The FBI has launched an investigation into an attempt by unknown individuals to access the personal phone of Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, sources told CBS News.
Wiles, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, reportedly told others that her phone had been hacked. According to CBS sources, an impersonator—or multiple impersonators—used her phone’s contact list to message high-level U.S. officials, prompting security concerns.
Some recipients became suspicious when the messages urged them to move conversations to other platforms, such as Telegram.
“The White House takes the cybersecurity of all staff very seriously, and this matter continues to be investigated,” a White House spokesperson said.
It remains unclear over what time period the messages were sent.
The Wall Street Journal was the first to report both the incident and the subsequent FBI investigation.
The impersonation targeted Wiles’ personal phone rather than any official government device, according to the outlet. It also reported that recipients of the suspicious messages included U.S. senators, governors, and leading business executives.
Wiles, the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, was considered a central figure in organizing Trump’s re-election campaign.
This is not the first time she has been linked to cybersecurity threats. Last year, three members of a cyber-espionage group tied to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards were indicted for launching cyberattacks against Trump campaign staff, including Wiles.
Responding to the latest incident, FBI Director Kash Patel told CBS News: “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.”
