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Trump Administration Weighs Private Firms in Cyber Offense

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is considering involving private companies in offensive cyberattacks as part of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, according to four former senior U.S. officials.
Currently private companies can only assist in developing cyberoperations, and expansion would require congressional approval because current laws prohibit offensive campaigns.
The topic is to be discussed during a confirmation hearing for Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, nominee to lead U.S. Cyber Command.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is considering involving private companies in offensive cyberattacks as part of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, according to four former senior U.S. officials.
Currently private companies can only assist in developing cyberoperations, and expansion would require congressional approval because current laws prohibit offensive campaigns.
The topic is to be discussed during a confirmation hearing for Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, nominee to lead U.S. Cyber Command.