Thread by @realdanstoller

Breaking: @realDonaldTrump to ease restrictions on U.S. cyberweapons - opening the door for cyber counter-attacks if a foreign government comes after the U.S.

But there would need to be broad consultation before cyberweapons are used per NSA #Bolton on press call.

Bolton discussed #WannaCry and #NotPetya so it also opens the door for the U.S. to use such tools in non-cyberwarfare situations.

News: @realDonaldTrump issues order making it easier for the U.S. to launch cyberattacks bloomberg.com/news/articles/… via @bpolitics

Here's @realDonaldTrump national #cyber strategy: whitehouse.gov/wp-content/upl…

Overview: whitehouse.gov/briefings-stat…

Per NSA BOLTON - "We intend to, through both offensive and defensive cyber actions, to create structures of deterrence that will reduce malign behavior in cyberspace."

Also per NSA BOLTON - "any nation that's taking cyber activity against the United States, they should expect -- and this is part of creating structures of deterrence so that it's publicly known as well-- we will respond offensively as well as defensively ..."