Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary | official facebook
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $250 million to 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and the National Capital Region through its new Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program. The funding aims to help recipients strengthen their ability to detect, identify, track, or mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.
This grant program is part of a broader initiative by the Trump-Vance Administration to enhance public safety at mass gatherings, following the Executive Order on Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty. Officials have noted an increase in the use of drone technology by criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors in recent years.
FEMA Acting Administrator Karen S. Evans stated, “We knew we needed to act quickly to keep the World Cup safe from the rising threat of unmanned aircraft systems and that’s exactly what we did. This is the fastest non-disaster grant program ever executed by FEMA with funds being awarded just 25 days after the application deadline. This efficiency is a testament to the Administration’s laser-focus on cutting red tape, getting resources into the hands of law enforcement, and protecting the American people.”
The C-UAS Grant Program was created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 and signed into law by President Trump in July 2025. Over two years, $500 million will be distributed nationwide through this program by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aiming to improve state and local capabilities against drone threats. The initial $250 million targets states involved in hosting World Cup events and national celebrations; another $250 million will be allocated next year across all U.S. states and territories with a focus on expanding detection and response capacity.
FEMA emphasized that these changes come after a comprehensive review of its grant programs under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership. The agency reported implementing reforms designed to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within its grants system while ensuring taxpayer funds are directed toward projects that enhance safety for Americans.
The Fiscal Year 2026 C-UAS Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity was released on October 28, 2025.
