President Trump announced Thursday that he intends to nominate Senator Markwayne Mullin, Republican from Oklahoma, as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. Mullin's appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, will likely put him in lockstep with Trump's immigration agenda.
Mullin, age 48, said he was surprised by Trump's call but is "super excited" about the opportunity. Trump praised Mullin on Truth Social, stating he 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." Mullin told reporters Thursday that he would get DHS "focused on protecting the homeland."
Mullin's move to Homeland Security will create a vacancy in the U.S. Senate for Oklahoma. Oklahoma law dictates that Governor Kevin Stitt will appoint a replacement until the next election in November. Stitt stated Thursday that he intends to appoint "a strong, small government conservative voice to support President Trump."
However, a new Oklahoma law prohibits Stitt's appointee from running in the November election. Lawmakers said this provision was designed to prevent an unfair advantage of incumbency. Among those expected to consider a run for the seat are U.S. Reps. Kevin Hern and Stephanie Bice, and former Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon. The three-day filing period begins April 1, and Republicans are heavily favored to win. Mullin won the seat in 2022 to fill the unexpired term of Jim Inhofe, who stepped down early.
Mullin, age 48, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has served as a senator since 2023. He previously served ten years in the House of Representatives. Before entering politics, Mullin owned a plumbing company, known for its "Red Rooter" logo. In the Senate, Mullin serves on the Armed Services, Appropriations, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Indian Affairs Committees.
He has been a staunch supporter of Trump, even supporting false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. He also served as a "Senate whisperer" for Trump, explaining legislative positions. Last month, he shared a clip on Instagram saying he would be arrested for "assault" of a "high school male pretending to be a girl" if a transgender wrestler went up against his daughter in the sport.
The Senate confirmation hearings for Mullin are expected to begin this spring.
President Trump announced Thursday that he intends to nominate Senator Markwayne Mullin, Republican from Oklahoma, as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. Mullin will replace Kristi Noem, who Trump said will become a special envoy to the "Shield of the Americas" initiative. Mullin's appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, will likely shift the administration's approach to immigration enforcement.
Mullin, age 48, said he was surprised by Trump's call but is "super excited" about the opportunity. Trump praised Mullin on Truth Social, stating he 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." Mullin told reporters Thursday that he would get DHS "focused on protecting the homeland."
Mullin's move to Homeland Security will create a vacancy in the U.S. Senate for Oklahoma. Oklahoma law dictates that Governor Kevin Stitt will appoint a replacement until the next election in November. Stitt stated Thursday that he intends to appoint "a strong, small government conservative voice to support President Trump."
However, a new Oklahoma law prohibits Stitt's appointee from running in the November election. Lawmakers said this provision was designed to prevent an unfair advantage of incumbency. Among those expected to consider a run for the seat are U.S. Reps. Kevin Hern and Stephanie Bice, and former Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon. The three-day filing period begins April 1, and Republicans are heavily favored to win. Mullin won the seat in 2022 to fill the unexpired term of Jim Inhofe, who stepped down early.
Mullin, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has served as a senator since 2023. He previously served ten years in the House of Representatives. Before entering politics, Mullin owned a plumbing company, known for its "Red Rooter" logo. In the Senate, Mullin serves on the Armed Services, Appropriations, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Indian Affairs Committees.
Mullin has been a staunch supporter of Trump, even supporting false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. He also served as a "Senate whisperer" for Trump, explaining legislative positions. Mullin has faced criticism for his social media posts expressing anti-abortion and anti-transgender views. Last month, he shared a clip on Instagram saying he would be arrested for “assault” of a “high school male pretending to be a girl” if a transgender wrestler went up against his daughter in the sport.
The Senate confirmation hearings for Mullin are expected to begin this spring.
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