Landry merges homeland security agency with Louisiana National Guard

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- Gov. Jeff Landry has announced a major restructuring of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), placing it under the command of the Louisiana National Guard in an effort to cut costs and streamline government operations.

Under the reorganization, Brig. Gen. Jason Mahfouz will serve as interim director of GOHSEP, overseeing day-to-day operations. Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux will provide oversight and guidance during the transition, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

"GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux took on a challenging role and served our state with dedication under difficult circumstances. We deeply appreciate his service," Landry said.

Fiscal Responsibility Program and cost savings

Landry’s office framed the move as part of his Fiscal Responsibility Program, a state-level initiative inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a federal watchdog created under the Trump administration to cut government waste and improve efficiency.

Landry launched his Fiscal Responsibility Program in December 2024 to audit state expenditures and identify areas for financial optimization. In February, the governor’s office announced a partnership with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to implement efficiency measures and gather input from residents about potential cost savings.

Why bring GOHSEP under the National Guard?

The Louisiana National Guard is frequently called upon to assist parish governments during disasters, especially in response to hurricanes. They have also provided security support for large-scale events, including the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year.

Landry said the decision to place GOHSEP under the National Guard will save millions of dollars and strengthen the state’s emergency response capabilities.

“As governor, I was elected with a commitment to cutting waste and streamlining government,” Landry said. “As part of our fiscal responsibility initiative, we've identified an opportunity to save millions by bringing GOHSEP under the National Guard. This move not only delivers significant cost savings but also aligns with my belief in the importance of relying more on our National Guard to strengthen our state's resilience.”

What’s next?

The governor’s office has not yet released specific estimates on cost savings, but the restructuring is part of Landry’s broader effort to consolidate state functions under the Fiscal Responsibility Program.

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