The U.S. military’s cyber activities against Russian targets were reportedly halted for a single day earlier this year as part of diplomatic maneuvering, sparking sharp scrutiny from lawmakers across the aisle.

The brief pause, confirmed by a key House Republican, took place amid sensitive negotiations involving Ukraine and has led to backlash against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s management of cyber policy, as Politico reports.

Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican who chairs the House Armed Services Committee cyber subcommittee, revealed during a Friday hearing that U.S. Cyber Command had suspended offensive cyber missions against Russia for one day sometime in early 2025. According to Bacon, the temporary halt was a deliberate decision taken as part of negotiations involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia.

One-day cyber halt coincides with key Ukraine talks

The reports of a pause in cyber operations first surfaced in February, claiming that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth personally issued a directive to halt all planning related to Russian cyber targets. At the time, the Pentagon dismissed these reports and denied issuing any formal stand-down order.

However, Bacon clarified during the hearing that a one-day pause had indeed occurred and insisted it was standard operating procedure during major diplomatic negotiations. “I dug into this whole matter,” Bacon said. “There was a one-day pause, which is typical for negotiations.” He indicated that was all he could publicly share about the matter.

This short-term cyber freeze is believed to have transpired at the same time Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House for discussions with President Donald Trump. The focal point of that visit was a potential minerals agreement between the two nations, which later collapsed following contentious talks in the Oval Office.

Mixed reactions stir political friction

The timing of the cyber pause during Ukraine-related negotiations raised alarm among Democratic Party lawmakers and European partners. Critics interpreted the move as a possible sign of weakness at a sensitive moment in U.S.-Russia relations, particularly regarding Ukraine’s security posture.

The Pentagon maintained at the time that no directive had been issued to stand down cyber efforts. In early March, the Department of Defense’s Rapid Response team reiterated via social media that Secretary Hegseth had not canceled or delayed any actions targeting Russia.

Rep. Eugene Vindman, a Democrat member of the same subcommittee, rejected the Pentagon’s explanation, asserting that the department was misleading the public. “The statement is an outright lie,” Vindman said. "That is not what the American people deserve, and that will be something I intend to follow up with the secretary when he actually shows up." Vindman has pledged to question Hegseth directly about the matter during his next appearance before Congress.

Cyber pause adds to criticism of Hegseth

Rep. Bacon has previously voiced criticism of Hegseth’s leadership, particularly around issues concerning cybersecurity and communications. Speaking earlier this year, Bacon condemned the defense secretary for allegedly using the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss classified operations in Yemen.

His disapproval further intensified following the recent dismissal of Gen. Timothy Haugh, who had been leading both the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command. Bacon viewed the decision as politically motivated and linked Haugh’s firing to allegations raised by far-right activist Laura Loomer to President Trump, rather than any misconduct or professional failures by the general.

“When the secretary of defense comes to the Armed Services Committee, he will have to answer for this,” Bacon said, referring to both the cyber operations pause and Haugh’s termination.

Questions remain over decision-making transparency

Though the one-day pause has been portrayed by Bacon as a routine part of high-stakes diplomacy, the lack of initial transparency and conflicting statements from Defense Department officials have added to growing concerns among lawmakers. Many are now pushing for clearer oversight of cyber strategy and improved communication protocols from the Pentagon.

While the Biden-Trump administration has often faced criticism over foreign policy consistency, this latest incident underscores deepening tensions not only across party lines but also within U.S. defense institutions. Lawmakers from both sides are calling for accountability from civilian leadership over military decisions.

The exact details of which operations were suspended remain classified, and neither the Department of Defense nor U.S. Cyber Command has issued any further clarifications regarding Bacon’s recent comments. Media inquiries directed at both agencies have so far gone unanswered.

Ongoing investigations and committee oversight expected

As more information surfaces, members of Congress are expected to press for a fuller account from Secretary Hegseth during his next scheduled testimony. The pause has also added fuel to efforts by some in the legislature to review how sensitive negotiation periods intersect with active military and intelligence operations.

The issue also places pressure on the Department of Defense to reassess how it communicates with elected officials during dynamic geopolitical events. With global tensions still high, some lawmakers argue that mixed messages from the Pentagon can undermine both domestic and allied confidence.

Despite Bacon’s assertion that such pauses are common, the political fallout from this particular incident may continue to impact the broader debate over America’s cyber defense doctrine and appropriate civilian oversight of military activities.