Pentagon rolls out new plan to shield 2026 elections from foreign threats

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a new strategy to defend the 2026 elections against foreign meddling, directing Defense Department officials to collaborate with federal, state and local entities. The memo outlines a comprehensive, whole-of-government defense focused on cyber intrusions, disinformation and other malign activities. U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency will lead technical detection and response, working alongside election officials without assuming their traditional duties.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the effort aims to protect voting infrastructure and maintain public trust. The directive follows past concerns about foreign interference, such as the 2016 Russian campaign, and coincides with Hegseth urging service members and families to register using the Federal Voting Assistance Program.