The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is undergoing a leadership transition while also facing funding lapses amid frustrations in Congress over the immigration actions taken by former immigration head Kristi Noem.
After undergoing tense questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week, Noem found herself posting on social media — just two days later — about a career shift and a thank-you to the president.
She might have seen it coming — following January’s second fatal federal immigration law enforcement-involved shooting in Minnesota, Noem was moved out of the spotlight, and border czar Tom Homan was brought in to cool tensions between federal and state leaders.
When asked in an interview with NBC News what he learned from the situation in Minnesota, Trump responded, “Maybe we can use a little bit of a softer touch, but you still have to be tough.”
It seems he found that “softer touch” solution in a man Trump described in a social media post as a “MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter,” Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
“Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN,” Trump said in his announcement.
The businessman from Oklahoma
Just days before he was recommended for the position, Mullin called out his Democratic colleagues for the DHS funding freeze that began on Feb. 17 over disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over federal immigration enforcement.
Mullin is known for viral moments showcasing his tough demeanor in Senate committee meetings — from spats with Sen. Bernie Sanders to actually challenging a congressional witness to a physical fight. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt labeled the senator “a fighter for Oklahoma” who “will fight to keep our nation secure.”
Like the president, Mullin does not fit the stereotypical mold of a seasoned politician.
His campaign website labels him a Christian, family man, rancher and businessman from rural Oklahoma. Though he had started college, he postponed his studies after his father fell ill, and he moved home to manage the family plumbing business.
In 2010, he earned his degree in applied science in construction technology from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, and in 2018, received an honorary doctorate degree from Bacone College.
“As a kid from Westville, it has been the greatest honor and privilege to serve the people of Oklahoma for the past thirteen years in both the House and Senate. I am grateful to President Trump for nominating me to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” he said in his announcement on social media.
“I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the Senate and carrying out President Trump’s mission alongside the department’s many capable agencies and the thousands of patriots who keep us safe every day,” he said.
Will Mullin be favored over Noem?
Though he hasn’t yet been confirmed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the full Senate, his approval is widely expected, given the Republican majority in the chamber.
Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, who sits on the Senate committee, said he would vote in favor of his Republican colleague for the position.
But that view may place him in the minority within his own party.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on X that he is a “resounding NO” when it comes to supporting Mullin as Noem’s replacement.
“The rot in DHS is deep, much deeper than any individual. It’s a question of policy not personnel,” he continued. “The Senate should not consider any DHS Secretary nominee until DHS and ICE are reined in.”
Noem was widely disliked by Democratic politicians — and even by some Republican leaders.
Following her ouster as head of DHS, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker told Noem in a video, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”
But Pritzker also wanted to make it clear that just because Noem was no longer head of federal immigration enforcement, it doesn’t mean she’s safe from accountability.
“Here’s your legacy: Corruption and chaos. Parents and children tear-gassed. Moms and nurses, U.S. citizens getting shot in the face. Now that you’re gone, don’t think you get to just walk away,” Pritzker said. “I guarantee you, you will still be held accountable.”
Litigation, he implied, could be in Noem’s future.