Mullin's DHS Nomination Wins Bipartisan Praise

President Trump's pick for Homeland Security Secretary earns support from lawmakers, tribal leaders, and law enforcement

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:08am

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President Donald J. Trump's nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security is earning strong, bipartisan praise from lawmakers, tribal leaders, law enforcement organizations, industry groups, and other prominent voices. A proven champion of border security, a fierce defender of American sovereignty, and a pragmatic leader with deep experience tackling national security threats, Sen. Mullin is exactly the right person to build upon the Department's record-setting successes in protecting the homeland under President Trump's leadership.

Why it matters

The Department of Homeland Security plays a vital role in securing the border, responding to natural disasters, and safeguarding communities against threats. Sen. Mullin's nomination signals the administration's commitment to continuing the progress made under President Trump on immigration enforcement and border security.

The details

Sen. Mullin has a strong track record of supporting President Trump's border security agenda and advocating for the men and women of DHS. As a member of the Senate, he has been involved in key homeland security issues and has the trust and confidence of the President to lead the agency.

  • President Trump nominated Sen. Mullin to serve as the next DHS Secretary on March 17, 2026.

The players

Sen. Markwayne Mullin

The President's nominee to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Mullin is a Republican Senator from Oklahoma who has been a strong supporter of President Trump's border security agenda.

President Donald J. Trump

The President who nominated Sen. Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The outgoing DHS Secretary who oversaw significant progress in securing the southern border under the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“My friend @SenMullin is a great Senator and key member of our Whip team. He will be an exceptional @DHSgov Secretary and will work closely with President Trump to make America safer. As the Whip, I will work to confirm him quickly.”

— Sen. John Barrasso, Senate Majority Whip

“Congratulations to my friend and colleague @SenMullin on his nomination. Americans sent President Trump back to the White House to clean up the mess made by Joe Biden, and I have every confidence Markwayne will build on @Sec_Noem's great work to make our nation safer. I look forward to supporting his confirmation in the Senate.”

— Sen. Marsha Blackburn

“President Trump could not have chosen a better candidate to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security than Senator Markwayne Mullin. Markwayne understands the enemies we face, and he has been intimately involved in dealing with threats against our homeland in the public and private sectors. He is one of the most knowledgeable people I know regarding how to protect America. Markwayne is an outstanding choice and I hope he gets the overwhelmingly bipartisan vote that he deserves. He is one of the most prepared people President Trump could've picked for the role. I know he will hit the ground running on day one.”

— Sen. Lindsey Graham

“I've got strong respect for the guy, so I think he'll do a good job.”

— Sen. Lisa Murkowski

“There is nobody in the United States Senate who hits harder or backs down less than @SenMullin, and now he is going to be running the Department of Homeland Security at one of the most consequential moments in this country's history. Great pick by @POTUS!”

— Rep. Pat Harrigan

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

Sen. Mullin's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security signals the administration's continued commitment to securing the border, enforcing immigration laws, and protecting the American people from threats both foreign and domestic. His bipartisan support and deep experience in national security issues make him well-suited to build on the successes of the Trump era at DHS.