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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) will become the next Secretary of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem in a major cabinet shakeup effective March 31, 2026 .
The Transition
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, praising Noem’s “spectacular results” at DHS, particularly on border enforcement, while announcing her transition to a new role as Special Envoy for “The Shield of the Americas,” a Western Hemisphere security initiative .
Noem’s departure followed weeks of mounting pressure, including controversy over a $220 million ad campaign and her characterization of two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents as “domestic terrorists” .
Who Is Markwayne Mullin?
Political Career
Mullin served 10 years in the U.S. House (2013-2023) representing Oklahoma’s 2nd District before winning a 2022 special election to fill the Senate seat vacated by Jim Inhofe . He was sworn into the Senate in January 2023, becoming the first Native American senator in nearly two decades and only the second Cherokee Nation citizen ever to serve in the chamber .
Trump described Mullin as a “MAGA Warrior” whose policies align closely with the administration’s America First agenda .
What He’ll Oversee
As DHS Secretary, Mullin would lead a massive agency responsible for :
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Secret Service
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
🗣️ Immigration Stance
Mullin has been a vocal defender of Trump’s immigration crackdown. He co-sponsored the Laken Riley Act, advocated for ending birthright citizenship, and has fiercely defended ICE agents as “red-blooded American patriots” facing death threats .
Following the fatal Minneapolis shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents, Mullin posted: “Obstructing federal law enforcement is a felony. Most Americans follow ICE instructions without thinking twice. These patriots are doing a difficult job” . Combative Reputation
Mullin’s fiery personality made headlines in 2023 when he challenged Teamsters President Sean O’Brien to a fight during a Senate hearing . After O’Brien called him a “greedy CEO” on social media, Mullin stood up, began removing his wedding ring, and declared: “You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here” .
🏛️ Confirmation Path
Mullin’s nomination requires Senate confirmation. Most Democrats are expected to oppose him, and with Republicans holding a narrow majority, the administration will need near-unanimous GOP support .
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauded the nomination, noting that Mullin’s confirmation would make him the second Native American Cabinet secretary after Deb Haaland .
Mullin told reporters after the announcement: “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” .
