DHS chief Mullin says Iran poses daily threat to Trump and his family amid drone concerns
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin revealed that President Donald Trump and his family face daily threats from Iran, with officials receiving intelligence about potential dangers as concerns grow over drone technology.
During an appearance on 'The Sunday Briefing,' Mullin emphasized that Trump remains the primary target of Iranian threats. 'Every single day during our presidential briefings, we receive aspirational threats from Iran. We know that President Trump — and his family — is target number one,' he stated.
The DHS chief's comments come amid reports of potential Iranian plots involving explosive-laden drones targeting Trump. While not confirming specific reports, Mullin acknowledged officials are aware of these threats and working to counter them.
Drone Threats at Southern Border
Mullin identified countering unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as his 'number one issue,' citing increasingly sophisticated drone technology and cartel activity along the southern border. 'We encounter more drones on our southern border because of the cartels and the fight we're having with them every single day trying to get drugs into the United States,' he explained.
Our counter-UAS measures need help, and DHS is leading that, because we encounter more drones on our southern border because of the cartels and the fight we're having with them every single day trying to get drugs into the United States. And we're seeing new technologies that we're having a hard time defeating right now.
Brig. Gen. Brian Filler of Joint Task Force-Southern Border reported 378 drone incursions along the border in the previous 30 days, with the trend increasing. These commercial drones with cameras are typically used for surveillance tied to smuggling and human trafficking.
Public Event Security Concerns
Mullin highlighted that drone threats extend beyond the southern border to major public gatherings. During the FIFA World Cup, law enforcement encountered more than 2,000 drones, confiscated 700 and made multiple arrests. With Los Angeles hosting the Olympics in 2028, the DHS secretary emphasized the need for enhanced drone security.
The secretary warned that everyday gatherings like high school football games, parades and professional sporting events also face security vulnerabilities. 'There are holes in our counter-UAS ability to be kinetic and bring down real threats,' Mullin said, noting he is coordinating with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on airspace clearance issues.
To address these gaps, Mullin has established a dedicated counter-drone department within DHS, signaling the agency's commitment to neutralizing potential drone threats across multiple fronts.
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