Hegseth Directs Pentagon to Counter Foreign Election Threats

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed Pentagon intelligence and cyber units to prioritize foreign threats to the 2026 midterm elections, ordering intelligence collection and coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Sept. 22 memorandum, released publicly Monday, also directs U.S. Cyber Command to use its existing authorities and capabilities against potential foreign cyber threats targeting the elections. The memo instructs the Defense Intelligence Enterprise to collect and analyze information on foreign election threats. It calls for Cyber Command to coordinate with DHS on potential cyber threats. The Department of War has described the effort as a whole-of-government defense, and Pentagon officials have said the guidance is aimed at foreign threats rather than domestic political activity. The memorandum directs the work to follow applicable laws and existing authorities. It does not name specific foreign governments as immediate targets, describe particular operations, provide for additional staffing or funding, or set implementation deadlines.