Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently initiated a thorough investigation into Microsoft’s use of engineers linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in sensitive Department of Defense (DoD) cloud contracts. Hegseth’s decisive actions trace back to a controversial program from the Obama-Biden administration, known as “Digital Escorts.” This program allowed U.S. citizens with security clearances but limited technical skills to act as intermediaries for Chinese engineers. What began as a compliance measure ultimately granted the CCP access to vital U.S. infrastructure.
“For nearly a decade, Microsoft has used Chinese coders, remotely supervised by U.S. contractors, to support sensitive DoD cloud systems,” Hegseth explained. He deemed the arrangement an “unacceptable risk” to national security. This overwhelming concern led to a formal “matter of concern” being issued to Microsoft, demanding a comprehensive third-party audit of every line of code associated with the Chinese engineers.
Hegseth emphasized the gravity of the situation, indicating that it potentially compromised U.S. military systems by allowing the insertion of malicious code or backdoors. The Secretary clearly stated, “The use of Chinese nationals to service Department of Defense cloud environments—it’s over.” His commitment to national security is resolute; every DoD software vendor must now identify and eliminate any Chinese involvement in their systems.
The investigation seeks to uncover whether any hidden vulnerabilities occurred as a result of previous practices. “Did they put anything in the code that we didn’t know about? We’re going to find out,” Hegseth noted. His directive emphasizes accountability, ensuring that all partners engaged with the DoD prioritize U.S. national security over profitability. “I mean, if you’re thinking America First and common sense—this doesn’t pass either of those tests,” he stated.
This situation reflects a broader reassessment of protocols within the Department of Defense under Hegseth’s leadership. His approach has been characterized by an unwavering commitment to securing U.S. networks. “We expect vendors doing business with the Department of Defense to put U.S. national security ahead of profit maximization,” he asserted. Hegseth’s concerns resonate at a time when vigilance against foreign influence is critical for safeguarding national interests.
As the investigation continues, Hegseth remains determined to follow through on his objectives. “Once we found out about it, we’ve attacked it aggressively from the beginning, and we’re going to follow all the way through the tape to make sure that this is addressed,” he affirmed. This clear stance indicates that the Pentagon is on high alert and prepared to rectify past missteps.
In closing, Hegseth’s firm pronouncement—“It blows my mind that I’m even saying these things—it’s just common sense”—underscores the pressing need for a reevaluation of security practices within the Pentagon. As the investigation unfolds, it remains crucial to ensure that American defense systems remain impervious to foreign threats. “God bless,” he concluded, reflecting a steadfast commitment to protecting the nation’s infrastructure.
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