Trump accuses NYT of 'virtual act of treason' for report on U.S. cyberattacks against Russia

"Do you believe that the Failing New York Times just did a story stating that the United States is substantially increasing Cyber Attacks on Russia," Trump tweeted shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday. "This is a virtual act of Treason by a once great paper so desperate for a story, any story, even if bad for our Country."

He continued: "ALSO, NOT TRUE! Anything goes with our Corrupt News Media today. They will do, or say, whatever it takes, with not even the slightest thought of consequence! These are true cowards and without doubt, THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!"

Earlier Saturday, the newspaper, citing "current and former government officials," reported that the U.S. "is stepping up digital incursions into Russia's electric power grid."

The news comes at least seven years after U.S. officials began putting "reconnaissance probes" in Russia's grid, the Times reported.

"But now the American strategy has shifted more toward offense, officials say, with the placement of potentially crippling malware inside the Russian system at a depth and with an aggressiveness that had never been tried before," the Times reported, adding that the move is part-warning, part-preparation for launching U.S. attacks "if a major conflict" with Russia develops.

Two unnamed officials with the Trump administration said they did not think the president had received detailed briefings about the U.S. implants in the Russian electric system, according to the Times.

Officials have hesitated to give him the details over worries that he might divulge information to foreign officials or react unfavorably, sources told the Times.

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