DHS Secretary Mullin Warns of ‘Major Threats’ From Drone Attacks, Chemical Risks as White House Security Debate Intensifies

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has issued a stark warning about escalating security vulnerabilities facing the White House and the nation, citing “major threats with drone attacks” and potential chemical or small-arms assaults just weeks before the Unite States hosts its largest-ever sporting event.

In an interview following the WHCA Dinner shooting, Secretary Mullin forcefully argued for enhanced security measures around the executive mansion, directly pushing back against Democratic opposition to funding certain protections.

“We have major threats with drone attacks, major concerns when it comes to different chemicals that could be used, small arms that could be used,” Mullin said. He explained that planned upgrades, including a new roof, would make the entire White House complex “drone-proof,” adding that the investment is critical “for future presidents coming down the pike too.”

Addressing the controversy over a new ballroom, the Secretary clarified that while construction is paid for by private funds, the Secret Service is responsible for security across the entire White House complex. “They investigate money laundering, they investigate currency manipulation… they’ve got to be above the law, they can’t be bought off,” he said. “We cannot allow them to take private dollars.”

Mullin also detailed the severe consequences of the 76-day government shutdown, which he said left his department fighting “with one hand tied behind our back.” He noted that the shutdown created “a tremendous amount of bad actors” trying to exploit vulnerabilities, particularly with the FIFA World Cup approaching.

“We’re 30 days out from the first match in the U.S. – L.A. on June 12,” Mullin said, noting that 11 U.S. cities will host games. “We’ll have five to seven million visitors, watched by 1.7 billion people in the world. It is the largest sporting event the United States has hosted.”

He revealed that local law enforcement in host cities like Kansas City, which will hold six matches in 38 days, have not been reimbursed for security costs since February. He added that DHS lost 1,100 people in its cybersecurity office due to the shutdown, forcing the agency to play “catch up” rather than being proactive.

“Every Democrat member knows this – they had been briefed on this,” Mullin stated. “The first meeting I went to the Senate, I briefed Democrats on the vulnerabilities that the shutdown was causing us. Then we went another 28 days before we were funded.”

Despite the challenges, Mullin insisted his workforce remains resilient. “Morale was a huge issue, no question,” he admitted. “But when I inherited the Department of Homeland Security, they were shut down for 40 days… people were still showing up for work. They believed in the mission of protecting the homeland.”

Referring to the ongoing security preparations, he vowed, “I don’t believe in failure. Now we’re hands-free. We’re fighting with our hands, feet, and brain to protect the FIFA events and every day events.”

The Secretary also used the interview to honor law enforcement during National Police Week, noting that DHS commands 80,000 officers. “Every day an officer leaves the house, their spouse knows they are putting their lives on the line. I am honored to be their secretary right now. I have the most patriotic workforce in the United States.”