Senate Confirms Mullin's Homeland Security Appointment

Weekly roundup includes Stitt's Trump endorsement, TPS layoffs, and new homeless shelter funding

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:28pm

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A photorealistic painting of an empty government office desk with a nameplate that reads 'Secretary of Homeland Security', bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of transition and contemplation about the changing of the guard in federal leadership.The confirmation of a new Homeland Security Secretary signals a shift in national security leadership, as local political dynamics continue to unfold in Oklahoma.Today in Tulsa

The U.S. Senate has confirmed the appointment of Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security. This was part of a busy week in Oklahoma politics that also saw Governor Stitt discuss getting former President Trump's support for Alan Armstrong, the Tulsa Public Schools board approve layoff recommendations, and the announcement of an $8 million donation for a new low-barrier homeless shelter in Tulsa.

Why it matters

Mullin's confirmation to head the Department of Homeland Security is a significant political appointment that will shape national security policy. Meanwhile, the other developments highlight ongoing issues in Oklahoma around education, homelessness, and the influence of prominent political figures like Trump in the state.

The details

The Senate voted to confirm Mullin, a former U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, as the new Secretary of Homeland Security. In other news, Governor Kevin Stitt said he is working to get former President Donald Trump 'all-in' on supporting Alan Armstrong, a Tulsa businessman, for a future political run. The Tulsa Public Schools board also approved a recommendation to lay off an unspecified number of employees due to budget constraints. Additionally, an $8 million donation was announced for a new low-barrier homeless shelter in Tulsa.

  • The U.S. Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin's appointment on March 29, 2026.
  • Governor Stitt discussed getting Trump's endorsement for Alan Armstrong in recent weeks.
  • The TPS board approved the layoff recommendation on March 27, 2026.
  • The $8 million donation for the Tulsa homeless shelter was announced this week.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

A former U.S. Representative from Oklahoma who was confirmed as the new Secretary of Homeland Security.

Kevin Stitt

The current Governor of Oklahoma who is seeking former President Trump's endorsement for a Tulsa businessman's future political run.

Tulsa Public Schools

The school district in Tulsa, Oklahoma that approved layoff recommendations due to budget constraints.

Alan Armstrong

A Tulsa businessman that Governor Stitt is trying to get former President Trump to endorse for a future political run.

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What they’re saying

“We must work to get President Trump all-in on Alan Armstrong's future political plans.”

— Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma

What’s next

The new Homeland Security Secretary Mullin will begin his term and start implementing his policy agenda. Governor Stitt will continue his efforts to secure Trump's endorsement for Alan Armstrong. The Tulsa Public Schools district will move forward with the approved layoffs.

The takeaway

This week's news highlights the political dynamics in Oklahoma, with high-profile appointments, endorsements, and budget challenges impacting the state. The confirmation of Mullin to lead Homeland Security and Stitt's push for Trump's support demonstrate the continued influence of national politics in the state.