Story perspectives

Trump Signs Memo Authorizing Offensive Cyber Operations, $1M Bonds

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum authorizing firms to conduct offensive cyber operations under direction.
The memo orders DHS’s Homeland Security Task Force National Coordination Center to create a jointly overseen program against criminal groups, requiring firms to post a $1 million bond for non-compliance.
The White House says the “cyber letters of marque” aim to curb ransomware and other crimes and to give responses to threats against infrastructure and businesses.

History

Historical Context

In 1775, the Continental Congress, urged by George Washington, issued letters of marque, authorizing private vessels to attack British Royal Navy ships during the American Revolution. Congress empowered roughly 1,000 privateers, who together seized about 300 British merchant ships, generating an estimated £1 million in prize money. President Donald Trump’s 2024 cyber-letters of marque echo that model, directing the DHS National Coordination Center to contract private firms with a $1 million bond for ransomware retaliation. If the program mirrors historic privateering, it could expand U.S. offensive cyber capabilities while raising legal debates over state-sanctioned attacks on foreign infrastructure.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum authorizing firms to conduct offensive cyber operations under direction.
The memo orders DHS’s Homeland Security Task Force National Coordination Center to create a jointly overseen program against criminal groups, requiring firms to post a $1 million bond for non-compliance.
The White House says the “cyber letters of marque” aim to curb ransomware and other crimes and to give responses to threats against infrastructure and businesses.

1 / 2