U.S. Senate Confirms Markwayne Mullin as DHS Secretary

The Senate has confirmed Sen. Markwayne Mullin to serve as the next secretary of Homeland Security, placing the Oklahoma Republican in charge of immigration enforcement, one of President Trump’s top priorities in his second term, Ximena Bustillo reported for National Public Radio (NPR).

During his confirmation hearing, Mullin, 48, urged senators to fund DHS as quickly as possible and said he was ready to take on the responsibility of leading the sprawling agency. (Photo: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS))

Mullin secured confirmation in a 54–45 vote. He will be the second secretary to lead the department during this Trump administration, replacing Kristi Noem.

He takes the helm amid a shutdown that has left 100,000 of the department’s more than 250,000 employees working without pay.

During his confirmation hearing, Mullin, 48, urged senators to fund DHS as quickly as possible and said he was ready to take on the responsibility of leading the sprawling agency.

Sen. Rand Paul confronted Mullin over his past rhetoric and challenged him to repeat an insulting remark directly. Mullin declined.

“I’m not scared of a challenge. I am scared of failure, and so I will work hard each day,” Mullin said during the hearing.

“My goal in six months is that we’re not the lead story every single day. My goal is for people to understand we’re out there, we’re protecting them, and we’re working with them. My goal is to make every one of you proud.”