Dutch government had hacked into Jared Kushner's phone
A Vanity Fair report alleging that Russian intelligence hacked Jared Kushner’s iPhone—later accessed as well by Dutch intelligence—prompts debate over its credibility, Kushner’s denial, and what evidence major outlets typically need before calling a senior political figure “corrupt.” Commenters focus on the broader implications: a U.S. administration seen as compromised and insulated from legal accountability, the ease with which security clearances and pardons can be abused, and the way intelligence agencies hoard zero-day exploits to spy even on allied officials. Many also highlight how this episode underscores systemic problems in U.S. governance, media trust, and digital privacy.
Reliability of the Kushner Hacking Story
- Some see Kushner’s categorical denial on X as expected damage control, not persuasive evidence.
- Others argue that major outlets calling him “corrupt” implies their lawyers saw substantial supporting evidence.
- Skeptics stress the account reads like a spy thriller and note it comes from a book excerpt, suggesting financial incentive and the need for “extraordinary evidence.”
- There’s also meta-skepticism around US media after prior political controversies; commenters debate whether those earlier investigations were vindicated or “ginned up.”
Security, Clearances, and Overruling Professionals
- Multiple comments highlight that Kushner initially could not obtain a US security clearance due to massive debt, but this was overridden by higher political authority.
- Intelligence and security veterans in the thread call him a textbook example of someone who should not have access to sensitive information.
- Some are alarmed that professional security judgments can be politically overruled; others argue professionals are advisors and final authority must rest with elected officials.
Spying, Zero-Days, and Privacy
- The timeline discussed: Russian GRU hacks Kushner’s iPhone; Dutch intelligence infiltrates GRU, then independently replicates or adapts the exploit to access his phone directly.
- Several participants condemn governments hoarding iPhone zero-days and using them on targets, arguing it undermines everyone’s digital security.
- Others counter that spying on allies is standard statecraft and that intelligence services are expected to exploit, not disclose, such vulnerabilities.
Ethics, Public Office, and Immunity
- Many see Kushner as deeply compromised: huge prior debts, later massive foreign-linked money flows, and allegations of transfers to unsavory actors.
- There is extensive pessimism that he or other politically connected figures will ever face meaningful legal consequences, citing presidential pardons and perceived capture of institutions.
- Some argue the “court of public opinion” is the only remaining check on oligarchs; others lament erosion of presumption of innocence and “trial by media.”
Broader Political and Geopolitical Context
- Thread includes broader worries about US democracy, oligarchy, partisanship, and the normalization of corruption.
- Dutch intelligence is repeatedly praised as highly capable and unusually quiet; some speculate the leak may be a signal to US actors that more compromising information exists.