DHS shutdown disrupts World Cup planning, officials tell senators

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown is already undermining federal preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, administration officials warned senators Wednesday — cautioning that the ongoing funding lapse has slowed coordination with state and local authorities and cost the agency hundreds of airport screeners as the U.S. gears up to host one of the largest sporting events in the world.

“It has significantly impacted our operations,” Christopher Tomney, DHS director of the Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness, told lawmakers at a joint congressional hearing convened by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Homeland Security and Commerce-Justice-Science.

Tomney, who is serving as the federal government’s senior coordinating official for the 2026 tournament, said the shutdown has “hindered our coordination with state and locals” and “reduced our planning efforts.”

He added that “hundreds” of unpaid Transportation Security Officers have quit during the DHS funding lapse: “We just can’t replace that expertise overnight.”

Tomney’s testimony provided the starkest public acknowledgment yet of the DHS shutdown’s impact on the administration’s planning for the World Cup, which will bring millions of fans to 11 U.S. host cities this summer. It also highlighted broader anxieties about whether President Donald Trump’s rhetoric toward foreign visitors could dampen international travel and undercut the economic upside host cities are counting on.

Administration officials insisted the U.S. would be ready no matter what, but senators from both parties pressed witnesses on how the federal government can ensure a safe and welcoming tournament while DHS remains shuttered and key agencies juggle threats ranging from drones to cyberattacks.

On hand alongside Tomney was Douglas Olson, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Portland Field Office and the bureau’s senior coordinating official on the White House task force for the World Cup; and Robert O’Leary, deputy assistant secretary for travel and tourism at the Commerce Department.

Collectively, they sketched out an enormous effort already underway ahead of the 78-match tournament, which will unfold over 39 days and spill far beyond the official host cities into base camps, fan festivals and surrounding communities.

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), who chairs the Senate Homeland Security funding panel and presided over part of the Wednesday hearing, asked Tomney directly how the 60-day DHS shutdown has affected preparations.

Tomney linked the shutdown to broader strains across DHS, which is expected to shoulder much of the burden for tournament security while also carrying out its regular missions in aviation, border security and emergency response.

Olson told senators that unmanned aerial systems remain one of the most serious concerns heading into the tournament: “The threat is very real. It’s growing,” he said, noting that drones are increasingly easy to acquire and difficult to detect.

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), who chairs the Commerce-Justice-Science panel, asked what the federal government is doing to show that the United States is “open” and “welcoming” to fans from around the world.

O’Leary replied that the Commerce Department is working with other agencies, host committees and tourism groups to smooth travel and encourage future visits. He also pointed to the State Department’s work to reduce visa wait times and said the administration sees the World Cup as the first in a long run of major global events that can boost U.S. tourism.

But Democrats argued that Trump’s own policies are sending the opposite message.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations subcommittee, said he is anxious that the administration’s actions unrelated to security — including the president’s anti-immigration rhetoric and travel restrictions — will discourage fans from coming and blunt the financial benefits expected to flow to host communities.

“What I worry about most is that factors unrelated to security will dampen enthusiasm for the tournament and reduce the economic benefits that should flow to communities that are hosting,” Van Hollen said.

He pointed to weaker-than-expected international tourism trends and pressed O’Leary on why Commerce had not yet produced updated travel forecasts required by law.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) zeroed in on Canada and Mexico, which are co-hosting the tournament with the United States. She said Canadian tourism to her state has dropped sharply and tied the decline to Trump’s rhetoric toward America’s northern neighbor.

“We love our Canadian visitors,” said O’Leary, adding that the administration welcomes travel from Canada.

“Perhaps you should share that with President Trump,” Shaheen shot back.