President Donald Trump has nominated Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem as the agency faces growing scrutiny over immigration enforcement.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary
President Donald Trump has nominated Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin to head the United States Department of Homeland Security, placing a close political ally in charge of the agency responsible for immigration enforcement and national security.
The appointment, announced on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, states that Mullin will take over the role beginning March 31. He will serve as acting secretary until he receives confirmation from the United States Senate.
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Mullin would replace current Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who recently faced sharp criticism from lawmakers during a congressional oversight hearing.
Following the announcement, Mullin said he was honored by the nomination but acknowledged that the confirmation process still lies ahead.
“It is an honor to be nominated,” Mullin told reporters. “We have still got the nomination process.”
The move adds another loyal Trump supporter to the administration’s Cabinet. Mullin has consistently backed the president’s policies, particularly efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement and border security.
DHS Under National Scrutiny
The Department of Homeland Security has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months. Secretary Noem came under criticism after a controversial incident in Minneapolis in January, when immigration officers fatally shot two U.S. citizens during an operation.
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She was also questioned by lawmakers over spending decisions that included expensive advertising campaigns and the use of luxury aircraft for agency travel.
When asked whether he plans to reform DHS policies, Mullin said his goal is to ensure the agency works effectively for Americans.
“I want to get the Department of Homeland Security working for the American people,” he said.
Longtime Political Career
Mullin, 48, first entered Congress in 2012 when he was elected to represent eastern Oklahoma in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2022, he won a special election to the Senate seat previously held by Jim Inhofe.
Political analyst Pat McFerron, a pollster with CHS & Associates, said the appointment was not unexpected given Mullin’s relationship with Trump.
“He has a close relationship with President Trump and will be able to enact the Trump agenda successfully,” McFerron said.
If Mullin is confirmed, his departure from the Senate will create an open seat in Oklahoma ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The vacancy is expected to attract both Republican and Democratic candidates.
According to investment research platform Quiver Quantitative, Mullin is also among the wealthiest members of Congress, with an estimated net worth of $66.3 million, ranking him among the top wealth holders in the legislature.
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