A group that is laying the framework for a future Donald Trump administration says its computer systems were breached, marking the second recorded incidence of a cyberattack against people who support the former president.
The America First Policy Institute uncovered the hack last week. It would not specify which materials were compromised.
“As the leading policy group in the America First movement, it is not surprising that hostile foreign actors would attempt to infiltrate our IT,” said Marc Lotter, the organization’s chief communications officer. “The tactics, techniques, and procedures of the threat actor are similar to that of nation-state sponsored activities we have seen, allowing us to remediate and respond quickly.”
AFPI is one of numerous organizations that established after Trump left office to assist prepare the basis for the next Republican government. It has been creating policy guides, executive directives, and draft legislation for Trump to potentially implement if elected.
It is led by Brooke Rollins, who previously oversaw Trump’s Domestic Policy Council and is widely regarded as a top contender if Trump wins again.
Linda McMahon, who previously managed Trump’s Small Business Administration, now serves as a co-chair of Trump’s transition team.
The claimed intrusion comes after officials say Iranian hackers targeted Trump’s campaign and certain supporters’ email accounts, stealing some data. Three Iranian operatives have been indicted with the cyberattack.
On Saturday, the FBI declined to comment on the newest suspected hack.