Defense Secretary Hegseth assigns personnel to address foreign election interference

Axios · September 28, 2026Original source ↗

What happened

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated staff to use intelligence and cyber capabilities to identify and address foreign interference in U.S. elections. The memo includes directives to prioritize the department’s resources for monitoring threats to democratic systems and collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security.

Why it matters

This effort reflects ongoing concerns about the integrity of U.S. election processes and the need for measures to protect against foreign threats.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you are concerned about the integrity of U.S. elections?

This directive aims to enhance the security of the electoral process against foreign threats, which could impact voter confidence and participation. Increased monitoring and collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security may lead to more robust protections during upcoming elections.

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