Exclusive: Hegseth directs Defense Dept. to fight foreigners who "meddle" in U.S. elections

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the Defense Department to use advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities to identify, disrupt, and neutralize foreign interference in upcoming elections, per a memo authorized Sept. 22. The order prioritizes U.S. Cyber Command and the Defense Intelligence Enterprise, but does not send military personnel to polls. President Trump has not ruled out that possibility, raising concerns from Democrats.