Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a memorandum on September 28, 2026, directing U.S. Cyber Command and the entire Defense Intelligence Enterprise (DIE) to mobilize every authorized asset, capability, and partnership to defend America's 2026 election infrastructure from foreign interference.
The memo, addressed to the Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, the Director of the National Security Agency/Chief of the Central Security Service, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, makes clear that protecting free and fair elections is a "no-fail mission" for the Department of War.
"As President Trump has emphasized, 'free and fair elections are the foundation of our republic' and we must always work to protect our voting systems because 'no country can be great without fair elections,'" Hegseth wrote.
Hegseth directed the DIE to "execute collection and production on foreign threats to our elections, in accordance with the law, regulation, Executive direction, and DoW policies and directives." He also ordered U.S. Cyber Command to use its existing authorities and capabilities, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, to counter potential cyber threats from foreign actors targeting U.S. elections.
"I am therefore directing the entire DIE to mobilize every authorized asset, capability, and partnership under your command to defend our election infrastructure from foreign malign influence and ensure that every lawful voter can cast their ballot free from foreign intimidation, coercion, or fear," Hegseth wrote. "In America, the people rule — and we must ensure that their voice remains sovereign, secure, and entirely undiluted."
The memo underscores the Trump administration's whole-of-government approach to election security, with the Department of War now formally integrated into the effort alongside civilian agencies. Hegseth framed the mission as one requiring "constant vigilance," stating that "freedom does not happen by accident."
