President Donald Trump rejected speculation that Iran was behind a recent cyberattack targeting more than 30 water systems in Minnesota. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Camp David, Maryland, 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."

Trump specifically blamed Minnesota's Democratic governor, Tim Walz, calling him "corrupt" and attributing the cyberattack to the state's mismanagement rather than foreign interference. "There was a cyberattack of 30 water plants, and I would blame it on Minnesota and the governor, the corrupt governor of Minnesota," Trump said.

This stance contrasts with preliminary assessments reportedly shared by U.S. and state officials, who are investigating whether Iran or hackers associated with the country could be responsible. Federal agencies recently warned that Iranian-affiliated hackers have targeted similar systems. In 2023, hackers linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps breached programmable controllers at several U.S. water and wastewater facilities, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Minnesota IT Services confirmed that the coordinated cyberattack targeted operational technology at more than 30 community water systems, including Plymouth's, over the weekend. However, the Minnesota Department of Health stated it was not aware of any active requests for residents to modify their drinking water usage.

Trump’s dismissal of Iranian involvement highlights a divide between his claims and ongoing federal investigations into the cyberattacks.

Sources