A group of Republican senators in the U.S. Senate has urged the Trump administration to launch offensive cyber operations against China in response to a series of cyberattacks linked to Chinese intelligence agencies that have compromised critical American networks.
In a formal letter, the lawmakers called on the President and national security leaders to take decisive action to safeguard the United States’ critical infrastructure. The senators emphasized that the U.S. possesses some of the most advanced offensive cyber capabilities in the world and should respond to such attacks in a proportional and forceful manner.
The letter specifically references cyberattacks carried out by Salt Typhoon, a hacking group that infiltrated the systems of at least nine American telecommunications companies, along with several other organizations worldwide. It also highlights the activities of Silk Typhoon, a group that, in early 2025, gained access to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s systems, including divisions responsible for sanctions enforcement and asset control. Additionally, in 2023, another China-affiliated hacking group breached the email accounts of high-ranking officials in the Department of Commerce and the State Department.
Despite the senators’ strong rhetoric, the letter does not specify the exact measures that should be taken or which agencies should spearhead the response. The White House has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Both the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command have been conducting offensive cyber operations, though much of their work remains classified. If the Trump administration approves the proposed plan, it will need to identify strategic targets for cyberattacks, which could potentially include civilian infrastructure with limited intelligence value.
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued an order in February 2025 directing Cyber Command to halt the planning of cyber operations against Russia, including offensive cyberattacks.
