Trump Authorizes Private Companies to Conduct Offensive Cyber Operations Against Foreign Criminal Groups

On August 12, 2026, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum authorizing vetted private companies to conduct "cyber surveillance operations" and "cyber effects operations"—including disruption and destruction of information systems—against foreign-based transnational criminal organizations. DHS and DOJ jointly oversee the program. Companies must hold a $1 million bond and operate under federal "direction, control and authority."