Federal officials are investigating whether Bitmain’s Bitcoin mining machines posed national security risks as concerns grew over Chinese-linked mining sites near sensitive US facilities. The Department of Homeland Security led the inquiry under the name Operation Red Sunset and evaluated whether the devices could allow remote access or disrupt the power grid. Senate investigators earlier warned about potential manipulation risks tied to Bitmain hardware.
The government also reviewed chip and firmware data at US ports as discussions advanced inside the White House. Yet the final status of the investigation remains unclear and officials have not disclosed any findings. This uncertainty raises one question: Could the hardware used by major miners create unseen exposure for critical US systems?
Operation Red Sunset formed after reports linked Chinese-owned mining sites to regions near important US infrastructure. Officials tracked the equipment used at these sites and found frequent reliance on Bitmain machines.
Senate investigators issued warnings last year. They said Bitmain devices could allow remote control functions from China. They also pointed to earlier findings around Chinese-manufactured rigs near a military base in Wyoming.
White House officials continued internal security discussions through the Biden administration and into the Trump administration. They reviewed potential cyber exposure created by machines built overseas. They also evaluated how large mining fleets interact with regional power systems that support major installations.
Bitmain rejects claims of remote access functions. The company said it follows all US rules. It also said past hardware detentions came from routine inspections.
The global mining sector relies heavily on Chinese manufacturers. Bitmain, Canaan, and MicroBT produce over 90% of all Bitcoin mining rigs worldwide, according to Reuters. This concentration creates limited alternatives for operators in the US and other regions.
American Bitcoin Corp., a mining and treasury company founded by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., also depends on Bitmain machines. Regulatory filings from the US Securities and Exchange Commission confirm this supply relationship.
Trump family members expanded their mining operations this year and bought thousands of Bitmain units. Their involvement drew new attention to the ongoing federal review. Yet the company spokesperson said the team conducted thorough internal tests. They reported no evidence of remote access issues inside the rigs.
A senior administration official said the government remains alert to threats involving foreign-made equipment. They also said agencies continue monitoring risks tied to advanced hardware entering critical environments.
Analysts raised concerns about possible conflicts of interest because of the Trump family’s connection to American Bitcoin. President Trump has pledged to make the US the “crypto capital of the world.” Legal experts said business involvement could influence policy exposure.
The White House denied any wrongdoing. Officials said the president and his family followed rules and held no improper influence. They also dismissed claims that private business decisions shaped federal reviews.
American Bitcoin Corp. continued to defend its position. A spokesperson said the company tests all units to secure operations and protect the power grid. The spokesperson also said the firm takes national security concerns seriously and reviews its systems regularly.
Bloomberg reported that the status of Operation Red Sunset remains uncertain. Officials have not confirmed whether the inquiry ended or continues.
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Federal scrutiny of Bitmain mining rigs deepened as officials reviewed potential security risks, hardware dependence, and conflict concerns linked to major US operators. The inquiry’s unclear status keeps attention on foreign-made mining equipment and its possible impact on national security. Continued monitoring remains essential for industry stability.