Hackers stole $2m from Trump reelection fund, claims Wisconsin GOP
Hackers redirected payments to vendors providing direct mail services and hats
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Republican officials in Wisconsin say that hackers stole $2.3m from an account being used to help reelect Donald Trump.
State party chairman Andrew Hitt said that the suspicious activity was noticed on 22 October and that the FBI is now investigating.
Wisconsin is a key swing state in the 2020 election, having been won by Mr Trump in 2016 by just 23,000 votes.
“There’s no doubt RPW is now at a disadvantage with that money being gone,” Mr Hitt said, explaining that the party and campaign needs money late in the race to make quick decisions.
The Associated Press reports that Hitt said the hackers manipulated invoices from four vendors who were being paid to send out direct mail for the Trump campaign.
They were also providing pro-Trump material such as hats to hand out to supporters.
Hackers altered the invoices to direct payments to themselves and not the vendors. Mr Hitt said that it appears the attack began as a phishing scam.
Both the president and Democratic candidate Joe Biden will campaign in the state on Friday. It will be Mr Trump’s third visit to the state this week.
The RealClear Politics polling average for Wisconsin has Biden ahead by 6.4 points.
An ABC News/ Washington Post poll released on Wednesday has him leading by 17 points.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments