Trump signs memo authorizing private companies to conduct cyber operations against transnational criminal groups

Published Aug 13, 05:37 PM UTC

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on August 13, 2026, creating a program under the National Coordination Center that allows vetted U.S. private companies to conduct cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations at the direction of the federal government. The Departments of Homeland Security and Justice will oversee the program, with program executive directors authorized to greenlight operations unless they risk loss of life, serious injury, or constitute an armed attack under international law. Participating companies must enter contractual agreements with DHS or Justice and meet technical proficiency, security, and reliability standards. The initiative aims to shift public-private cybersecurity collaboration from information sharing to active disruption of criminal infrastructure. A report on the program's status will be submitted to the National Cyber Director and other senior officials.