Government Shutdown Threatens U.S. Security for 2026 World Cup and Independence Day
Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, speaks at the border with Mexico, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Nogales, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Thursday that the government shutdown is jeopardizing security preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
According to Noem, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reviewers have been sidelined as grant decisions for host-city preparations remain on hold. In a post on X, Noem noted that FEMA was “in the final stages of reviewing applications to ensure proper oversight when Democrats shut down the government, putting significant portions of the FEMA staff on administrative leave.”
Noem emphasized that no funds have been awarded under the FIFA World Cup Grant Program. She warned: “The longer DHS goes without funding, the less prepared our nation will be for threats at the FIFA World Cup and America 250.” She added, “This Democrat shutdown directly impacts DHS’s ability to keep Americans safe at these events and our national security.”
The Senate vote that halted DHS funding occurred on February 12. Senators rejected a cloture motion to proceed with HR 7147, a consolidated appropriations measure, by a margin of 52-47.
The first U.S. World Cup match is scheduled for June 12 in Los Angeles between the United States and Paraguay. FIFA’s published schedule shows a U.S. vs. Paraguay game on Thursday, June 11, with the tournament running through Sunday, July 19.
Meanwhile, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary of independence on July 4, 2026, marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Noem’s warnings come as host-city officials and outside groups express concerns that prolonged funding delays could complicate security coordination for the tournament, including crowd management and related events.
DHS has faced criticism during President Donald Trump’s second term for stringent immigration enforcement tactics. Senate Democrats have indicated they will not advance DHS funding without imposing restrictions on immigration enforcement, including requirements for masks, body cameras, identification protocols, and use-of-force rules for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
Senate Democrats pledged to continue withholding funds until such changes are implemented.
Noem urged: “Democrats must end this shutdown now and let DHS get back to our mission of protecting the homeland.”
