Updated March 23, 2026 / 9:54 PM EDT
The Senate voted 54-45 on Monday to confirm Oklahoma Republican Markwayne Mullin as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, completing President Trump’s leadership change at DHS after weeks of scrutiny of former Secretary Kristi Noem.
Two Democrats — Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico — joined Republicans to back Mullin. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the lone Republican to oppose the nomination. Mullin, a senator since 2023 and a former decade-long House member, assumes the role as the department nears a nearly 40-day shutdown tied to a funding impasse and disagreements over immigration enforcement reforms.
Noem was removed earlier this month amid criticism over her handling of two deadly shootings by federal agents during an immigration operation in Minneapolis and over controversial advertising expenditures disclosed at a congressional hearing. Mullin has said his approach will contrast with Noem’s, calling himself “empowering people” and indicating he plans policy shifts such as requiring judicial warrants for agents to enter homes and businesses.
President Trump praised Mullin’s confirmation, saying he believes Mullin will be “fantastic” and will institute changes. Mullin is expected to play a central role in negotiations on DHS funding and operations; talks involving senators and White House border czar Tom Homan are underway as TSA staffing shortages continue to disrupt air travel.
Known as a 48-year-old business owner and former MMA fighter, Mullin has positioned himself as a bridge between the House and the White House. He has cultivated working relationships with some Democrats, a factor that helped secure Heinrich’s and Fetterman’s support. Heinrich described Mullin as a friend with an “honest and constructive” relationship and said he expects a secretary who will not simply follow orders from the White House.
Sen. Paul, who chaired the committee that held Mullin’s confirmation hearing, opposed advancing the nomination out of committee and criticized Mullin for past remarks and for reportedly applauding violence against political opponents. Fetterman’s committee vote ultimately allowed the nomination to move forward.
Mullin’s elevation to the Cabinet leaves a Senate seat vacant in Oklahoma. Gov. Kevin Stitt is expected to name an interim replacement quickly; Stitt is widely anticipated to appoint oil and gas executive Alan Armstrong to serve until a special election is held to fill the remainder of Mullin’s term.