Quick Read
- Governors have prioritized threats from drones, cyber-attacks, and disasters in 2025.
- The Safer Skies Act now authorizes state law enforcement to address nefarious drones.
- State and federal leaders collaborate on reforms to FEMA and emergency management.
In 2025, the lines between local and federal responsibility for homeland security have blurred, demanding sharper coordination than ever before. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains a central pillar, but it’s America’s governors—those state-level sentinels—who are often the first to confront evolving threats head-on.
This year has seen governors stepping forward on multiple fronts: from tackling the hazards of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), to improving emergency management, to fighting the surge in cyber-attacks that threaten everything from local hospitals to national energy grids. Their efforts, often in tandem with DHS and other federal agencies, reflect a dynamic, layered approach to public safety.
One urgent issue on the governors’ agenda is the threat posed by drones. While UAS technology can streamline commercial delivery and aid in disaster response, it also presents a new avenue for malicious activity. In September 2025, a bipartisan group of governors sent a stark warning to Congress, highlighting the “increasing threat posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to our nation’s critical infrastructure and public safety.” These concerns weren’t just theoretical: incidents of unauthorized drone flights over energy facilities, public events, prisons, and military bases have underscored the need for robust legislative action.
Governors Jeff Landry (Louisiana) and Josh Stein (North Carolina) took their case to the national stage, penning an op-ed in The Hill to urge Congress to act. Their message was clear: the threat is immediate, and state authorities need more tools to neutralize rogue drones. The inclusion of the Safer Skies Act in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act was a tangible result—authorizing trained state and territorial law enforcement officers to tackle nefarious drones in coordination with federal agencies.
The need for collaboration doesn’t end with drones. Natural disasters—from hurricanes to wildfires—continue to batter communities across the nation. Governors have prioritized improving emergency management, working closely with Congress and FEMA to strengthen the country’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, as Co-Chairs of the NGA Public Health and Emergency Management Task Force, thanked the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for bipartisan action on the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act, noting it as a vital step toward more resilient communities.
At the heart of these efforts is the bipartisan Council of Governors (COG), a ten-member body established to enhance coordination between states and federal agencies on national security, defense, and disaster preparedness. In 2025, the COG held pivotal meetings, engaging directly with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to address FEMA reforms and drone threats. Recommendations from these sessions have shaped ongoing federal-state strategies to fortify America’s defenses.
The NGA (National Governors Association) has played a critical role, not only in advocacy but also in convening key advisors. The Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council (GHSAC) met twice in 2025, bringing together experts from across 40 states and territories to share intelligence, analyze emerging threats, and inform national policy. These gatherings foster a network of rapid response and best practices, ensuring that state leaders are up to speed with federal developments in areas like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Cybersecurity, in particular, has surged to the forefront. With attacks growing in frequency and sophistication, states have ramped up efforts to build cyber resiliency. The NGA’s November convening of Cybersecurity Policy Advisors in Washington, D.C. exemplified this push, drawing participants from at least 20 states and territories. The event focused on connecting advisors, sharing strategies, and fostering collaboration with federal partners and private industry. Monthly and bi-monthly briefings for Governors’ legal and criminal justice counsel have further equipped states to navigate evolving legal and digital threats.
Public awareness campaigns have also been a major theme in 2025. Governors across the country supported National Preparedness Month in September and National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, using these observances to encourage Americans to take proactive steps in protecting themselves and their communities. These efforts highlight how homeland security isn’t just the domain of officials—it’s a collective responsibility.
While governors and DHS work to secure the home front, the broader context of international security remains relevant. Former DHS officials, like Javed Ali, have weighed in on the global stage, discussing challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations and the critical role of cybersecurity in diplomatic efforts (ABC News). The expertise developed domestically often informs U.S. engagement abroad, reinforcing the interconnectedness of security threats in today’s world.
As the year closes, the message is clear: the partnership between state leaders, federal agencies like DHS, and the public is more crucial than ever. By advancing strategic policies, fostering intergovernmental collaboration, and prioritizing both immediate and long-term threats, governors and DHS are shaping a resilient homeland security landscape for 2026 and beyond. For those tracking public safety, the story here is one of adaptation—a continual push to stay one step ahead of those who would do harm.
The facts reveal a complex, multi-layered approach to homeland security—one that recognizes the limits of any single agency or level of government. By emphasizing state-federal cooperation, innovation in policy, and sustained public engagement, the U.S. is positioning itself to better meet both traditional and emerging threats. The lesson is simple but powerful: security is a shared endeavor, demanding vigilance, flexibility, and unwavering commitment from every corner of the country.