Topline
Hackers have taken $2.3 million from the Wisconsin Republican Party’s account supporting Trump’s reelection, the party’s chairman told The Associated Press on Thursday, a campaign disruption in the critical swing state less than a week from Election Day.
OCTOBER 27: Supporters of President Donald Trump attend a campaign rally at the LaCrosse ... [+]
Key Facts
Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Andrew Hitt said that suspicious activity in the account was identified on Oct. 22 and reported to the FBI the next day.
According to Hitt, the hack appeared to start as a phishing attempt, which is when scammers pose as someone else over email or text to extract personal information.
The hackers were then able to alter invoices from four vendors providing pro-Trump material and direct mail so that payments from the Wisconsin Republican party went to them instead of the vendors, funneling away a total of $2.3 million.
“Obviously, the hackers were extremely skilled and knowledgable,” said Hitt, explaining: “They came into one of the most vital battleground states at the perfect time when resources are being spent.”
This hack, which is being investigated by the FBI, follows a brief seizure of the Trump campaign’s website by scammers earlier this week.
Crucial Quote
Hitt emphasized that the Wisconsin Republican party still has the resources need to support Trump through the final days of the election. “The president’s reelection plan is in place,” he said. “It’s an extremely strong plan moving forward and being implemented. A lot of those things are in place.”
Background
Wisconsin is one of a handful of states won by a thin margin by President Trump in 2016 that seems to be moving in Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s direction this election cycle. The Biden campaign also has the upper-hand in terms of funding, entering October with nearly triple the cash of the Trump campaign. Biden started the month with $180.7 million, while Trump had just $63.1 million.
Further Reading
“Wisconsin Republican Party says hackers stole $2.3 million” (The Associated Press)
“Trump Campaign Website Hacked In Cryptocurrency Scam” (Forbes)
“Biden Campaign Enters Final Stretch With Nearly Three Times As Much Cash As Trump’s” (Forbes)
