A new push to let private companies like Elon Musk's carry out government-sanctioned cyber attacks — bad news for privacy, and a warning sign for anyone whose retirement money is being steered into risky assets.

• The White House told federal agencies to let vetted private firms hack, disrupt, or destroy criminal cyber networks — modern "letters of marque," or legal piracy.
• Big names like Elon Musk are circling these government contracts, part of a broader drive to privatize security and warfare.
• Backlash is growing against Flock's license-plate cameras: over 20 cities are moving to cancel contracts, wrongful arrests are piling up, and a nationwide protest is planned.
• Trump wants to open 401(k)s and IRAs to hedge funds, private equity, and crypto — Wall Street is eyeing the $30 trillion in retirement savings for fees.
• Washington carpenters already lost $250 million when risky hedge funds blew up, a preview of what wider access could bring.

Outlook: Expect more privatized security and defense contracts, tougher fights over surveillance rules, and continued pressure to funnel retirement money into riskier investments.