Former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines during a Sunday interview on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures when he openly acknowledged American cyber operations targeting China. Responding to host Maria Bartiromo's questions about allegations of Chinese cyberattacks and intellectual property disputes, Trump stated: "You don't think we do that to them? We do."
The remarks came amid discussions about transnational challenges including fentanyl trafficking and technological competition. Trump framed cyber activities as routine geopolitical strategy, adding: "That's the way the world works. It's a nasty world."
Cybersecurity experts note such candid admissions from high-level officials are rare, though digital espionage between major powers is widely documented. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has consistently denied allegations of state-sponsored hacking, urging all countries to "refrain from groundless accusations."
This development comes as global businesses increasingly weigh cybersecurity risks in cross-border operations. Analysts suggest Trump's comments could fuel debates about ethical standards in digital diplomacy and their impact on international trade frameworks.
