Trump Picks Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security Chief

US President Donald Trump has nominated Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to serve as the next head of the United States Department of Homeland Security. He will be replacing the agency’s embattled secretary, Kristi Noem. However, Mullin must first be approved by the Senate, and then only he can take his position as DHS Chief. The announcement has put a close ally of Donald Trump in charge of one of the country’s largest federal agencies.

The agency which handles oversees border security, immigration enforcement, and counter-terrorism operations. Moreover, the nomination was came during a partial US government shutdown that has disrupted funding for the department. Mullin, who began his Senate term in 2023, has consistently supported the administration’s hard-line immigration policies. In particular, he has praised the work of immigration authorities and backed efforts to detain undocumented migrants.

“Once I make that transition, my focus is to keep the homeland secure, that’s going to be my focus, and we’re super excited about this opportunity”, Mullin told reporters on the steps of the Capitol shortly after news of the nomination emerged. At the same time, he also emphasized that he would enforce laws passed by Congress regardless of political disagreements. “Yes, I’m a Republican, yes I’m conservative”, he said, while adding that his priority would remain national security.

Mullin showed strong support for Immigration Enforcement

Mullin has repeatedly defended federal immigration authorities, particularly the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For instance, he criticized Democrats during the ongoing funding dispute that has contributed to the shutdown and affected the department.

“What is actually happening right now with the Democrat Party by this political theatre, by shutting down DHS for something that you even admitted yourself can’t be done”, Mullin told a leading news site last month. “They’re not stopping ICE from doing their job”.

Meanwhile, the DHS has faced growing scrutiny in recent months. Critics had raised concerns after two US citizens were killed during encounters with immigration agents in Minnesota. Nevertheless, Mullin has defended enforcement officers following the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. He wrote online that “these patriots are doing a difficult job” despite receiving threats.

Markwayne Mullin’s Fiery Senate Moments and Background

Mullin’s outspoken approach has also drawn national attention. Earlier in his Senate tenure, he confronted Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, during a heated committee hearing in November 2023. During the exchange, Mullin referenced a social media post in which O’Brien criticized him and then challenged the union leader directly. “You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here”, Mullin said as he stood up and began removing his wedding ring before another senator intervened.

Before entering politics, Mullin worked with his wife to expand their family plumbing business and raised six children. Additionally, he previously competed as a mixed martial arts fighter. If the Senate confirms him, Mullin will become the second Homeland Security secretary in Trump’s second administration.

Web Resources on Trump named Mullin as next DHS Chief

1. APNews.com: Trump taps Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin for DHS Chief
2. WashingtonPost.com: Trump removes DHS Secretary Kristi Noem after controversial tenure
3. Politico.com: Noem out, Trump picks Mullin as DHS secretar
4. AcademicBlock.com: Minnesota Immigration Crackdowns Spark Violence and Backlash