Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to prioritize cybersecurity and intelligence resources aimed at countering foreign interference in the 2026 midterm elections, according to multiple outlets.
The Hill reported that Hegseth instructed the Pentagon last week to deploy "advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities" to track down, disrupt and neutralize foreign actors, while "maintaining the fundamental freedoms that characterize our country." The directive states that U.S. Cyber Command and the Directors of the Combat Support Agencies will prioritize this effort.
The Washington Examiner reported that Hegseth wrote in a memo released Monday, "As we approach this election cycle, we must prove that we can and will protect the integrity of our democratic processes from any threat."
The Epoch Times and Independent Journal Review both reported that the memo orders Cyber Command and intelligence agencies to counter foreign threats to the midterms. CNN and the Associated Press similarly reported that Hegseth directed the military and national security and cyber forces to guard U.S. election systems during the midterms.
How each side covered it
Left
- CNN and the Associated Press reported Hegseth directed the military to defend U.S. midterm elections from foreign interference.
- Both outlets described national security and military cyber forces guarding election systems during the midterms.
“Hegseth directs military to defend US midterm elections from foreign interference” — CNN
Center
- The Hill reported Hegseth instructed the Pentagon to prioritize and deploy advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities.
- The directive names U.S. Cyber Command and Combat Support Agency directors as responsible for the effort.
- The Hill quoted the memo's language about maintaining "fundamental freedoms" while countering foreign actors.
“Hegseth instructs Pentagon to defend 2026 elections from ‘foreign actors’” — The Hill
Right
- The Washington Examiner reported Hegseth is mobilizing Pentagon cybersecurity and intelligence resources against foreign interference.
- The Washington Examiner quoted Hegseth's memo, released Monday, on protecting democratic integrity.
- The Epoch Times and Independent Journal Review reported the memo orders Cyber Command and intel agencies to counter foreign threats to the midterms.
“Hegseth mobilizes Pentagon to protect midterm elections from foreign threats” — Washington Examiner
Questions readers ask
What did Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth order?
Pete Hegseth directed the Pentagon, including U.S. Cyber Command and intelligence agencies, to deploy cyber and intelligence capabilities to counter foreign interference in the 2026 midterm elections.
When was the memo issued?
According to the Washington Examiner, the memo was released on a Monday; The Hill reported the instruction was given to the Pentagon "last week."
Why does this matter?
The directive signals a Pentagon-led effort to protect U.S. election systems and infrastructure ahead of the 2026 midterm elections from foreign threats.
What did left- and right-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning outlets, including CNN and the Associated Press, emphasized the military's role in defending election systems, while right-leaning outlets, including the Washington Examiner and Epoch Times, highlighted Hegseth's direct quotes and the mobilization of Cyber Command.
What happens next?
The sources do not specify further steps beyond the directive itself; how the Pentagon implements these cyber and intelligence measures ahead of the 2026 midterms remains to be seen.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningHegseth says national security, military cyber forces will guard US election systems during midterms
- CNNLeft-leaningHegseth directs military to defend US midterm elections from foreign interference
- The HillCenterHegseth instructs Pentagon to defend 2026 elections from ‘foreign actors’
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningHegseth memo orders Pentagon to counter foreign threats to 2026 midterms
- The Epoch TimesRight-leaningHegseth Orders Cyber Command, Intel Agencies to Counter Foreign Threats to Midterms
- Washington ExaminerRight-leaningHegseth mobilizes Pentagon to protect midterm elections from foreign threats