David DiMolfetta
@ddimolfetta.bsky.social
Nextgov/FCW cybersecurity + intelligence reporter. Tips: ddimolfetta@govexec.com Signal: @ djd.99 X/Twitter: @ddimolfetta
Pinned
Two years ago today I joined the Nextgov/FCW team at GovExec. I'm proud of the terrific work we've produced for our readers, and I'm excited to keep it going. Thanks for sticking with me. As always, send tips and scoops to ddimolfetta@govexec.com or my Signal @ djd.99
White House convening meeting today on FISA 702, per senior official. Confirming @martinmatishak.bsky.social
www.nextgov.com/policy/2026/...
www.nextgov.com/policy/2026/...
White House will hold meeting to discuss renewal of controversial spying power
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is set to expire this spring unless renewed by lawmakers.
www.nextgov.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:16 PM
White House convening meeting today on FISA 702, per senior official. Confirming @martinmatishak.bsky.social
www.nextgov.com/policy/2026/...
www.nextgov.com/policy/2026/...
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
NEW: The government's nutrition website directs users to Grok.
After I asked about it, the site lost the name drop shown below, but users are still sent to Grok. This follows uproar over Grok's creation of millions of sexualized deepfakes of women and children.
www.nextgov.com/digital-gove...
After I asked about it, the site lost the name drop shown below, but users are still sent to Grok. This follows uproar over Grok's creation of millions of sexualized deepfakes of women and children.
www.nextgov.com/digital-gove...
February 10, 2026 at 6:28 PM
NEW: The government's nutrition website directs users to Grok.
After I asked about it, the site lost the name drop shown below, but users are still sent to Grok. This follows uproar over Grok's creation of millions of sexualized deepfakes of women and children.
www.nextgov.com/digital-gove...
After I asked about it, the site lost the name drop shown below, but users are still sent to Grok. This follows uproar over Grok's creation of millions of sexualized deepfakes of women and children.
www.nextgov.com/digital-gove...
For all you government tech nerds: The CIA says it's overhauling how it procures tech from the private sector, as part of an effort speed adoption of cutting-edge capabilities. A DARPA procurement alum is leading the effort, a CIA official tells me:
www.nextgov.com/acquisition/...
www.nextgov.com/acquisition/...
CIA announces new acquisition framework to speed tech adoption
DARPA alum Efstathia Fragogiannis joined the agency as its new procurement chief in November and will be spearheading the effort, according to a CIA official.
www.nextgov.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:17 PM
For all you government tech nerds: The CIA says it's overhauling how it procures tech from the private sector, as part of an effort speed adoption of cutting-edge capabilities. A DARPA procurement alum is leading the effort, a CIA official tells me:
www.nextgov.com/acquisition/...
www.nextgov.com/acquisition/...
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
“If I’m here at Super Bowl LX, it’s because I never stopped believing in myself. You should never stop believing in yourself either. It’s worth more than you think.” —Bad Bunny
February 9, 2026 at 1:44 AM
“If I’m here at Super Bowl LX, it’s because I never stopped believing in myself. You should never stop believing in yourself either. It’s worth more than you think.” —Bad Bunny
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
In a statement, CIA calls @wyden.senate.gov's letter referring to deep concerns he has about unspecified CIA activities a "badge of honor."
February 5, 2026 at 8:24 PM
In a statement, CIA calls @wyden.senate.gov's letter referring to deep concerns he has about unspecified CIA activities a "badge of honor."
Senator Warner, Vice Chairman of Senate Intelligence Committee “shares many of the concerns expressed by Senator Wyden in his letter, and in fact he has expressed them to DCIA Ratcliffe himself,” a spokesperson tells me.
👀 A cryptic new letter from Senator Ron Wyden to the CIA director.
February 5, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Senator Warner, Vice Chairman of Senate Intelligence Committee “shares many of the concerns expressed by Senator Wyden in his letter, and in fact he has expressed them to DCIA Ratcliffe himself,” a spokesperson tells me.
New: Growing concerns about Trump-era domestic surveillance practices are weighing on Capitol Hill’s debate over the reauthorization of FISA 702, the powerful surveillance law on track to lapse in April, congressional aides familiar tell me⬇️
February 5, 2026 at 3:45 PM
New: Growing concerns about Trump-era domestic surveillance practices are weighing on Capitol Hill’s debate over the reauthorization of FISA 702, the powerful surveillance law on track to lapse in April, congressional aides familiar tell me⬇️
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
February 4, 2026 at 2:54 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
Floored by this story. A man wrote a pollite email to a federal prosecutor objecting to the deportation of an Afghan seeking asylum. DHS responded with an administrative warrant to get the man's info from Google, then visited his home to intimidate him.
DHS Hunts Down 67-Year-Old U.S. Citizen Who Criticized Them in Email
The Department of Homeland Security is using a little-known tool to go after its critics.
newrepublic.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Floored by this story. A man wrote a pollite email to a federal prosecutor objecting to the deportation of an Afghan seeking asylum. DHS responded with an administrative warrant to get the man's info from Google, then visited his home to intimidate him.
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
"Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said Tuesday that Verizon and AT&T are preventing the release of documents tied to Salt Typhoon, a Chinese cyber collective that infiltrated U.S. telecom networks and other communications systems around the world."
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
Senator says AT&T and Verizon blocked release of Salt Typhoon security reports
“AT&T and Verizon apparently intervened” to block a major cyber intelligence firm from sending documentation about the telecom hackers, Sen. Maria Cantwell wrote in a letter.
www.nextgov.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:32 PM
"Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said Tuesday that Verizon and AT&T are preventing the release of documents tied to Salt Typhoon, a Chinese cyber collective that infiltrated U.S. telecom networks and other communications systems around the world."
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
This reminds of a similar development I reported about Salt Typhoon last year -->
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
February 3, 2026 at 8:16 PM
This reminds of a similar development I reported about Salt Typhoon last year -->
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
Asked on stage about a release timeline for the National Cyber Strategy, Sean Cairncross said it would come “sooner rather than later” without specifying further. It was initially expected last month:
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
White House cyber shop is crafting AI security policy framework, top official says
ONCD chief Sean Cairncross also said a bedrock National Cyber Strategy, initially expected last month, is coming “sooner rather than later” without specifying a date.
www.nextgov.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Asked on stage about a release timeline for the National Cyber Strategy, Sean Cairncross said it would come “sooner rather than later” without specifying further. It was initially expected last month:
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
NEW: US intelligence analysts assess that Xi Jinping has a remarkable level of paranoia. This could help explain his persecution of China's top general, Zhang Youxia, and other purges. Some experts say Xi could be moving to extend his rule for a 4th term. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/u...
Ruptures in China’s Leadership Could Be Due to Paranoia and Power Plays
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:30 PM
NEW: US intelligence analysts assess that Xi Jinping has a remarkable level of paranoia. This could help explain his persecution of China's top general, Zhang Youxia, and other purges. Some experts say Xi could be moving to extend his rule for a 4th term. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/u...
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
NEW at this.weekinsecurity.com: Over 100 security researchers and journalists responded to a survey about legal and criminal threats they have faced for doing their jobs.
A key finding is that while legal and criminal threats are common, most researchers and journalists stood their ground.
More:
A key finding is that while legal and criminal threats are common, most researchers and journalists stood their ground.
More:
New survey reveals how security researchers and journalists experience legal and criminal threats
Over 100 security researchers and journalists answered our survey and told us how they experienced threats for doing their work. Here are some of the top takeaways.
this.weekinsecurity.com
February 2, 2026 at 12:39 PM
NEW at this.weekinsecurity.com: Over 100 security researchers and journalists responded to a survey about legal and criminal threats they have faced for doing their jobs.
A key finding is that while legal and criminal threats are common, most researchers and journalists stood their ground.
More:
A key finding is that while legal and criminal threats are common, most researchers and journalists stood their ground.
More:
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
NEWS: A whistleblower complaint filed 8 months ago alleges wrongdoing about Tulsi Gabbard but has been stalled within her own agency from reaching Congress. The complaint is extremely classified, may involve "executive privilege" and is currently locked in a safe, sources say.
February 2, 2026 at 12:22 PM
NEWS: A whistleblower complaint filed 8 months ago alleges wrongdoing about Tulsi Gabbard but has been stalled within her own agency from reaching Congress. The complaint is extremely classified, may involve "executive privilege" and is currently locked in a safe, sources say.
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
Breaking News: President Trump said the Kennedy Center will close for two years this summer for reconstruction. The announcement came after the center has been rocked by cancellations and boycotts by performers, contributors and audience members.
Trump Says Kennedy Center Will Close for 2-Year Reconstruction Project
The president’s announcement came after the center has been rocked by cancellations and boycotts by performers, contributors and audience members.
nyti.ms
February 2, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Breaking News: President Trump said the Kennedy Center will close for two years this summer for reconstruction. The announcement came after the center has been rocked by cancellations and boycotts by performers, contributors and audience members.
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
The ‘staggering’ cybersecurity weakness that isn’t getting enough focus, according to a top Secret Service official cyberscoop.com/secret-servi...
Why the domain registration system is a major security threat, according to Secret Service
A Secret Service official warns the domain registration system has major security vulnerabilities that enable phishing and fraud, yet the issue remains largely overlooked.
cyberscoop.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:23 PM
The ‘staggering’ cybersecurity weakness that isn’t getting enough focus, according to a top Secret Service official cyberscoop.com/secret-servi...
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
New: Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, is leading an administration-wide effort to probe the 2020 election for fraud and regularly briefing Trump and top White House officials on her progress. Officials are discussing EOs on voting ahead of midterms.
www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
Exclusive | Spy Chief Tulsi Gabbard Is Hunting for 2020 Election Fraud
The director of national intelligence earlier this week joined the FBI search of an election center in Georgia.
www.wsj.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:14 PM
New: Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, is leading an administration-wide effort to probe the 2020 election for fraud and regularly briefing Trump and top White House officials on her progress. Officials are discussing EOs on voting ahead of midterms.
www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
@derekbjohnson.bsky.social is at the NASS conference today and it sounds like officials are all in agreement that what happened in Fulton County yesterday was ominous cyberscoop.com/fulton-count...
Lawmakers, election officials blast Trump administration after Fulton County raid
State election officials pressed White House officials for their legal rationale and expressed concern about the impact of similar raids tied to the 2026 elections.
cyberscoop.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:44 PM
@derekbjohnson.bsky.social is at the NASS conference today and it sounds like officials are all in agreement that what happened in Fulton County yesterday was ominous cyberscoop.com/fulton-count...
US developed ‘non-kinetic’ cell ahead of Venezuela mission to push cyber operations —>
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
US developed ‘non-kinetic’ cell ahead of Venezuela mission to push cyber operations
Officials said that cyber capabilities are expected to play a central role in future U.S. military undertakings.
www.nextgov.com
January 28, 2026 at 10:28 PM
US developed ‘non-kinetic’ cell ahead of Venezuela mission to push cyber operations —>
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
SCOOP: A suspected Chinese intelligence outfit contacted a former senior State Dept officer late last year requesting an assessment of US policy priorities in Venezuela. The fake consulting firm, discovered by FDD researchers, was first reported by Nextgov/FCW in September.⬇️
January 27, 2026 at 5:11 PM
SCOOP: A suspected Chinese intelligence outfit contacted a former senior State Dept officer late last year requesting an assessment of US policy priorities in Venezuela. The fake consulting firm, discovered by FDD researchers, was first reported by Nextgov/FCW in September.⬇️
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
New: WhatsApp unveils a higher security offering, becoming the latest tech firm to provide users with opt-in stronger protections against hackers
www.reuters.com/business/med...
www.reuters.com/business/med...
WhatsApp unveils high-security mode, latest tech firm to offer users stronger protection
Meta's WhatsApp messaging service is offering users an advanced security mode, joining a growing number of U.S. tech firms that are letting users opt into stronger protections against hackers in excha...
www.reuters.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:05 PM
New: WhatsApp unveils a higher security offering, becoming the latest tech firm to provide users with opt-in stronger protections against hackers
www.reuters.com/business/med...
www.reuters.com/business/med...
The White House on Friday rescinded a 2022 order that mandated a standardized self-attestation form for agencies to obtain cyber assurances from vendors, arguing the policy hindered agencies from adopting security solutions for their specific needs:
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
OMB reverses Biden-era software attestation order
A new executive branch memorandum instead allows agencies to lean on software bills of materials, or SBOMs, in lieu of a universal attestation framework.
www.nextgov.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:54 PM
The White House on Friday rescinded a 2022 order that mandated a standardized self-attestation form for agencies to obtain cyber assurances from vendors, arguing the policy hindered agencies from adopting security solutions for their specific needs:
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
Reposted by David DiMolfetta
The FBI has not responded to my request for comment, but a former FBI official tells me that folks from the bureau are fully pulling out of conference participation.
Meanwhile, the NSA declined to comment and referred me to the White House.
Meanwhile, the NSA declined to comment and referred me to the White House.
FBI and NSA officials were listed in earlier queries of the conference agenda, but are no longer seen on the schedule. I’ve asked both agencies for comment.
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
CISA to cease participation at RSAC conference after Biden-era cyber leader named CEO
The decision, which has been in motion over the last week, highlights the Trump administration’s push to strictly control how current officials participate in industry events linked to former senior l...
www.nextgov.com
January 24, 2026 at 3:30 AM
The FBI has not responded to my request for comment, but a former FBI official tells me that folks from the bureau are fully pulling out of conference participation.
Meanwhile, the NSA declined to comment and referred me to the White House.
Meanwhile, the NSA declined to comment and referred me to the White House.