Senate Confirms Sen. Markwayne Mullin as DHS Secretary in 54-45 Vote
Mullin, a sitting senator who has represented Oklahoma in Congress for 13 years, was nominated by President Donald Trump to replace Kristi Noem after Trump fired her earlier this month.
Tommy Flynn
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate confirmed Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on March 23, 2026, by a 54-45 vote.
Mullin, a sitting senator who has represented Oklahoma in Congress for 13 years, was nominated by President Donald Trump to replace Kristi Noem after Trump fired her earlier this month. The confirmation occurred amid the partial DHS shutdown that began Feb. 14, 2026.
The vote was largely along party lines. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the lone Republican to vote no. Two Democrats — Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) — voted yes. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) did not vote. Senators erupted in applause after the result was announced.
Mullin stated: “I am grateful to President Trump for nominating me to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. I look forward to carrying out President Trump’s mission alongside the department’s many capable agencies and the thousands of patriots who keep us safe every day.”
The move gives Trump a key ally at DHS focused on border security and law enforcement.