Sources informed CBS News on Thursday that unknown individuals gained access to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles’ personal cellphone. The perpetrators reportedly used her contacts to reach out to other high-ranking officials and impersonate her.
According to sources, some recipients of these communications became suspicious when the messages and calls originated from an unfamiliar phone number. The impersonator or impersonators also allegedly asked to continue the conversations on alternative platforms, such as Telegram. Sources indicated that these suspicious messages were sent over an undetermined period.
CBS News sources also reported that Susie Wiles informed individuals that her phone had been compromised.
The Wall Street Journal initially reported on this incident on Thursday, detailing the federal investigation that has been launched in response. A White House spokesperson, when questioned by CBS News about the situation, stated, “The White House takes the cybersecurity of all staff very seriously, and this matter continues to be investigated.”
FBI Director Kash Patel provided a statement to CBS News, saying, “The FBI takes all threats against the President, his staff, and our cybersecurity with the utmost seriousness; safeguarding our administration officials’ ability to securely communicate to accomplish the President’s mission is a top priority.”
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