What to know about Markwayne Mullin, Trump's new Homeland Security pick
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Sen. Markwayne Mullin with former President Trump on March 18, 2023. Photo: Shane Bevel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is poised to be the next Homeland Security Secretary, replacing Kristi Noem, President Trump announced Thursday.
Why it matters: Mullin is a staunchly MAGA firebrand and will likely be in lockstep with Trump's immigration agenda.
What they're saying: "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 on Truth Social.
- Mullin, who will need Senate confirmation, had previously hinted at being open to an administration position.
Catch up quick: Trump was reportedly unhappy with Noem, who became the face of his nationwide immigration crackdown.
- Noem came under fire in Congress this week with both Democrats and Republicans slamming her handling of the administration's immigration intiatives.
- Trump said Noem will serve as special envoy to a new "Shield of the Americas" initiative for security in the Western hemisphere.
Here's what to know about the Oklahoman:
What's Mullin's background?
Mullin is the second member of the Cherokee Nation to serve in the Senate, per his office's website.
- He's a rancher and business owner who spent ten years in the House of Representatives before becoming a senator in 2023.
- Mullin serves on Senate Armed Services, Appropriations, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Indian Affairs Committees.
Mullin's relationship with Trump
Mullin has a very close relationship with the president, having previously supported Trump's false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
- In Senate Majority Leader John Thune's (R-S.D.) words, Mullin functioned as a "Senate whisperer" for Trump, explaining the legislature's positions and successfully influencing the president.
- He was a key surrogate for the president during his 2024 campaign, reaching out to indigenous voters in battleground states.
What backlash has Mullin faced?
Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, famously challenged Teamsters president Sean O'Brien to a fight during a congressional hearing in 2023 after reading a critical social media post O'Brien had written about him.
- Mullin said, "You want to run your mouth. We can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here."
- The testy exchange continued, but there was no physical altercation.
The Oklahoman once faced a multi-year ethics investigation for his continued involvement in his family's businesses while serving the House.
- The investigatory committee concluded in 2018 he had made "good faith efforts" to comply with ethics rules, but required he return $40,000 "mistakenly paid to him."
Mullin came under fire in January 2025 for defending then-Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth against allegations of alcohol abuse by accusing his fellow senators of workplace intoxication and hypocrisy.
Go deeper: Republicans grill Noem over her management of DHS
