WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a temporary halt to offensive cyberoperations targeting Russia by U.S. Cyber Command, scaling back certain efforts to address a significant adversary even as calls grow from national security experts to bolster these capabilities. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously to protect sensitive information, confirmed the pause on Monday. This decision by Hegseth will not impact cyberoperations carried out by other agencies, such as the CIA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. However, the Trump administration has also scaled back initiatives at the FBI and other agencies focused on countering digital and cyber threats. The Pentagon’s move, first reported by The Record, comes at a time when many national security and cybersecurity experts advocate for increased investments in cyber defense and offense, especially in light of China and Russia’s efforts to disrupt the nation’s economy, elections, and security. Both Republican lawmakers and national security experts have advocated for a more aggressive stance. During his confirmation hearing in the Senate earlier this year, CIA Director John Ratcliffe emphasized that America’s adversaries view cyberespionage — the theft of sensitive information and disruption of American businesses and infrastructure — as a critical weapon in modern warfare. “I want us to possess all the necessary tools to take offensive action against our cyber adversaries,” Ratcliffe stated. Cyber Command is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the Pentagon’s cybersecurity initiatives and is recognized as the primary defense line in cyberspace for the U.S. It also strategizes offensive cyberoperations for potential use against adversaries. Hegseth’s directive was issued before the recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. It remains unclear if the pause is linked to any negotiation strategy by the Trump administration to encourage Moscow to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine. Trump has pledged to end the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago, and on Monday, he criticized Zelenskyy for suggesting that the conflict resolution was still “far away.” The White House has not provided immediate comment on Hegseth’s order. Cyber warfare is viewed as a cost-effective alternative to traditional military action, as it can be executed covertly and carries a reduced risk of escalation or retaliation. This has made it an appealing tool for nations seeking to challenge the U.S. without possessing equivalent economic or military power, as explained by Snehal Antani, CEO of Horizon3.ai, a cybersecurity firm in San Francisco founded by former national security officials. Cyberespionage enables adversaries to steal trade secrets from American companies, gather sensitive intelligence, or disrupt supply chains, as well as systems managing dams, water plants, traffic infrastructure, private enterprises, government agencies, and hospitals. The internet has introduced new battlefields, with countries like Russia and China leveraging disinformation and propaganda to undermine their rivals. Advances in artificial intelligence have made it simpler and more cost-effective for foreign nations such
“Warfare at the nation-state level remains a pressing concern,” Antani emphasized. “We are navigating a complex era where offensive strategies far surpass defensive capabilities, creating a significant gap that will require time to bridge.”
In a concerning development, Attorney General Pam Bondi has dismantled an FBI task force dedicated to addressing foreign influence campaigns, reminiscent of those executed by Russia to manipulate U.S. elections in the past. Furthermore, over a dozen individuals involved in election security at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have been placed on administrative leave.
These decisions are exposing the United States to vulnerabilities, despite ample evidence indicating Russia’s persistent commitment to advancing and broadening its cyber operations. Liana Keesing, campaigns manager for technology reform at Issue One, a nonprofit organization specializing in technology’s effects on democracy, highlighted this concerning trend.
“Rather than confront this looming threat, the Trump administration has actively implemented measures that inadvertently facilitate the Kremlin’s interference in our electoral processes,” Keesing lamented.
