Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructs the Pentagon to prioritize intelligence and cyber capabilities aimed at identifying, disrupting, and neutralizing alleged “foreign actors” in order to protect the 2026 midterm elections. The directive also emphasizes maintaining “fundamental freedoms” while carrying out these actions.
The Hill reports the instruction was sent to Pentagon leadership and includes directing U.S. Cyber Command and the directors of combat support agencies to prioritize relevant efforts. The Washington Times describes a memo that lays out the Defense Department’s plan to guard against what it frames as external manipulation and disruption by foreign actors. While both outlets describe the same general thrust—protecting the 2026 elections using intelligence and cyber operations—they differ mainly in framing and emphasis, with one focusing on specific leadership and command direction and the other focusing on the memo and the overall plan.
