Donald Trump · Iran · U.S. · NPR Technology
Trump administration wants to allow firms to hack foreign cybercriminals
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 source. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◌ Single Source
WASHINGTON, President Trump wants private companies to hack the hackers.
Key facts
- A water tower is seen Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Plymouth, Minn
- Participating companies would enter contracts with the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security, undergo "rigorous vetting" and set aside $1 million the government can collect
- There's a range of potential targets … like organized crime … people doing money laundering or other criminal activity," said Joshua Steinman, who served as senior director for cyber policy
- A cyberattack targeted the operating technology at over 30 water systems in Minnesota, including Plymouth's, earlier this week, state officials said
Summary
In a memo issued late Wednesday, the Trump administration announced a program that could authorize some U.S. businesses to pursue government-selected foreign cybercriminals. The presidential memorandum doesn't fully explain how it would allow a private business to take the lead on work traditionally performed by the U.S. government, like spying or disruptive cyber operations. U.S. anti-hacking laws broadly bar people and businesses from hacking digital infrastructure, with some exceptions to allow law enforcement work. Nevertheless, the memo presents a dramatic departure from the way America's private sector currently behaves in cyberspace.