SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

White House officials get caught out by prank emails

Emails shared with CNN reportedly show White House officials responding to prank emails that appeared to come from their colleagues.

Donald Trump's homeland security and counterterrorism adviser Tom Bossert.
Donald Trump's homeland security and counterterrorism adviser Tom Bossert. Source: AP/Andrew Harnik

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: SBS World News


Skip to article content

American broadcaster CNN is reporting that they have been given access to multiple emails exchanged between an impersonator and several high-profile officials in the Trump administration.

While a number of the White House staff seem to have been duped into thinking the emails were from their colleagues, in reality the emails appear to have originated in the UK.

One incident involved the prankster masquerading as President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, Jared Kushner, with an Outlook account, and sending a message to the Homeland Security Advisor, Tom Bossert.

“Tom, we are arranging a bit of a soirée towards the end of August. It would be great if you could make it, I promise food of at least comparible (sic) quality to that which we ate in Iraq. Should be a great evening,” the email read.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Mr Bossert replied from his official account: “Thanks, Jared. With a promise like that, I can't refuse. Also, if you ever need it, my personal email is (redacted).”

The now dismissed Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci, also fell victim to the scam – he responded to what he thought was an email from the former White House Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus, last weekend.

“At no stage have you acted in a way that's even remotely classy, yet you believe that's the standard by which everyone should behave towards you? General Kelly will do a fine job. I'll even admit he will do a better job than me. But the way in which that transition has come about has been diabolical. And hurtful. I don't expect a reply,” the prankster wrote as Mr Priebus.

Mr Scaramucci shot back: “You know what you did. We all do. Even today. But rest assured we were prepared. A Man [sic] would apologize.”


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world