US Defense Secretary Mobilizes Military to Protect November Elections

On the eve of the midterm elections, scheduled for November 3, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum ordering the mobilization of military and intelligence resources to protect electoral infrastructure against foreign interference.

Memorandum Authorizing Military and Intelligence Action

The document, dated September 22 and released on September 28, instructs the National Security Agency (NSA), US Cyber Command, and other supporting structures to utilize "advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities" to identify, disrupt, and neutralize external threats to the democratic process.

Objective: Ensure Vote Free from Intimidation

According to the Pentagon, the directive aims to ensure that every legally eligible voter can cast their ballot free from intimidation, coercion, or fear caused by foreign agents. The rule reinforces the defense of electoral infrastructure, classified as "critical infrastructure" since 2017.

History of Military Involvement in Elections

Military cybersecurity experts have been monitoring electoral systems and combating hackers since the 2017 classification. The Election Security Group (ESG), created after the 2016 Russian interference, has acted in all general and midterm elections, focusing on trolls from Russia, Iran, and other countries.

Criticism Regarding the Timing of the Measure

David Becker, former Department of Justice attorney and president of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, stated that the memorandum's release so close to the elections suggests "theater." He highlighted that the federal government had dismantled the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and dismissed experts in early 2025, reducing civilian electoral protection capacity.

Reaction from Military Authorities

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that Cyber Command and intelligence teams will work with federal, state, and local partners to expose malicious foreign influences without violating fundamental freedoms. General Joshua M. Rudd, head of Cyber Command and the NSA, stated that his forces regularly combat actions by malicious foreign cyber agents.

Political Context in the US

The midterms will determine the composition of 435 House seats and one-third of the Senate, influencing the agenda of President Donald Trump, who maintains low approval ratings. The president has also promoted controversial proposals, such as paying US$5,000 to every American adult if Republicans triumph in the elections.

With information from O GLOBO, Gazeta do Povo, VEJA.