U.S. Senate Confirms Mullin as New DHS Secretary

Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, will take over the department amid a five-week shutdown.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 10:11am

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The U.S. Senate voted 54-45 to confirm Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, as the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Mullin will replace outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem, whom the president reassigned to another role. Mullin will be taking over the department during a five-week shutdown, with Democrats calling for restraints on federal immigration agents after recent incidents involving the killing of two U.S. citizens.

Why it matters

The Department of Homeland Security plays a key role in carrying out the president's immigration policies, and Mullin's confirmation comes at a time of heightened tensions and a government shutdown over these issues. As the first Indigenous DHS secretary, Mullin's appointment also represents a historic milestone.

The details

Mullin, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, will be the first Indigenous person to lead the Department of Homeland Security. He voted for his own confirmation, which passed 54-45, with only two Democrats - Senators John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico - voting to confirm him. The department has been shut down since mid-February as Democrats have called for restraints on federal immigration agents after two recent incidents involving the killing of U.S. citizens by ICE and CBP officers.

  • The U.S. Senate voted on Mullin's confirmation on March 24, 2026.
  • The DHS has been shut down since mid-February 2026.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican senator from Oklahoma who was confirmed as the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The outgoing Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who was reassigned to another role in the administration.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who reassigned Kristi Noem and nominated Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

John Thune

The Republican Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota who spoke about Mullin's confirmation on the Senate floor.

John Fetterman

A Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania who was one of the two Democrats to vote to confirm Mullin.

Martin Heinrich

A Democratic Senator from New Mexico who was one of the two Democrats to vote to confirm Mullin.

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What they’re saying

“It's a tough assignment, made all the more challenging right now by Democrats having shut DHS down for five weeks.”

— John Thune, Republican Senate Majority Leader

“Markwayne isn't afraid of a challenge.”

— John Thune, Republican Senate Majority Leader

“Mullin is gonna be fantastic as DHS secretary.”

— Donald Trump

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.