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Trump Memo Authorizes Vetted Firms to Hack Criminal Hackers

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum authorizing vetted American companies to launch cyberattacks against foreign criminal hackers.
The memo obliges firms to work with the Justice Department and Homeland Security, obtain written approval, and face $1 million fines for violations.
Former officials and security experts warned that the policy, which bans attacks causing loss of life or serious injury, could spark chaos, heighten cyberconflict, and expose U.S. firms to liability.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum authorizing vetted American companies to launch cyberattacks against foreign criminal hackers.
The memo obliges firms to work with the Justice Department and Homeland Security, obtain written approval, and face $1 million fines for violations.
Former officials and security experts warned that the policy, which bans attacks causing loss of life or serious injury, could spark chaos, heighten cyberconflict, and expose U.S. firms to liability.