U.S. Calls Iranian Hacker Threat to Release Trump-Related Emails a 'Smear Campaign'

By Dler Mohammed

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The United States has dismissed reported threats by pro-Iranian hackers to publish emails allegedly stolen from individuals linked to U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it a “calculated smear campaign,” according to AP.

Federal cybersecurity officials say the hackers' claims are part of a broader strategy to manipulate public opinion and sow division within the U.S., especially amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) responded to the hacking claims late Monday, labeling the threats as “nothing more than digital propaganda.” In a post on social media, CISA spokeswoman Marci McCarthy said, “A hostile foreign adversary is threatening to illegally exploit purportedly stolen and unverified material in an effort to distract, discredit, and divide,” adding that the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted.

According to AP, the warning follows a report by Reuters, which contacted the alleged hackers. The group claimed to possess a cache of emails involving Trump’s top aides, including chief of staff Susie Wiles, as well as communications tied to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. A hush money payment to Daniels was central to Trump’s recent criminal conviction.

This is not the first time Iranian-linked cyber actors have been implicated in targeting U.S. political figures. Last year, federal prosecutors charged three Iranians with hacking into Trump’s presidential campaign. These actors also reportedly attempted to breach the Biden-Harris campaign, although those efforts were unsuccessful.

The renewed threats come at a time of heightened vigilance. On the same day the email exposure threat was reported, CISA, the FBI, and the National Security Agency (NSA) jointly issued a public bulletin. The document warned that Iran-aligned cyber groups might attempt to attack U.S. critical infrastructure, including utilities, transportation networks, and financial systems, despite a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

According to the bulletin, targets could also include American defense contractors and companies with strong links to Israel. Authorities recommended enhanced cybersecurity practices such as regular software updates, multi-factor authentication, and robust password protocols to mitigate the risk.

Although Iranian-backed hackers have previously launched cyberattacks against U.S. banks, defense entities, and energy firms, officials noted that these actions have so far failed to cause widespread disruptions. Still, the U.S. government continues to view the threat as serious and evolving.