Senate confirms Markwayne Mullin as new DHS secretary

Mullin, who became a senator in 2023 after serving in the House, was tapped by President Donald Trump to succeed Noem earlier this month after she faced a wave of public criticism, including from some Republican lawmakers.

By Misty Severi
Published: March 23, 2026 8:37pm

The Senate voted Monday night to confirm Oklahoma GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security secretary, officially replacing former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

The Senate confirmed Mullin in a 54-45 split that primarily fell along party lines, with Democratic Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico voting to confirm Mullin. GOP Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul opposed Mullin.

Mullin, who became a senator in 2023 after serving in the House, was tapped by President Donald Trump to succeed Noem earlier this month after she faced a wave of public criticism, including from some Republican lawmakers.

He will take over DHS while it’s in the midst of a weeks-long shutdown after congressional Democrats refused to pass a bill to fund it unless immigration enforcement changes are made.

https://justthenews.com/government/c...-dhs-secretary