Posted on 09/26/2025 11:12:34 AM PDT by Red Badger
For context, Hegseth explained that the DoD is investigating the involvement of Chinese nationals to assess potential code vulnerabilities in vital US systems. He reiterated that it is indispensable for the end of Chinese participation in DoD systems, prioritizing U.S. national security over corporate profits
In any case, Hegseth began his comments by explaining how this program came to be. “Last month, the Department of Defense was made aware of an Obama-Biden era legacy program called Digital escorts. For nearly a decade, Microsoft has used Chinese coders remotely supervised by us contractors to support sensitive DoD cloud systems,” he explained.
Building on this point, he said that the program was a massive and unacceptable risk to America. Hegseth noted, “The program was designed to comply with contracting rules, but it exposed the department to unacceptable risk. I mean, if you’re thinking America first and common sense, this doesn’t pass either of those tests.”
Continuing his confident response, Hegset described his next steps.”So I initiated an immediate review of this vulnerability, and I want to report our initial findings on the use of Chinese nationals in the Service Department of Defense cloud environments. It’s over. We’ve issued a formal letter of concern to Microsoft documenting this breach of trust, and we’re requiring a third-party audit of Microsoft’s digital escort program, including the code and the submissions by Chinese nationals,” he declared.
Additionally, Hegeth made sure that this would not cost the taxpayer anything, saying, ” This audit will be free of charge for US taxpayers. I’m also tasking the Department of Defense experts with a separate investigation of the digital escort program and the Chinese Microsoft employees that were involved in it.”
Explaining that this practice will not be allowed in any defence industry contracts, he noted, “Additionally, all Department of Defense software vendors will identify and terminate any Chinese involvement in DOD systems. It blows my mind that I’m even saying these things. It’s such common sense that we ever allowed it to happen.”
Watch the clip here
VIDEO AT LINK.....................
Bringing his comments to a close, Hegseth tied this movr to the Trump agenda. “I’m committed, like the president is, to ensuring that our national security networks are secure. Again, it’s America first, and it’s common sense. This never should have happened in the first place, but once we found out about it, we’ve attacked it aggressively from the beginning, and we’re going to follow all the way through the tape to make sure that this is addressed. So DoD is working in conjunction, as well with our partners in the rest of the federal government to ensure that all US networks are protected. God bless you,” he declared.
The damage is probably already done. A little late on this I’d say.
SOUNDS LIKE HEGSETH HAS A NEW BROOM TO SWEEP CLEAN
I really don’t understand how this happened. Here’s why: Before I retired I supported various parts of the DoD, primarily the Department of the Air Force (Air and Space) with technologies that ‘supported’ both the SIPR and NIPR networks. MEaning secure and nonsecure networks.
We signed off on documents about having ONLY US citizens on US soil or territories or on base touching or supporting these systems.
My employer drilled us and made us certify we understood compliance with this - up to and including termination, fines, civil and criminal individual prosecution.
I will have to fault our government for this - agreeing to a contract that would allow the CCP to even get near it.
Microsoft is actually quite good at all things FedRamp, even FedRamp high. So I am baffled here.
Plus Microsoft bids on future federal contracts should all be given the standard negative adjustment for a contractor with a record of very inadequate performance on past federal contracts.
Exactly, this was the first thing that popped into my mind. How did the Chinese ever gor get access to our classified systems? Who allowed this & under which president did it happen? Let me guess. I may not know, but I think I may have a good guess.
at least since clinton and Charlie Trie (sp?) and Wang Jun
Hegseth began his comments by explaining how this program came to be. “Last month, the Department of Defense was made aware of an Obama-Biden era legacy program called Digital escorts. OBAMA
I thought we just agreed to let 600,000 of ‘em in to study here.
I get it’s different but…..
Who is accountable?
While no one has taken direct responsibility, several entities share accountability:
Microsoft: The company developed and implemented the workaround and reportedly omitted key details about its practices in its security filings with the Defense Department.
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA): This agency is responsible for granting provisional authorization for cloud platforms. There appears to have been a lack of awareness within DISA about the program’s operations.
Pentagon Oversight: The program operated for years under multiple administrations, indicating a systemic failure of oversight within the Pentagon’s contracting processes
thanks.
Net: MS cheated and is now busted. That’s gonna leave a mark. Also the DISA or DoD program manager is going to have a rough future. Wow.
That sort of compliance was absolutely baked in to what we did, every time. Can’t believe MS would cheat like that.
check
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