Pentagon Targets Foreign Threats Ahead of US Midterms

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told the Pentagon to step up intelligence and cyber work aimed at stopping foreign interference in the 2026 US midterm elections, according to a memo released to the public.

In a Sept. 22 directive made available on Monday, Hegseth instructed the Department of War to prioritise “advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities” to identify, disrupt and neutralise “foreign actors” in order to protect the election, while also seeking to preserve what the memo describes as the country’s fundamental freedoms.

Focus on Foreign threats

The Pentagon chief said commanders would prioritise the use of Department of War intelligence and cyber capabilities to ensure foreign actors do not meddle in US democratic systems.

Hegseth also ordered the Defense Intelligence Enterprise to carry out collection and analysis on threats linked to foreign attempts to influence US elections. The memo says the work should be conducted in line with applicable “law, regulation, Executive direction” and Department of War policies and directives.

It directs the defence department’s units to treat election protection as part of a wider government effort, with Hegseth framing the security of elections as a core democratic principle.

Cyber Command and Homeland Security coordination

Hegseth’s memo instructs Gen. Joshua Rudd, the head of US Cyber Command, to use existing powers and capabilities to counter “potential cyber threats from foreign actors targeting our elections”.

The directive also calls for coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, suggesting a combined approach between military cyber efforts and domestic homeland security responsibilities.

Rudd, who also serves as Cyber Command’s commander, said in a statement released on Monday that US Cyber Command and the National Security Agency work closely together to identify and defend against cyber threats to the United States.

He added that the two organisations regularly take action to counter malicious foreign cyber activity, including activity intended to interfere with the democratic process.

Previous focus on election security

Concerns about foreign meddling have been part of US election security planning for several administrations. In 2022, the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command, under former President Joe Biden, highlighted similar efforts focused on protecting the 2022 midterm elections from foreign interference and influence.

Rudd previously told senators during a January hearing that he would work to safeguard US elections and protect against foreign interference.

In Monday’s statement, he reiterated the partnership between Cyber Command and the NSA and described their role in defending the country against cyber threats, including those tied to attempts to affect democratic decision-making.

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29 September 2026

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