**Chinese Hackers Intercept Phone Calls of U.S. Political Figures**

In a concerning development, Chinese state-affiliated hackers reportedly intercepted phone calls involving American political figures. This breach is attributed to a group linked to the Chinese government, known as Salt Typhoon by American researchers. According to three individuals privy to the situation, the hackers managed to eavesdrop on conversations, including those of an unnamed adviser to the Trump campaign.

This espionage activity is part of an extensive and ongoing operation that began several months ago. The hackers exploited vulnerabilities to collect audio from numerous calls, raising alarms over national security. Due to the ongoing federal investigation, the sources preferred to remain anonymous but confirmed the gravity of the breach.

Efforts are currently underway to assess the full extent of the intercepted data. The scale and specifics of the audio collected by Salt Typhoon remain uncertain, with federal agencies working diligently to determine what information has been compromised. The situation underscores the persistent threats posed by cyber-espionage and the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive communications.