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Defense Secretary Orders Cyber Command to Counter Foreign Election Interference
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Defense Directive to Safeguard 2026 Midterms
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a memorandum directing U.S. Cyber Command and the Pentagon’s combat-support agencies to focus intelligence and cyber tools on foreign attempts to meddle in the 2026 midterm elections. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that “Free and fair elections are the foundation of our republic.”
Background: Prior Election-Security Operations
Cyber Command and the National Security Agency have long conducted counter-operations against foreign influence, including a secret effort to disrupt Russian troll networks before the 2024 presidential election. Historically, the Election Security Group (ESG)—a joint NSA-Cyber Command hub—has coordinated intelligence and launched counter-attacks against actors from Russia, Iran and other states. The ESG was created after the 2016 Russian influence campaign. Under the previous administration, several FBI and Office of the Director of National Intelligence centers tasked with repelling foreign influence were downsized, prompting concern among security officials about the prioritization of election defense.
Official Statements & Responses
Gen. Joshua M.
Potential Impact on Midterm Election Security
The directive expands the use of DoD intelligence and cyber capabilities to protect election infrastructure, aiming to prevent foreign manipulation, intimidation or coercion of voters. Coordination with state and local election officials is expected to enhance detection of cyber threats. However, critics argue that the short lead time may constrain the ability to disrupt sophisticated foreign campaigns that often begin well before Election Day.