White House Shifting Cyber Risk to State and Local Agencies

Executive Order Shifts Cyber Responsibilities to States, Sparking Security Concerns Chris Riotta (@chrisriotta) • March 20, 2025

The White House is shifting cybersecurity risk management from the federal government to states and local agencies, marking a pivot in how Washington supports the protection of elections and other critical infrastructure.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order launching a new National Resilience Strategy within 90 days, aimed at giving states power “to make smart infrastructure choices” that address risks from cyberattacks and other physical disasters. The order states it is the policy of the U.S. government that "state and local governments and individuals play a more active and significant role in national resilience and preparedness."

The executive order comes on the heels of deep cuts to federal agencies - Trump and billionaire special adviser ...