More troubling reports emerged this week in Minnesota following a series of corruption investigations, widespread fraud, and unchecked immigration issues within the state.
A cyberattack reportedly targeted dozens of water facilities across the state.
While initial reports suggested Iranian involvement, President Donald Trump dismissed such speculation during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. “I just want to mention that we heard in Minnesota there was a cyberattack, and they blame it on Iran,” he said. “I don’t think so. I think I blame it on Minnesota because they’re grossly incompetent.”
The president added: “There was a cyberattack of 30 water plants, and I would blame it on Minnesota and the governor, the corrupt governor of Minnesota. They like to say, ‘Oh, is Iran?’ Iran should be so lucky. Iran has bigger problems than worrying about Minnesota.”
Trump’s remarks contrast with a preliminary assessment shared by U.S. and state officials indicating Iranian-affiliated hackers were targeting similar systems. Federal agencies have also warned that Iranian involvement in such attacks is not mutually exclusive; previous incidents exploited internet-connected equipment with weak or nonexistent passwords.
Minnesota Governor Walz countered on social media: “Trump knows exactly who is responsible for this attack, and knows that other states were hit too. This is what modern warfare looks like, and it further illustrates there’s no plan to win a war with Iran.”
