US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at bolstering the nation’s defenses against cyber-related fraud, ransomware attacks, phishing attempts, financial swindles, and extortion schemes that target American citizens, businesses, and vital infrastructure.

The directive mandates a thorough assessment by pertinent government officials of existing operational, technical, diplomatic, and regulatory tools for combating transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) involved in cybercrime. An action plan outlining TCOs responsible for scamming operations and suggesting actions to prevent, disrupt, investigate, and dismantle their activities will be presented.

Unified Enforcement and International Collaboration

A specialized operational unit is to be set up within the National Coordination Center (NCC) as the central national body for addressing cyber-enabled crimes. The Attorney General has been instructed to prioritize legal actions against those perpetrating cyber-enabled frauds, concentrating on serious and substantiated offenses. Meanwhile, the Secretary of Homeland Security is tasked with collaborating with the NCC in offering training, technical assistance, and resilience-building support to state and local authorities.

The executive order also includes an international component. The Secretary of State has been directed to work with foreign governments demanding that TCOs operating within their borders be held accountable for their actions, with potential consequences such as sanctions, visa limitations, restrictions on foreign aid, and expulsion of officials complicit in these activities.

The Attorney General will also propose the creation of a Victims Restoration Program designed to return recovered or forfeited funds directly to scam victims.

According to data cited by the administration, American consumers reported losses exceeding USD 12.5 billion due to cyber-enabled fraud in 2024, with seniors particularly vulnerable. The president’s executive order comes after a series of related initiatives, including the TAKE IT DOWN Act signed in May 2025 to protect children from online extortion and a June 2025 executive order focusing on critical cybersecurity measures.