An American journalist published a 271-page opposition research file on the former President Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance, which appears to have been stolen from Trump’s presidential campaign as part of an Iranian effort to manipulate the U.S. election. The journalist, Ken Klippenstein, who self-publishes on Substack, decided to release the document after no major news outlets took the bait from hackers trying to persuade them to cover the stolen files.
The dissemination of the Vance dossier reflects the changing media landscape, with high-profile independent journalists on platforms like Substack influencing state-sponsored hackers’ ability to carry out election influence operations. The Trump campaign, which acknowledged being hacked and accused Iran, has not shared details or responded to the recent publication. Three U.S. agencies have attributed the hack to Iran, which Iranian officials have denied.
Klippenstein defended his decision to publish the document despite violating X’s rules, which led to his account being temporarily suspended. Despite criticism, he stands by his choice, emphasizing the importance of transparency in informing the public. The hack-and-leak operation involving the Vance file is similar to Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. The media’s reaction to leaked documents has varied, with some outlets choosing not to publish them due to a perceived lack of newsworthy information. Klippenstein’s actions highlight the challenges of navigating election-related hacks in today’s media landscape.
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