US Department of War

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has signed a directive aimed at defending the 2026 United States elections from foreign threats. The move puts the defense department formally into election-security planning ahead of the midterm contests. The exact scope of the directive, which agencies will be involved, and what specific threats it targets have not been detailed, and reactions to the order have so far been limited.

The US Department of War has awarded RTX a $20.7 billion contract to accelerate production of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The deal is intended to expand manufacturing capacity and replenish stockpiles of the air-to-air missile, which is widely used by US and allied forces. The announcement underscores continued heavy US investment in munitions production.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has signed a directive ordering the department to defend the 2026 midterm elections from foreign threats. The move puts the Pentagon formally behind election security preparations ahead of next year's vote. The announcement was published by the department and is drawing attention to how the military will be involved in countering foreign interference.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has signed a directive aimed at defending the 2026 midterm elections from foreign threats. The announcement, published by the Department of War, is drawing attention in the United States and abroad, with the story trending in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Observers are weighing what role the Pentagon will play in election security and how the directive will be implemented ahead of the vote.