PROTECTING CRITICAL MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE MISSIONS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity of the United States’ National Security Systems (NSS) and modernizing their governance to tackle the cyber challenges anticipated in 2026 and beyond.
- NSS refers to the U.S.’s most confidential computer systems, which handle classified information or support military and intelligence operations.
- This Memorandum establishes a clear framework of structure, authority, roles, and responsibilities for the governance of NSS, ensuring accountability for cybersecurity requirements among its owners and operators.
- It ensures that NSS run by civilian agencies receive a level of defense comparable to that provided by the Department of War (DOW) and Intelligence Community (IC).
- The Memorandum reinstates the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) and updates it for the first time in over 35 years to set baseline cybersecurity standards for all NSS. It aims to improve accountability and coordination across agencies for the implementation of necessary cyber defenses.
- The CNSS will supervise the cybersecurity of NSS across the U.S. Government and issue binding directives to all NSS owners and operators.
- The CNSS will facilitate collaboration, standardization, and efficient resource management by fostering coordination and information-sharing among federal agencies, public-private partnerships, and international liaison activities.
- The CNSS will utilize the combined authorities and resources of the Federal Chief Information Officer, the Chief Information Officers of the DOW and IC, and the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) to ensure there are no vulnerabilities or weak points in NSS defenses.
- The Memorandum authorizes the Director of the National Security Agency to serve as the National Manager for National Security Systems and as the cryptologic authority of NSS. This empowers the Director to use the full technical capabilities of the NSA to strengthen the security of NSS throughout the U.S. government.
- The Memorandum encourages the efficient use of taxpayer funds by promoting shared services in NSS and requiring the elimination of outdated requirements.
- A Policy Coordination Committee is established to collaborate with the CNSS in requesting an assessment of the NSS cybersecurity posture.
DEFENDING NATIONAL SECURITY SYSTEMS ACROSS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: President Trump is emphasizing the importance of these essential systems to ensure that the federal government maintains its dominance in the cyber realm.
- Securing NSS enables America’s frontline personnel to successfully complete their essential missions, return safely, and foster a new era of peace through strength.
- Continuously updating and protecting these systems is vital to confront the cybersecurity challenges anticipated in 2026 and the future.
ADVANCING NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY: President Trump is advancing U.S. cybersecurity to safeguard all Americans.
- President Trump has declared that his Administration is committed to making America cyber secure by focusing on technical and organizational professionalism to enhance the security and resilience of the nation’s information systems and networks.
- In June 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity, with an emphasis on critical protections against foreign cyber threats and improving secure technology practices.
- In June 2025, he also signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the National Security Enterprise, creating a new framework to deliver advanced, secure, and reliable AI systems to the United States’ warfighters and intelligence professionals while ensuring their responsible use.
- In March 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order to combat cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes targeting American families, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
- In March 2026, he released his Cyber Strategy for America, detailing his priorities to ensure the nation remains unmatched in cyberspace.
- In June 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order to promote American innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster America’s cybersecurity, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure the United States remains the global leader in AI innovation.
