Mullin says Trump and family remain targets of threats from Iran
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said President Donald Trump and his family continue to face threats from Iran, with officials receiving intelligence about potential risks every day. He also pointed to growing concerns about drones.
“Every single day during our presidential briefings, we receive aspirational threats from Iran,” Mullin said on “The Sunday Briefing.” “We know that President Trump — and his family — is target number one.”
He was asked about a report that Israeli intelligence had uncovered a possible Iranian plot involving explosive-carrying drones aimed at Trump. Mullin did not confirm that specific account, but said officials were aware of threats.
Mullin described countering unmanned aircraft as his top priority, citing more advanced drone technology, cartel activity near the southern border and security risks at large public events.
Cartels have reportedly used commercial and modified drones to monitor U.S. personnel, track patrol patterns and assist smuggling operations. Brig. Gen. Brian Filler of Joint Task Force-Southern Border said the military detected 378 drone incursions along the border in the previous 30 days. He said the number was rising and that the aircraft were generally commercial models with cameras, used for surveillance connected to smuggling and human trafficking.
“Our counter-UAS measures need help,” Mullin said, pointing to the drones encountered along the southern border and the difficulty of stopping newer technologies.
He said the threat is not limited to the border. At the FIFA World Cup, law enforcement encountered more than 2,000 drones, seized 700 and made several arrests. Los Angeles is set to host the 2028 Olympics, he noted, while warning that protection is also needed at routine events such as high school football games, parades and professional sports matches.
“There are holes in our counter-UAS ability to be kinetic and bring down real threats,” Mullin said. He added that he was working with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on airspace clearance issues.
Mullin said DHS has created a dedicated counter-drone department as it works to address weaknesses in its ability to neutralize potential threats.
