Has Trump Instructed the NSA to Combat Russia’s Hacking Campaigns?

The recent resurgence of geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and Russia, has brought into question the extent to which the U.S. government is addressing cyber threats attributed to Russia. In a world where cyber warfare has become as critical as traditional military engagements, it is imperative to understand why President Trump has not directed the NSA (National Security Agency) to combat Russia's incessant hacking activities, a threat equally alarming as the notorious attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Why Has the President Failed to Take Action?

There are several plausible explanations for why President Trump has not initiated a robust response to address Russia's ongoing cyber attacks. First, it is possible that the President is hesitant to admit any actions that might cast doubt on the legitimacy of his 2016 election victory. However, it is important to note that such admissions would not necessarily lessen the perceived legitimacy of his victory, as historical records and investigations have already established the legitimacy of his win.

Second, there is speculation that the President might be indebted to Russian sources or leveraged by them in ways that prevent him from taking decisive action. The President himself has had to respond to this concern by stating that investigations into his finances should not cross a "red line." This suggests that the President may be cautious to avoid actions that could be interpreted as compromising his relationships with Russia.

A third and perhaps more plausible reason could be that Putin and his security agencies have something to blackmail the President with, creating a significant incentive for the President to avoid taking any actions that could escalate tensions.

From publicly available information, it appears that the President has not explicitly ordered the NSA or other agencies to mount a counterattack against Russia. If such orders were given, they might not have been made public due to national security considerations. Alternatively, the President may have concluded that such actions are unnecessary or contrary to the nuanced narrative he is trying to develop.

Limited Action: Considering Current Commitments

Given the current commitments of various U.S. government agencies, one might wonder if the NSA is already tasked with this mission. The NSA, being one of the most advanced intelligence agencies in the world, is likely capable of detecting and responding to cyber threats without explicit orders, especially when the potential for threats is as high as it is with Russia. Moreover, other agencies may already be tackling similar issues, making additional presidential directives redundant.

There is also the possibility that the President has instructed the NSA to combat Russian hacking, but the impact of such actions is less significant than what the public perceives. The U.S. government's focus may be on a broader range of issues, including political and diplomatic concerns, rather than solely on addressing cyber threats.

Debunking Claims of Russian Involvement

From a subjective perspective, the author is not convinced of the scale or severity of Russian hacking. There is a growing belief that the hacking activities often attributed to Russia may actually be the work of US intelligence agencies themselves, possibly as part of a shadowy government operation ("Deep Shadow Government"). This hypothesis challenges the traditional narrative of Russian aggression, suggesting that some of the alleged hacking may be state-tailored narratives designed to serve political and strategic interests.

The exploration of these claims and the underlying motivations behind them is crucial for understanding the complex geopolitical landscape and the actions of both the U.S. and Russia in the cyber domain. Whether the NSA has been ordered to combat Russian hacking or whether such actions are ongoing without presidential oversight, the response to this threat remains a subject of intense debate and scrutiny in the halls of power.