Senate confirms Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security secretary

The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the new Homeland Security Secretary in a 54-45 vote.

He replaces Kristi Noem who was removed earlier this month after facing growing backlash from Congress.

Agencia EFE

Most Republican senators supported his nomination, with only Sen. Rand Paul voting against him.

Two Democrats—John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico—broke ranks to vote in favor.

The confirmation came after a contentious confirmation process where Mullin faced questions about his temperament and past remarks.

Mullin's confirmation was marked by significant controversy over his temperament and past comments.

During his confirmation hearing, Paul, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee, criticized Mullin's temperament and accused him of 'anger issues.'

CBC

Paul pointed to Mullin's public comments that Paul is a 'snake' and that he 'understood' why Paul's neighbor attacked him in 2017.

The attack left Paul with broken ribs and a damaged lung.

Paul questioned whether someone who 'applauds violence against their political opponents' is suitable to lead an agency that deals with proper use of force.

Mullin later walked back some of his inflammatory comments and apologized for calling Pretti a 'deranged individual' after the fatal shooting.

Mullin brings a unique background to the homeland security role, having served 13 years in Congress before his confirmation as DHS Secretary.

“I was responding immediately without the facts”

CNN

The Oklahoma Republican entered politics as a former mixed martial arts fighter who ran a multimillion-dollar plumbing business before being elected to the House of Representatives over a decade ago.

During his confirmation hearing, Mullin faced allegations of stolen valor regarding comments he made about having smelled war, which he chalked up to a 'misunderstanding.'

He explained that around 2016, while serving in the House, he was asked to train with a 'very small contingency and go to a certain area' and participated in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape training.

Mullin has described President Trump as a 'friend,' a relationship that was solidified after Trump reached out to Mullin consistently while Mullin's teenage son was suffering a severe brain injury.

Mullin inherits the Homeland Security Department at a particularly challenging time, facing a financial gridlock, ongoing controversy over immigration policies, and a TSA worker strike that has left airport security agents unpaid since February 14.

The agency has been plagued by controversy under both Noem and Mullin, with officers accused of using force to arrest immigrants, detaining them in squalid conditions, and bypassing due process to rapidly deport them.

El Informador

Mullin has promised a different approach, stating that officers would be required to use judicial warrants—not administrative warrants—to enter houses except in rare circumstances.

He also said that cutting off federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions would be a 'last resort.'

However, he acknowledged that the White House ultimately sets the agenda for immigration enforcement.

The department also faces scrutiny over its disaster response capabilities, with Mullin rejecting Noem's contract approval rule that critics said slowed FEMA's response to natural disasters.

Despite the controversy, Mullin has positioned himself as a more accessible and collaborative leader than his predecessor.

“"Me preocupa mucho la disposición del senador Mullin a tolerar la violencia política y el mensaje que eso transmite en todo el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, y no estamos hablando de un simple desliz aislado tras el intento de agredir físicamente a un testigo en una audiencia del Senado en 2023", alertó en días anteriores Peters”

Europa Press

He has promised to maintain open lines of communication with Congress, noting that he wouldn't change his cellphone number.

Europa Press

Two Democrats who voted for him—John Fetterman and Martin Heinrich—both pointed to their friendships with Mullin in explaining their support.

Heinrich insisted they could have a 'constructive' relationship and argued that Mullin 'wouldn't be pushed around by other White House officials.'

However, other Democrats remain skeptical, with Shaheen expressing concerns about Mullin's 'lack of relevant experience' and 'temperament needed to oversee some of our country's most important law enforcement functions.'