Who is Markwayne Mullin, Trump’s new homeland security chief?

Markwayne Mullin, a Trump loyalist and former MMA fighter, has been appointed as the new head of the US Department of Homeland Security, as reported on March 24, 2026. Mullin is the first Native American to hold this position. He will be responsible for overseeing homeland security operations within the United States. His appointment comes at a time when the Trump administration is focused on implementing stricter policies regarding migrants. The Department of Homeland Security is the federal agency tasked with border security, immigration enforcement, and disaster response, among other responsibilities.

The Senate confirmed Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma as Secretary of Homeland Security on Monday. Mullin, President Trump's nominee, will replace Kristi Noem, who was previously fired. The confirmation comes as the Department of Homeland Security faces challenges, including a reported standoff with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Mullin testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on March 18, 2026. The change in leadership occurs amidst ongoing issues within the department.

The US Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with a 54-45 vote. Mullin, a former congressman and senator, was nominated by President Trump after Kristi Noem was removed from the position. He will now oversee immigration enforcement, border protection, and airport security. Mullin, a staunch Trump supporter, has expressed support for the administration's immigration policies. His confirmation process was relatively quick, though he faced questioning during hearings, including criticism regarding past comments and his stance on political violence. He succeeds Kristi Noem, who faced controversy and bipartisan criticism during her tenure.

The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security Secretary in a 54-45 vote. Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma and former House representative, will now lead the 260,000-employee department, including ICE and the Border Patrol. He is expected to play a key role in implementing Trump's immigration policies, which are facing increasing public disapproval. Mullin's immediate tasks include reopening department operations, some of which were shut down due to funding disagreements with Democrats over immigration enforcement guardrails. The confirmation comes as Republicans defend their control of the Senate and House in the upcoming November midterms.

The Senate is moving towards confirming Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin as the next head of Homeland Security, nominated by Donald Trump. A vote to limit debate on Mullin's appointment passed 54-37, paving the way for a final confirmation vote potentially on Monday. Mullin would replace Kristi Noem, who was recently fired. Despite some opposition, including concerns about allegations that Mullin encouraged political violence, the Senate committee advanced his nomination. Several Democrats joined Republicans in voting to limit debate, indicating likely confirmation. If confirmed, Mullin, a member of the Cherokee Nation, would be the second Native American to serve as a presidential cabinet member.