AXIOS (Marc Caputo) - Exclusive: Hegseth directs Defense Dept. to fight foreigners who "meddle" in U.S. elections
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has assigned personnel to use "advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities to identify, disrupt, and neutralize foreign interference" in the upcoming elections, Axios has learned. Why it matters: The threat of foreign election interference has been a biennial U.S. concern for the past decade. This effort will use the most advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to date, officials said. - Hegseth's order does not direct military personnel to the polls, but President Trump has refused to rule out that possibility, heightening concern from Democrats and administration critics. Zoom in: Under a memo Hegseth authorized on Sept. 22 that has not been reported previously, the secretary pledged to fight…
How has the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) been involved in election security efforts?
Since 2017, when elections were designated as critical infrastructure by DHS, the federal government has played an increased role in detecting election threats from foreign governments. Additionally, portions of DHS's staff have been assigned to finding instances of voter fraud on voter rolls and in past elections.
Q&A ID b4b12c87-014d-4bb0-954e-f6a5f333d812
Who is the leader of the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command appointed by President Trump?
Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd is the leader of the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command. During his confirmation hearing, he stated that safeguarding American democracy and performing such work is "fundamental."
Q&A ID c324d4cc-56f7-4d0a-baf4-70668d5e6856
What is the basis and context for the memo issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on September 22?
The directive relies on President Trump's 2025 order titled "Preserving And Protecting The Integrity Of American Elections" and was drafted in response to a July speech in which Trump accused China of interfering in the 2020 election.
Q&A ID a7da450b-4552-438b-93c0-b07679eb6780
What technology is being utilized in the Defense Department's efforts to fight foreign election interference?
The effort will utilize the most advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to date, alongside advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities.
Q&A ID 9dc66400-29ca-44a8-af60-745de20ee097
Does Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's directive involve sending military personnel to polling places?
No. Hegseth's order does not direct military personnel to the polls, although the article notes that President Trump has refused to rule out the possibility.
Q&A ID e2c31a29-d2fd-4901-ac44-fbc30511a931
What specific actions has Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered to address foreign interference in upcoming elections?
According to a memo authorized on Sept. 22, Hegseth has assigned personnel to use advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities to identify, disrupt, and neutralize foreign interference. The directives include prioritizing intelligence and cyber capabilities under U.S. Cyber Command and the Directors of the Combat Support Agencies, using the Defense Intelligence Enterprise to collect and produce information on foreign threats to elections, and conducting joint operations between U.S. Cyber Command and the Department of Homeland Security to counter potential cyber threats from foreign actors.
Q&A ID 9850e0ac-3aad-4b52-8f8d-a1578c084d1e