Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla. speaks during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Jan. 14, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo)
US President Donald Trump has nominated Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as the next head of the United States Department of Homeland Security, replacing the agency’s chief Kristi Noem, the BBC reported.
Mullin, a Republican senator and former mixed martial arts fighter, has supported Trump’s policies since entering national politics. His appointment must still be confirmed by the US Senate.
Speaking to reporters outside the US Capitol, Mullin said his focus would be national security.
“Yes, I’m a Republican, yes I’m conservative,” he said. “Once I make that transition, my focus is to keep the homeland secure… and we’re excited about this opportunity,” according to the BBC.
Who is he Markwayne Mullin ?
Mullin was sworn in as a US senator in 2023. Before entering the Senate, he spent several years in business and politics. Over two decades, he and his wife built their family plumbing company while raising six children.
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Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., speaks with reporters on the steps at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
He has also been a supporter of the administration’s immigration policies and has defended the work of immigration officers.
After a US citizen was shot dead by immigration agents in Minnesota, Mullin said the officers were doing a difficult job.
“Obstructing federal law enforcement is a felony. Most Americans follow ICE instructions without thinking twice,” Mullin wrote on social media.
Obstructing federal law enforcement is a felony. Most Americans follow ICE instructions without thinking twice.
These patriots are doing a difficult job under an 8,000% rise in death threats.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., speaks to the press outside of the Capitol, Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)
During the hearing, Mullin referred to a social media post in which O’Brien had criticised him.
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“You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here,” Mullin said, according to the BBC, as he stood up and appeared ready to confront the union leader before another senator intervened.
The exchange followed earlier arguments between the two on social media.
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Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla. speaks during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Jan. 14, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo) 
