Who is Markwayne Mullin, Trump's new pick for Homeland Security secretary?

March 5, 2026

President Donald Trump has nominated Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, a first-term senator and former mixed martial arts fighter known for his confrontational style, to replace Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary. Mullin, who requires Senate confirmation, has been a vocal supporter of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies and has defended DHS agents involved in controversial incidents, including the fatal shooting of two US citizens by immigration officials. The Department of Homeland Security has faced mounting scrutiny recently, operating under a partial government shutdown that Mullin has criticized Democrats for causing.

Who is affected

Markwayne Mullin (nominee for Homeland Security secretary)
Kristi Noem (outgoing Homeland Security secretary)
Department of Homeland Security employees and leadership
Undocumented immigrants subject to DHS detention and ICE enforcement
Alex Pretti and one other US citizen killed by federal immigration officials in Minnesota
Sean O'Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Congressional members who must vote on Mullin's confirmation

What action is being taken

The Senate confirmation process for Mullin's appointment is underway
DHS is currently operating under a partial government shutdown with lapsed funding
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues detaining undocumented immigrants despite the shutdown

Why it matters

This appointment matters because the Department of Homeland Security oversees critical national security functions, immigration enforcement, and border control—all central policy priorities for the Trump administration. The agency faces significant controversy following the deaths of US citizens at the hands of immigration officials, and Mullin's strong defense of such actions signals continued aggressive enforcement rather than reform. His confirmation would place someone with minimal national security experience but fierce loyalty to Trump's immigration agenda in charge of an agency already under intense public scrutiny during a politically volatile period.

What's next

The Senate must hold confirmation hearings and vote on Mullin's nomination
Mullin stated his focus will be keeping the homeland secure once he transitions to the role

Read full article from source: BBC