Markwayne Mullin Sworn in as New Secretary of Homeland Security
On Tuesday, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) officially took the oath as the ninth Secretary of Homeland Security, with President Donald Trump present for the event.
Mullin, who is 48 years old and has a background as a mixed martial arts champion and plumbing business owner, succeeds Kristi Noem of South Dakota. Noem has recently been appointed to lead the American Shield security initiative, which Trump announced earlier this month.
Taking charge of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during a period marked by rising challenges and scrutiny from Congress, Mullin faces a tough task. Democrats are currently withholding funding from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other agencies, seeking changes in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations.
Over 40 House Republicans back Mullin as a significant moment for border security.
Mullin barely navigated the nomination process, encountering conflict with Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-Ky.) over Mullin’s handling of a peculiar incident where Paul’s neighbor broke his ribs while blindfolded.
To get his nomination past the committee, Mullin needed the support of Democratic senators after Paul’s opposition. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), once aligned with socialist Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont), cast the crucial votes to move his nomination forward.
Senator Martin Heinrich, a Democrat from New Mexico, also expressed his support, indicating he didn’t believe Mullin would be pressured by the White House. “Surprisingly, I consider Markwayne Mullin a friend. We often have differing views but work to seek common ground together,” Heinrich commented.
Following his swearing-in, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt was responsible for selecting Mullin’s replacement, adhering to a state law that requires candidates to not run for a full term in the Senate later in the year.
The White House insists there will be no changes to Trump’s policy enforcement in light of recent complaints against Mullin.
Stitt nominated Alan Armstrong, an executive in the gas industry, but faced criticism from some conservatives due to Armstrong’s past affiliations and donations. Stitt touted Armstrong as a strong business leader committed to the energy sector.
Mullin will replace Noem, who herself took over from the controversial Alejandro Mayorkas, whom Trump blamed for the open border situation.
Notable figures in the role of DHS Secretary include former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, appointed by President George W. Bush, and several others who have had significant governmental influence.
