President Donald J. Trump has signed a new Executive Order aimed at combating cybercrime, online fraud, and predatory digital schemes that target American citizens, the The White House announced on Friday.
The order directs U.S. government agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of the operational, technical, diplomatic, and regulatory tools used to fight transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) involved in cyber-enabled crimes.
Under the directive, federal authorities will develop an action plan to identify criminal networks operating global scam centers and to strengthen efforts to prevent, disrupt, investigate, and dismantle their operations. The plan also calls for the creation of a dedicated operational cell within the National Coordination Center (NCC) to improve coordination against cyber threats.
The Executive Order instructs the U.S. Attorney General to prioritize prosecutions related to cyber-enabled fraud, including ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and online impersonation scams. The Department of Homeland Security will also work with state and local partners to provide technical assistance, training, and support to strengthen cybersecurity resilience.
In addition, the order directs the State Department to engage foreign governments and demand stronger enforcement actions against cybercrime groups operating from their territories. Countries that fail to act may face sanctions, visa restrictions, limits on foreign assistance, or the expulsion of officials involved in enabling such activities.
According to the administration, cyber-enabled fraud has become a growing global threat. In 2024 alone, American consumers reported losses exceeding $12.5 billion due to online scams. Authorities say seniors, children, and low-income families are among the most frequently targeted victims.
The White House also highlighted the administration’s broader cybersecurity agenda, which includes legislation addressing online exploitation and steps to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and digital systems.
Officials say the new order is intended to improve coordination across government agencies and intensify international cooperation in tackling cybercrime networks that operate across borders.
