Trump Selects Senator Markwayne Mullin to Lead Homeland Security

President Donald Trump said on March 5 that Kristi Noem was stepping down as head of Homeland Security. He announced shortly after that Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma was picked to take over.

Speaking from Washington, Trump pointed to Mullin as someone who’d keep pushing forward with strict border measures already in motion. While this shifted behind the scenes, the department itself wrestled with tight budgets and arguments across the country about how immigration should work.

Mr. Trump said in a social media post announcing the change, “Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to advance our America First Agenda.”

Mullin spent a decade working in the House. He now holds the distinction of being the second person from the Cherokee Nation to sit there since being elected to the Senate in 2023.

For Mullin, college at Missouri Valley College was made possible through a wrestling opportunity. However, when illness struck his father, running the plumbing company fell to him, so he stepped in.

Homeland Security runs key groups focused on border safety and law enforcement. Should he get approved, Mullin steps into leadership at a tense moment. Three weeks before the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, money stopped flowing to the agency, yet workers, like airport screeners, stayed on duty unpaid.

Building the border wall got public backing from Mullin. Federal immigration efforts draw his criticism toward cities and states run by Democrats, who, he states, won’t assist with him. Mullin is also in support of proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by immigration agents in Minneapolis sparked his defense of ICE later that year. Mullin stated on X, “If you’re a law-abiding citizen who doesn’t assault police, you don’t need this reminder, but obstructing or threatening federal law enforcement is a felony under Title 18 U.S. Code.”

Mr. Mullin also defended Mr. Trump’s choice to strike Iran, stating on social media, “We’re taking out the threat.”

Now comes a new face, showing once again where priorities lie: immigration and borders stay front and center under Trump. Should the Senate say yes, Mullin steps into a job shaping how those rules take form across the country.

Great work on this article, Ivy! This is one of my favorites of yours so far.