The US Senate confirmed Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin as the next secretary of Homeland Security on a 54-45 vote. Mullin replaces Kristi Noem amid a month-long department shutdown and controversy over his past statements. He now faces challenges including resolving the funding impasse, addressing Trump's priorities like the SAVE America Act, and leading agencies like ICE and Border Patrol.
The Senate voted 54-45 to confirm Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, as secretary of Homeland Security, as announced by Sen. James Lankford during the session. The confirmation followed a speedy process after President Trump's nomination earlier in March. It largely followed party lines, with two Democrats—Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and John Fetterman (D-PA)—joining Republicans in support, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) abstaining, and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) as the lone Republican no vote.
Mullin succeeds Kristi Noem, who departs on March 31 for a role as special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas.” Noem's tenure drew controversies over ad spending and federal immigration enforcement; Heinrich had called for her dismissal but supported Mullin, citing their friendship, co-authored bills like the Tribal Buffalo Management Act and Legislative Branch Appropriations bill, and Mullin's respect for judicial warrants. Fetterman highlighted a constructive relationship and the need for DHS leadership amid the shutdown. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) praised Mullin as a “conservative warrior” committed to Trump’s agenda, while Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) opposed, calling Noem’s tenure disastrous and criticizing Mullin’s Trump loyalty, including votes against TSA pay.
During confirmation hearings, Paul challenged Mullin's temperament, referencing a 2023 incident where Mullin challenged a witness to a fistfight, asking why Americans should trust him with ICE and Border Patrol. Mullin responded, 'I can have difference of opinions with everybody in this room. But as secretary of Homeland, I'll be protecting everybody.' Post-confirmation, Mullin told reporters, 'I am super excited about this opportunity. It came at a - at not a complete surprise, but it came at a little bit of surprise for us.'
The Department of Homeland Security has operated under a funding lapse since mid-February due to disputes over Trump immigration tactics, affecting TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA, with unpaid essential workers, TSA agent quits, and long airport lines. The confirmation comes as Trump pushes the SAVE America Act, requiring proof of citizenship to vote, potentially complicating shutdown talks ahead of Congress's planned recess. NPR reported vote details and hearing excerpts.
