Private Cyber Operators, Public Responsibility: Trump Memorandum Expands Offensive Cyber Enforcement

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Friday, August 28, 2026
Author: 
Maria B. Mc Reddie
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
10
Abstract: 

               On August 12, 2026, President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum establishing a federal program under which vetted United States companies may conduct Cyber Surveillance Operations and Cyber Effects Operations against foreign Cyber-Enabled Transnational Criminal Organizations (CE-TCOs).  The first are covert intrusions to collect intelligence; the second are operations that disrupt, degrade, or destroy a target’s systems.