Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a pause on offensive cyber operations against Russia by U.S. Cyber Command, scaling back a key aspect of U.S. cyber strategy even as national security experts push for expanding such capabilities.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed the pause on Monday. The decision does not impact cyber operations conducted by other agencies, including the CIA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). However, the Trump administration has also curtailed related efforts at the FBI and other agencies tasked with countering digital and cyber threats.
The move comes amid growing calls from Republican lawmakers and national security experts for a stronger offensive posture in cyberspace. Many argue that greater investments in cyber defense and offense are necessary, particularly as China and Russia continue efforts to interfere with the U.S. economy, elections, and national security.
During his Senate confirmation hearing, CIA Director John Ratcliffe emphasized the importance of cyberespionage in modern warfare, stating, “I want us to have all of the tools necessary to go on offense against our adversaries in the cyber community.”
U.S. Cyber Command, which coordinates the Pentagon’s cybersecurity efforts, plays a critical role in national defense and prepares offensive cyber operations for potential use against adversaries.
Hegseth’s directive was issued just before a meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office last Friday. It remains unclear whether the pause is linked to diplomatic negotiations aimed at pressuring Moscow into a peace deal with Ukraine.
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