Trump rejects Iran’s role in Minnesota cyberattack, blames state officials instead

US President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed suggestions that Iran was behind recent cyberattacks targeting Minnesota’s water systems, instead blaming state officials for what he described as poor cybersecurity.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, Trump said, “We heard in Minnesota there was a cyberattack, and they blame it on Iran. I don’t think so. I think I blame it on Minnesota because they’re grossly incompetent,” taking aim at Democratic Governor Tim Walz.

Trump did not identify who he believed was responsible for the attacks, and the White House declined to elaborate on his remarks.

Walz responded on X, saying Trump “knows exactly who is responsible for this attack” and noting that other states had also been targeted. He further argued that cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) had weakened US cyber defences, while praising Minnesota experts for quickly identifying and containing the threat.

CISA said earlier this week that it was working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal and industry partners to assess the scope of the incidents and support affected communities.

Trump’s comments contrast with reports from Wired and The New York Times, which cited intelligence assessments and unnamed US officials suggesting the attacks were likely linked to an Iran-backed cyber campaign. Cybersecurity experts have also noted similarities between the recent incidents and previous attacks on US water infrastructure that federal agencies—including the FBI, NSA, EPA and CISA—have attributed to Iranian-affiliated hackers.

The FBI said on Thursday it had received reports of similar attacks in at least seven states since July 27, with some incidents disrupting water system operations. However, the bureau stressed on Friday that no federal or state agency has formally attributed the latest attacks and said it continues working with partners to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

Trump has previously drawn criticism for his remarks on cyber incidents, including his comments during the 2016 US election regarding Russian hacking allegations.