Objective 1.1: Protect the Nation from Terrorism and Espionage

The Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community published in March 2026 reports the U.S. as being in a heightened threat environment, driven by lone-actor attacks, online radicalization, and foreign-inspired violence. Terrorist threats are evolving from large group conspiracies toward lone-offender attacks, driven by online radicalization and foreign-inspired violence linked to geopolitical tensions. International and domestic violent extremists have developed an extensive presence on the internet through messaging platforms and online images, videos, and publications. The United States must confront constant threats from our adversaries who seek to do us harm and exploit our resources through terrorism, espionage, cyberattacks, illicit narcotics, and threats from weapons of mass destructions. Transnational criminal organizations, some of which have ties to terrorist actors, present a significant threat to law enforcement, national security, and our borders. 

The Department of Justice is committed to deterring and disrupting acts of terrorism to protect national security. Through strong partnerships with law enforcement and the intelligence community, the Department will identify and investigate national security threats prior to execution and vigorously prosecute offenders.

Strategies to Achieve Objective 1.1

• Deter, disrupt, and prosecute terrorist threats 
• Strengthen coordination between federal, state, local, and international counterterrorism partners
• Deter, disrupt, and prosecute those who seek to commit espionage, conduct unauthorized disclosures of classified information, steal intellectual property, or circumvent America’s export controls and sanctions
• Deter, disrupt, and prosecute cyber threats against national security, both domestic and transnational

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Percent of counterterrorism, counterintelligence, or export control matters timely addressed
• Number of participants who successfully completed State and Local Anti-Terrorism (SLAT) Training 
• Number of disrupt and dismantle accomplishments claimed against foreign adversaries
• Number of disruptive actions enabled against national security threats 

Enterprise Risk Themes 

National Security • Emergence of New Security Vulnerabilities • Threats to Democratic Institutions

Participating Components: ATF, CIV, COPS, CRM, DEA, FBI, JMD, NSD, OJP, USAO/EOUSA, USMS