Story perspectives

Trump Signs Memo Authorizing Firms’ Cyber Attacks on Criminals

8/14/2026

Center

Trump Authorizes Cyber Ops

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Wednesday creating a program allowing firms to conduct cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations.
Executive directors may approve actions only if they avoid loss of life, serious injury, or an act equivalent to a forced or armed attack.
Firms must sign contracts with the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice.

Left

Trump Launches CyberOps

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a national security memorandum on Wednesday authorizing private firms to launch cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations abroad.
Critics warn the scheme could expose civilians to collateral damage and lacks transparent oversight to protect civil liberties.
Homeland Security and Justice departments will run the program through a new National Coordination Center.
Memo notes $20.8 billion cybercrime losses and that one in seven sextortion victims reported self-harm.

Blindspot

Critics argue the memo could expose civilians to collateral damage and lacks transparent oversight to protect civil liberties, a concern voiced by former Cyber Command official Jason Kikta.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

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Trump Authorizes Cyber Ops

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Wednesday creating a program allowing firms to conduct cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations.
Executive directors may approve actions only if they avoid loss of life, serious injury, or an act equivalent to a forced or armed attack.
Firms must sign contracts with the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice.

1 / 3