Fact Check: Are hackers competing to hijack Trump TV and air Epstein files?
WASHINGTON, DC: A claim about the newly launched Trump TV stream is gaining attention on X, with a post alleging that major hacker groups are competing to break into the stream. The post further claims that the hackers plan to air dramatic readings of the Epstein files mixed with speeches from former President Barack Obama. The claim has sparked interest online as Trump TV draws attention following its launch.
Claim: Hackers are planning to hijack Trump TV stream
BREAKING: Several major hacker groups are reportedly racing each other to hack into Trump TV and broadcast readings of the Epstein Files interspersed with Obama campaign speeches.
— The Halfway Post (@HalfwayPost) September 22, 2026
The rumor originated from an X post claiming that hackers were planning to hijack the Trump TV stream.
The post read, “BREAKING: Several major hacker groups are reportedly racing each other to hack into Trump TV and broadcast readings of the Epstein Files interspersed with Obama campaign speeches.”
Within an hour of being posted, the claim received thousands of views and drew comments.
One user wrote, “They should run the Epstein videos starring Donald.” Another commented, “Please be real, please be real.”
The post came shortly after the White House launched Trump TV on September 21. The streaming service runs on its YouTube channel and website and features administration videos, presidential remarks and other highlights.
The launch also followed President Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House access, citing “fake news.” Major television networks later suspended their press-pool coverage in response.
The viral post also referenced the Epstein files, which have remained a major political story in 2026. Several releases under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, court orders seeking less-redacted material, and continued congressional scrutiny have kept the issue in the public spotlight.
Fact Check: False; the claim is satire
The claim is false. The viral post came from an X account that describes itself as “Dadaist graffiti news. Halfway true comedy and satire. I don't report the facts. I improve them.” The account clearly presents its content as satire and comedy rather than factual reporting.
No credible news outlets, cybersecurity reports, or official statements mention any major hacker groups, or any hacker group, planning, attempting, or competing to hack Trump TV to broadcast readings of the Epstein files mixed with Obama campaign speeches.
Searches for related hacking activity around September 21-22, 2026, found only the original satirical post and jokes from individual users. They did not find verified reports or evidence of an actual hacking attempt.
The official White House livestream, meanwhile, continuously plays selected clips from the Trump administration. Its content includes presidential remarks, speeches, official event footage, highlights, and announcements.
When it launched, the stream also played older footage, including Trump's July 3, 2026, Mount Rushmore speech and inauguration footage.
Trump TV is not a traditional news channel with anchors, reporters, live commentary, or independent journalism. White House officials have described it as a livestream of the administration's “greatest hits, unfiltered” that updates in real time.
