Pentagon mobilizes intelligence forces to safeguard 2026 midterm elections

The order extends beyond U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, encompassing agencies responsible for military and geospatial intelligence. It mandates the mobilization of “every authorized asset, capability, and partnership” to counter foreign election threats.

The Pentagon has not provided further details regarding the implementation of this order, and Cyber Command declined interview requests concerning election security efforts. The military’s involvement primarily focuses on identifying foreign hackers and influence operations abroad, alerting civilian agencies to potential threats, and, when authorized, enabling Cyber Command to take action against foreign actors.

While state and local officials manage elections, and agencies like the FBI and Department of Homeland Security handle domestic security, the Pentagon’s role has been evolving. The effort gained shape before the 2018 midterms with the creation of a “Russia Small Group,” which later became a joint Election Security Group combining intelligence gathering and cyber operation capabilities.

Then-Cyber Command and NSA chief Gen. Paul Nakasone previously described election security as an “enduring, no-fail mission” in 2022. Current Cyber Command and NSA head Gen. Joshua Rudd stated in April that foreign interference was “reasonable to expect” and that his command was prepared to support as needed.

Hegseth’s directive reinforces this existing mission, instructing intelligence agencies to gather and analyze information on foreign threats and directing Cyber Command to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security. It does not grant new authorities or establish new organizations.

U.S. intelligence officials have not detected attempts to interfere with voting machines, physical infrastructure, or vote counting. However, they are actively tracking influence efforts from Russia, China, and Iran, with Russia considered the most active threat. These efforts include disinformation campaigns targeting candidates and undermining confidence in the election process.

Representative Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, has urged Americans to remain vigilant against disinformation, particularly given the ease with which it can be spread through artificial intelligence.