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Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised the massive security operation around the World Cup and the cooperation between federal and local authorities as “amazing.”
In an exclusive interview with Pak Gazette chief correspondent Jonathan Hunt, Mullin said he won’t sleep well until July 20, the day after the World Cup final, but speaking at Seattle Stadium, Mullin said he’s delighted the security operation is running smoothly even in blue cities like Seattle and Los Angeles. And he hopes the leaders of those cities learn from that.
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United States fans react during the march before the World Cup soccer round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (Eric Hiller/AP)
“We may not agree on a lot of things when it comes to immigration and maybe some other issues,” the secretary said, “but when it comes to protecting fans and the fan experience here in Los Angeles or other areas of the country, we’ve all really worked together and I hope we can continue that between state, federal and local partnerships. We can do good work for our cities when we work together.”
Millions of soccer fans around the world are experiencing the United States for the first time and many, given the media coverage of the Trump administration in their home countries, seemed to expect a high-profile militarized security operation. But that’s not what they have found.
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Fans react before the World Cup soccer round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (Maddy Grassy/AP)
Much of the work is done secretly or in the background, a very deliberate choice, Mullin said.
“We want people to enjoy their time,” he added. “We don’t want to feel like you’re walking through a war zone, but we want everyone to know that we’re also working very hard to secure the facility. I don’t care if you’re outside or inside the stadium, but the number of officers we have dedicated to this from the federal, local and state level is absolutely incredible, and we’re doing it together.”
Mullin also paid tribute to the role of fans, both in the US and abroad, in making this a safe World Cup and, as many have said, possibly the best World Cup experience ever.
“They are very passionate about and love America,” Mullin said. “I mean, we see in the videos that my wife is absolutely obsessed with the amount of videos that are circulating on social media, with the fans that are here from all over the world and that are experiencing the greatness of America, which is what it’s all about. We are like no other nation. I don’t care if you drive the country from coast to coast, you see the most beautiful land and the friendliest people. And we can show it because of President Trump’s vision in Trump 45 to bring to the world. Drink here to celebrate our 250th birthday.”
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and his wife Christie Mullin in the stands before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026. (AgustÃn Marcarian / Reuters)
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Mullin admits he didn’t know much about soccer before the World Cup started, but like many across the country, he embraced the sport and loves every minute of it, even as he and his team work 24/7 to ensure everyone is safe. And look forward to that good night’s sleep on July 20.
