leaks failed to attract mainstream coverage.
After multiple attempts to publicize the documents, the hackers turned to smaller platforms like American Muckrakers, known for exposing controversial Republican figures. David Wheeler, head of American Muckrakers, confirmed the authenticity of the documents, stating his intent was to “expose how desperate the Trump campaign is to try to win,” though he declined to comment on the documents’ origin.
A leaked October email shows Trump’s team strategizing with allies over responses to high-profile controversies, including their assessment of potential vice-presidential candidates JD Vance and Marco Rubio. This came alongside a new surge in leaked files discussing state races where Trump-endorsed candidates faced mounting scrutiny.
As the FBI warns journalists about engaging with the Iranian group, “Robert” has continued to expand its leaks, defying accusations of foreign interference. Trump’s camp has called the hacks an attempt to “sow chaos,” pointing to the threats Iran has posed since the 2020 U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. In a statement, Iran’s UN mission dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” but the U.S. Department of Justice and intelligence officials continue to probe Tehran’s possible involvement.
With Election Day on the horizon, the growing influence of foreign actors like Iran poses an unprecedented challenge: will these leaks impact public opinion—or does the U.S. electorate see this as yet another election cycle marked by international interference?
