Trump Taps Senator Mullin to Lead DHS Amid Turmoil

Nomination faces scrutiny over resurfaced video, as Democrats demand policy changes

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:50am

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President Trump has nominated Senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security, replacing outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem. The move comes amid a funding standoff that has shuttered DHS operations, raising concerns about border security and disaster response. Democrats signal they will use the confirmation process to push for broader policy changes, while a resurfaced video of Mullin praising a controversial law enforcement figure has also emerged.

Why it matters

DHS oversees critical functions like border enforcement, immigration, and disaster management. Its leadership transition and potential restructuring could have major implications for public safety and the rule of law, especially during a funding impasse that has disrupted the agency's operations.

The details

President Trump announced on March 5, 2026, that he will nominate Senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security, with the change slated to take effect on March 31. The move follows mounting turmoil around outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem, whose standing reportedly collapsed due to controversies and internal frustration. Democrats are signaling they will use the confirmation process to demand policy changes and an 'overhaul' of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ensuring the nomination becomes a proxy war over immigration enforcement.

  • President Trump announced the nomination on March 5, 2026.
  • The transition to the new DHS leadership is slated to take effect on March 31, 2026.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

A U.S. Senator who has been nominated by President Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The outgoing Secretary of Homeland Security, whose standing reportedly collapsed due to controversies and internal frustration.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, who has publicly opposed moving forward with Mullin's nomination and tied his stance to demands for policy changes.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader, who has signaled that Republicans want the confirmation process to move quickly, describing Mullin as 'pretty well-vetted'.

John Fetterman

A Democratic Senator who called Mullin a 'nice upgrade', suggesting the fight may be more about extracting concessions than opposing the nominee personally.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.