Lawmakers urge National Guard deployment to secure 2026 World Cup airspace
Officials argue the National Guard is uniquely suited for C-UAS mitigation ahead of the tournament
Two Republican members of Congress have formally requested that the Trump administration empower the National Guard to secure airspace over the 11 US host cities for the 2026 World Cup. The letter, addressed to the Homeland Security Secretary, Acting Attorney General, and Pentagon chief, highlights concerns that jurisdictional divides and personnel shortages could fragment security efforts across the tournament venues.
Representatives Michael McCaul and Elijah Crane, both serving on the House Committee on Homeland Security, argue that the National Guard is uniquely positioned to assist federal and state authorities with Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems mitigation. They cite the force's rapid deployability and extensive experience responding to domestic emergencies as key factors in ensuring a unified federal security posture.
The request for immediate interagency action was sent on Friday to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. The lawmakers contend that complex jurisdictional divides between event organisers and host cities risk creating a fragmented environment that could leave critical gaps in airspace protection.
This call to deputise troops to respond to drone threats coincides with heightened security anxieties following a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington. The incident, where a gunman opened fire at the gala attended by President Trump, has raised fresh questions about safety protocols ahead of the upcoming tournament.
The Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the proposal. Meanwhile, White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that President Trump remains focused on ensuring the matches will be the safest and most secure in history.
It remains unclear whether the federal officials addressed in the letter will approve the deployment of the National Guard for this specific purpose. No official assessment of the current drone threat level over the host cities has been released by the agencies involved.
