03/19/2025
In a stunning reversal, the Trump administration has ordered the Pentagon to stop all offensive cyber warfare operations against Russia.
WHY IT MATTERS: Experts warn it’s a grave concession to one of America’s most active cyber adversaries.
THE DETAILS: The Washington Post reports Defense Secretary and former Fox News star Pete Hegseth ordered U.S. Cyber Command to halt offensive operations against Russia.
- The Post claims the halt is a temporary pause meant to draw Russia to the negotiating table with Ukraine.
However, experts warn that it’s a huge gamble with our nation’s cyber security: Russia could make significant gains in cyber warfare while we take our foot off the gas.
THE BACKGROUND: Russia has continued to try to pe*****te U.S. networks, including in the first weeks of the Trump administration.
- Over the past year, Russia has attacked U.S. hospitals, cities, and other digital infrastructure.
WHAT'S NEXT: With Trump signaling a willingness to abandon Ukraine and weaken U.S. cybersecurity, lawmakers like Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) are calling for hearings to investigate the administration’s dangerous shift in policy.
- Meanwhile, Russia is likely to exploit this pause to further embed itself in American networks, knowing Trump will continue to look the other way.