In a disconcerting twist for the Trump family, Lara and Tiffany Trump's Twitter accounts were hacked on Tuesday, leading to the distribution of fraudulent posts promoting a cryptocurrency project linked to the family. The breach not only stirred up a storm of controversy but also cast a shadow over the Trump family's relationship with Elon Musk's social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter.
Eric Trump, the former president's son, was quick to react to the breach. "This is a scam!!!" he declared in a post on his own X account. "@LaraLeaTrump and @TiffanyATrump's Twitter profiles have been compromised!!" The posts, which were later deleted, included links to fake sites purporting to be associated with World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency initiative endorsed by the Trump family.
The hack unfolded amid heightened scrutiny of World Liberty Financial, a project that has yet to formally launch but has already attracted significant attention due to its association with Donald Trump. The former president has been positioning himself as a champion of cryptocurrency, promising to foster an environment conducive to digital currency innovation if re-elected.
The breach was particularly awkward given Donald Trump's close ties with X CEO Elon Musk, who acquired the platform in 2022. Musk has been a vocal supporter of Trump's 2024 presidential bid, and the hacking incident raised questions about the security of the platform under Musk's stewardship.
In response to the incident, Eric Trump expressed gratitude towards X for its swift action. "@Twitter was amazing and has locked down @LaraLeaTrump and @TiffanyATrump accounts within minutes," he wrote, acknowledging the platform's quick response to secure the compromised accounts.
World Liberty Financial, the crypto venture at the center of the scam, confirmed the breach via a post on X. "ALERT: Lara's and Tiffany Trump's X accounts have been hacked. Do NOT click on any links or purchase any tokens shared from their profiles," the official World Liberty Financial account warned. The company urged users to remain cautious and avoid falling victim to the scam.
The fraudulent posts linked to World Liberty Financial were particularly concerning given the project's high-profile nature. Former President Trump has actively promoted the project, positioning it as a significant step in his broader vision to make the United States a leading hub for cryptocurrency. During a recent Bitcoin conference, Trump emphasized his commitment to supporting digital currencies and countering regulatory pressures.
Adding to the complications, The Independent reported that scammers had previously exploited the World Liberty Financial brand, with counterfeit ads appearing on the company's Telegram account. This incident highlighted ongoing vulnerabilities and the need for vigilance within the cryptocurrency space.
The hack is also notable for its timing. Just a month ago, the Trump campaign experienced a separate security breach, reportedly linked to Iranian cyber actors. The recent Twitter hack underscores the ongoing challenges in securing digital communications and the susceptibility of high-profile figures to cyber attacks.
Despite the rapid restoration of the hacked accounts, the episode serves as a reminder of the perils of digital platforms and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. As World Liberty Financial continues its preparatory phase, the Trump family and their associates will likely intensify their focus on protecting their digital assets and public image.
