WASHINGTON, D.C. March 24, 2026 — U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) was sworn in Tuesday as the 9th Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security under President Donald J. Trump, replacing former Secretary Kristi Noem. In his first public statement as DHS chief, Mullin expressed gratitude for the appointment and vowed to put national security above politics.
“I am grateful for President Trump’s trust in me to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It’s an honor to serve,” Mullin posted on X shortly after taking the oath.
“As @DHSgov Secretary, I’m committed to safeguarding the American people and protecting the homeland. I’ll fight for your family just as I’ll fight for mine,” he continued.
Mullin highlighted his plans to work closely with the department’s workforce: “I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with the 260,000 outstanding DHS employees and their families to keep our nation safe.”
His immediate focus, he said, is resolving the ongoing partisan standoff that has left DHS operations in limbo.
“My first priority is to end the partisan fighting and reopen the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a matter of national security. Let’s get to work. 🇺🇸”
The Senate confirmed Mullin on a 54-45 party-line vote Monday amid heated debate over border security and immigration enforcement. He was sworn in at the White House on Tuesday by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The appointment comes as DHS faces significant operational challenges, including funding disputes that have contributed to a partial shutdown and furloughs. Mullin, a former senator and Cherokee Nation citizen, has positioned himself as a pragmatic leader ready to restore full functionality to the agency.
Reactions on social media ranged from congratulations and calls for aggressive deportation policies to criticism citing Mullin’s past Senate votes on related issues. Supporters hailed the move as a step toward stronger border protection, while critics questioned his commitment based on prior legislative record.
Mullin’s confirmation marks the latest high-profile appointment in the Trump administration’s second term, with the White House signaling a renewed emphasis on homeland security and immigration enforcement.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments at DHS under Secretary Mullin’s leadership.
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