Pentagon Orders Full Intelligence Mobilization for Midterm Election Security

Voters heading to the polls this Tuesday face a heightened level of military oversight aimed at preventing foreign interference. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has issued a department-wide order requiring the Pentagon’s intelligence forces to treat election security as a top priority. The directive mandates that all defense intelligence agencies actively work to identify and counter threats from foreign adversaries.

The order, issued in September, extends beyond the traditional scope of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency. It now includes the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Hegseth labeled the effort a no-fail mission, instructing these bodies to mobilize every authorized asset and partnership. This approach represents a shift from previous election cycles, where the focus remained primarily on cyber operations and specific counter-Russia teams.

Military officials clarify that their role is limited to the U.S. border. State and local governments remain in charge of administering elections, while the FBI and Department of Homeland Security manage domestic security. The Pentagon’s task is to track threats originating overseas, such as influence campaigns or cyberattacks. Cyber Command may take action against foreign infrastructure if authorized, but it does not directly manage the physical voting process.

U.S. intelligence agencies report no evidence that foreign actors have compromised voting machines or the counting process so far. However, they continue to monitor influence operations from Russia, China, and Iran. Russia remains the most active threat, using disinformation to target candidates and erode public trust. China’s efforts are more targeted, focusing on candidates viewed as hostile to Beijing’s interests.

Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, noted that intelligence assessments remain consistent with previous findings. He urged the public to stay alert for foreign disinformation, particularly given the ease with which artificial intelligence can spread such campaigns. The military’s current posture is designed to understand adversaries and operate against them from outside the United States.

The structure of this effort builds on work that began before the 2018 midterms. At that time, agencies formed a Russia Small Group, which later evolved into a joint Election Security Group. General Paul Nakasone described this as an enduring mission in 2022. General Joshua Rudd, the current head of Cyber Command and NSA, told lawmakers in April that foreign interference was a reasonable expectation based on past patterns.

It remains unclear if the Election Security Group has been formally reconvened for this year’s midterms. The Pentagon has not disclosed whether Hegseth’s directive has led to additional personnel or resources. The order reinforces an existing mission without granting new public authorities, leaving the specific operational changes under wraps.