Trump attributes Minnesota water cyberattack to state officials, not Iran
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President Donald Trump said he does not believe Iran was behind the recent cyberattack on Minnesota water systems, instead blaming the state's governor, while U.S. officials continue to investigate possible Iranian involvement.
President Donald Trump told a Cabinet meeting at Camp David that he does not think Iran was responsible for the recent cyberattack on water systems in Minnesota, and said the incident reflected incompetence by state officials.
"They blame it on Iran. I don't think so. I think I blame it on Minnesota because they're grossly incompetent," Trump said, adding that the governor was "corrupt."
Trump offered no evidence for the claim and has previously criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, over immigration and welfare issues.
U.S. cybersecurity agencies are still investigating the attack, which affected operational technology at more than 30 municipal water utilities and prompted boil-water notices in several locations. A New York Times report cited unnamed officials who said Iranian hackers were the most likely perpetrators, though the investigation has not reached a definitive conclusion.
Governor Walz responded that the president "knows exactly who is responsible for this attack" and highlighted broader concerns about cyber-security readiness, citing cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
The incident occurred on July 26-27, disrupting remote monitoring and control systems but not leading to any active water-use restrictions for residents. Federal advisories have warned of ongoing cyber threats to U.S. water infrastructure from groups linked to Iran, Russia and China.