The US Senate has confirmed Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security, marking a leadership shift under Donald Trump as scrutiny intensifies over his immigration crackdown.
Mullin was confirmed in a 54-45 vote, replacing outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose tenure drew bipartisan criticism.
A businessman and former mixed martial arts fighter, Mullin supports Trump’s hardline immigration stance but indicated during his confirmation hearing that he could scale back some controversial measures. These include a directive allowing federal immigration officers to enter private homes or businesses without judicial warrants.
His confirmation comes as Democrats continue to block funding for the 260,000-person Department of Homeland Security, pressing for limits on the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics. The funding standoff has disrupted operations, with airport security screeners missing pay and increased absenteeism contributing to longer queues at US airports.
Republicans in the Senate have rejected Democratic proposals to ensure payment for Transportation Security Administration workers while negotiations on immigration policy continue.
The Trump administration has deployed federal immigration officers to airports to support screening operations, although the full impact remains unclear.
Mullin’s appointment offers the administration an opportunity to reset following mounting criticism of Noem. During congressional hearings earlier in March, lawmakers from both parties challenged her remarks describing two US citizens fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis as perpetrators of “domestic terrorism,” despite video evidence casting doubt on that claim.
Noem also faced scrutiny over a $220 million advertising campaign awarded to firms with Republican ties without a standard bidding process.
Trump later removed Noem from the role, announcing she would leave by March 31 to take up a position as special envoy for a new “Shield of the Americas” initiative focused on advancing US security policies in the Western Hemisphere.
Mullin’s path to confirmation was not without resistance. Rand Paul opposed the nomination, criticising Mullin’s past rhetoric, including comments appearing to condone a 2017 attack that left him with serious injuries.
However, support from John Fetterman helped secure Mullin’s advancement to a full Senate vote.
Public support for Trump’s immigration policies has declined in recent months, particularly following reports of masked federal agents conducting enforcement operations in US cities.
There are signs the administration may adjust its messaging. Reports indicate officials are considering shifting focus away from mass deportations towards highlighting arrests of individuals with criminal records.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has privately acknowledged some deportation policies may have gone too far.
Despite this, the White House insists its approach remains unchanged. “President Trump’s highest priority has always been the deportation of illegal alien criminals who endanger American communities,” spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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