Markwayne Mullin Confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary

The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as homeland security secretary on Monday, installing a Trump loyalist to head the agency responsible for carrying out immigration enforcement at a time when it is reeling from dimming public opinion.

Mr. Mullin, 48, was confirmed in a 54-to-45 vote. Nearly all Republicans and two Democrats voted in support of his nomination.

Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, broke from his party and opposed Mr. Mullin after clashing with him at his confirmation hearing last week. Mr. Mullin secured support from Senators John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, both Democrats.

Mr. Mullin, a Cherokee Nation member who was sworn in as Oklahoma’s junior senator in 2023, will take charge of the Homeland Security Department at a pivotal time. Recent polling has shown that Republicans’ advantage on immigration is shrinking and that most Americans believe that immigration agents have gone too far, especially after the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January. Mr. Mullin will have to balance the task of mending the agency’s image while also delivering on President Trump’s signature campaign promise of mass deportations.

Read more: New York Times