Hegseth directs military to defend US midterm elections from foreign interference

Key Points:

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a memo directing the US military to defend the upcoming midterm elections from foreign interference, with Cyber Command and combat support agencies tasked to use advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities to counter threats.
• The memo instructs Cyber Command to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security to protect election infrastructure from foreign cyber threats, resuming efforts similar to those conducted before the 2024 presidential election.
• Concerns have been raised about the Trump administration's downsizing of key government centers that previously countered foreign election interference, and skepticism about the prioritization of election security under the second Trump presidency.
• In April, Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, head of Cyber Command and the NSA, expressed uncertainty about whether the Election Security Group (ESG), a specialized team that counters foreign election threats, had been activated for the midterms, raising questions about preparedness.
• Experts warn that the ESG's work requires extensive planning well before Election Day, and starting such efforts late could significantly reduce the effectiveness of countering foreign interference in the midterm elections.