Trump memo allows private firms to conduct cyber ops
By The BriefBrief
A Trump memo directs creation of a program letting private security firms conduct offensive cyber operations against foreign cybercriminals.
WHO:Donald Trump; National Coordination Center (NCC); Departments of Justice and Homeland Security
WHAT:National Security Presidential Memorandum directs development of a program using private security firms for cyber surveillance and cyber effects operations against foreign cyber-enabled criminal organizations.
WHEN:Reported Aug 13, 2026 at 3:38 PM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:To develop a federal program for cyber operations combating foreign transnational criminal organizations, with oversight by Justice and Homeland Security.
Reporting from 3 identified publishers across this event arc.
