US Senate confirms Mullin as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
Key Takeaways
- Senate confirmed Mullin to head DHS in a 54-45 vote.
- He succeeds Kristi Noem amid backlash over immigration enforcement and mass deportations.
- The confirmation came as DHS faced funding impasse and a potential shutdown.
Confirmation Vote Details
The US Senate has confirmed Senator Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security in a 54-45 vote.
“WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as homeland security secretary late Monday, approving President Donald Trump’s nominee to take over the embattled department after the firing of Kristi Noem during a public backlash over the administration’s immigration enforcement and mass deportation operations”
The vote largely fell along party lines, replacing former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem who was removed amid public backlash.
Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma and staunch Trump supporter, becomes head of the embattled department overseeing immigration enforcement, border protection, and airport security.
The confirmation process was rapid, with Mullin nominated by President Trump on March 5th and proceeding through hearings.
Once sworn in, Mullin will lead the 260,000-employee Department of Homeland Security during significant turmoil.
The vote saw two Democrats break ranks to support Mullin - Pennsylvania's John Fetterman and New Mexico's Martin Heinrich.
Kentucky Republican Rand Paul was the only member of his party to vote against the nomination.
Contentious Confirmation Hearing
Mullin's confirmation hearing was unusually contentious and nearly derailed amid heated exchanges.
Republican Senator Rand Paul questioned Mullin's character and temperament throughout the hearing.
Paul confronted Mullin over past comments calling him a 'freaking snake' and supporting his neighbor who assaulted Paul.
Paul demanded Mullin explain why he deserved the assault and questioned his fitness to lead.
Mullin refused to back down from the heated exchange.
Paul had initially voted against advancing the nomination in committee.
The combative hearing reflected challenges Mullin faces in unifying the department.
Funding Crisis Context
Mullin takes over DHS amid a critical funding crisis causing partial government shutdowns since February 14th.
“WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmedMarkwayne Mullinas homeland security secretary late Monday, approvingPresident Donald Trump’snominee to take over the embattled department after the firing ofKristi Noemduring a public backlash over the administration’simmigration enforcementand mass deportation operations”
The shutdown has led to long wait times at airports as TSA agents work without pay.
The crisis stems from Democrats' refusal to pass DHS funding without restrictions on immigration enforcement.
Democrats are demanding changes following the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis protests.
They want officers to identify themselves, avoid sensitive locations, wear body cameras, and use judicial warrants.
Trump has deployed ICE agents to airports and refuses to make deals until Democrats support a voter ID bill.
The funding impasse has created significant operational challenges for Mullin's new department.
Mullin's Background
Mullin brings a unique background having served over a dozen years in Congress while running his family's plumbing business.
He previously competed as a mixed martial arts fighter and collegiate wrestler.
He became close with members of both parties and is seen as a partisan negotiator.
His loyalty to Trump secured him the DHS position despite not being a key force on immigration issues.
He presented himself as a steadier hand than his predecessor during his confirmation hearing.
He promised to get DHS 'off the front page of the news' within six months.
He signaled some policy changes requiring judicial warrants for home entries but will largely follow Trump's lead.
Future Challenges
Mullin faces significant political challenges beyond the funding crisis.
“"I can have different opinions with everybody in this room, but as secretary of homeland I'll be protecting everybody," Mullin said”
Democrats remain skeptical about his commitment to reforming immigration enforcement practices.
He raised concerns about election security when he expressed willingness to send ICE agents to polling places.
His comments contradicted federal law barring armed officers from polling locations.
These remarks intensified concerns that airport deployments might be 'test runs' for election interference.
Trump's former strategist Steve Bannon suggested the airport ICE deployment could be preparation for November elections.
Mullin's confirmation comes as public support for Trump's immigration agenda has declined.
More on USA
Trump Delays Strikes on Iranian Energy Infrastructure Amid Talks With Iran.
43 sources compared
Senate confirms Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security secretary
13 sources compared
Supreme Court appears poised to limit late-arriving mail-in ballots.
23 sources compared
Trump directs ICE officers to TSA checkpoints at airports
238 sources compared