Trump Orders Cyber Stand-Down Against Russia
Washington’s decision to suspend offensive cyber operations against Russia signals a striking reversal of long-standing security doctrine that has treated Moscow as a primary digital adversary.
WASHINGTON — In a stunning reversal of longstanding U.S. national security policy, President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered the United States Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) to halt all planning and operations against Russia, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The directive, issued by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, signals a shift in strategic priorities that has alarmed cybersecurity officials and foreign policy experts alike.
The order, first reported by The Record1, instructs CYBERCOM to suspend offensive digital actions against Russia. It does not apply to the National Security Agency (NSA), which continues to conduct signals intelligence operations targeting Russian cyber activities. However, cybersecurity officials within the government warn that this move could significantly weaken America’s ability to counter Russian cyber threats, which have long been classified as among the most significant risks to U.S. security.
