Trump Taps Oklahoma Senator Mullin to Lead DHS

Mullin, a former MMA fighter, has become one of Trump's staunchest allies in the Senate.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump plans to nominate Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to serve as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. Mullin, a former mixed-martial arts fighter and plumbing company owner, has emerged as one of Trump's fiercest defenders in the Senate and is now poised to join the former president's administration.

Why it matters

Mullin's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security comes after the abrupt firing of the previous secretary, Kristi Noem, who had faced mounting criticism over her leadership of the agency. Mullin's combative style and close ties to Trump are seen as an effort to install a more loyal and aggressive figure atop the sprawling federal department.

The details

Mullin, a 48-year-old citizen of the Cherokee Nation, first entered politics in 2012 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He later won a Senate seat in 2022 after vowing to only serve three terms, a pledge he later broke. Mullin has faced some controversies, including receiving over $1.8 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for his plumbing businesses. But he has also leaned into his Native American heritage and advocated for tribal sovereignty.

  • Mullin was first elected to Congress in 2012.
  • He won a Senate seat in 2022 after previously vowing to only serve three terms.
  • In 2023, Mullin had a heated exchange with the head of the Teamsters union during a Senate hearing.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican senator from Oklahoma and former mixed-martial arts fighter who owns a plumbing company. Mullin has become one of Trump's staunchest allies in the Senate and is now poised to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who plans to nominate Mullin to serve as the next Secretary of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The previous Secretary of Homeland Security who was fired by Trump amid mounting criticism over her leadership of the department.

Sean O'Brien

The president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with whom Mullin had a heated exchange during a 2023 Senate hearing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here.”

— Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Senator (Senate Hearing)

What’s next

The Senate will need to confirm Mullin's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

The takeaway

Mullin's nomination to head the Department of Homeland Security signals Trump's desire to install a more combative and loyal figure atop the sprawling federal agency, as the former president continues to exert his influence over the Republican Party.