Donald Trump’s DHS nominee warns US is behind on World Cup security
Donald Trump’s nominee for the Department of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, has warned that the United States is lagging behind in its security preparations to co-host the upcoming World Cup.
The stark admission comes amid a partial government shutdown that has severely disrupted federal operations for more than a month.
Speaking to lawmakers on Wednesday, Mullin claimed the agency responsible for safeguarding the global tournament is currently struggling.
Training delays spark tournament fears
Addressing the ongoing operational challenges, the prospective security chief bluntly stated that his department is “behind” schedule.
He noted it will take approximately four months to adequately train the new staff required to manage the massive sporting event.
With the opening fixtures rapidly approaching, these extended training timelines have raised genuine concerns regarding the host nation’s overall readiness.
Co-hosting responsibilities under pressure
The United States is scheduled to stage the expanded 2026 tournament alongside North American neighbours Mexico and Canada.
While the opening match is slated for the Mexico City Stadium on 11 June, the American leg is due to begin two days later.
The US national team is set to face Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood to kick off their domestic campaign.
Authorities now face a race against time to ensure all safety protocols and personnel are fully operational before the first whistle.
