The Pentagon issued a letter of concern to Microsoft regarding a breach of trust over its use of China-based engineers to maintain sensitive government computer systems. This action follows a ProPublica investigation exposing Microsoft's "digital escort" system. This system involves U.S. personnel supervising foreign engineers, including those in China, who lack the necessary expertise. Microsoft developed this arrangement to circumvent a requirement for U.S. citizens to handle sensitive data. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the program exposed the department to unacceptable risk. Experts warn that allowing China-based personnel access to U.S. government systems poses significant security risks due to Chinese data collection laws. The Pentagon has launched an investigation to determine if national security has been compromised by these employees. Additionally, a third-party audit of Microsoft's digital escort program has been mandated. Microsoft has since announced it has stopped using China-based engineers for Defense Department cloud computing systems. The company stated it will continue to collaborate with the U.S. government to meet their expectations.