Private US companies can now run cyber operations abroad. State-backed hackers are excluded
Donald Trump signed the memorandum on 12 August and the White House published it that night.
It runs to five sections. A National Coordination Center creates and manages the programme. Two Program Executive Directors oversee it. The Attorney General designates one, and the Secretary of Homeland Security designates the other.
What the White House says it is for
Section 1 sets out the reasoning. Transnational criminal organisations “pose a growing threat to American citizens, businesses, and national security”, the memorandum states.
It declares a policy of using all instruments of national power, “including the innovative capabilities of the private sector”. It also says American businesses’ capabilities “have historically been underutilized” in disrupting criminal networks.
The accompanying fact sheet puts figures to it. American consumers lost $20.8bn to cyber-enabled crime in 2025.
It states that 73% of US adults have experienced online scams or attacks. It puts at 98% the share...
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