Why Trump chose Markwayne Mullin to lead Homeland Security after ousting Kristi Noem

Donald Trump has nominated the Oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after the US President sacked current DHS chief Kristi Noem on Thursday.

The Trump administration posted on Truth Social, naming Markwayne Mullin as the next DHS chief taking effect from March 31, 2026.

Trump said Noem would be moving to serve as a “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere.” He also thanked her for her service as DHS secretary, especially on the Border.

The shake-up comes at a time of high tension for the DHS. Noem’s departure followed several months of mounting pressure. She reportedly rankled the White House with a $200 million self-promotional ad campaign, urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport. The White House publicly denied any association by Trump with this campaign.

Who is Markwayne Mullin?

Markwayne Mullin is a first-time senator, a former mixed martial arts fighter who strongly supports Donald Trump. He served 10 years in the US House of Representatives, representing Oklahoma’s 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2023. Later the 48-year-old entered the Senate in 2023 after winning a special election.

As a member of the Cherokee Nation, Markwayne Mullin holds a significant place in the US Senate. His 2022 election ended a nearly 20-year drought of Native American representation in the chamber and distinguished him as only the second Cherokee citizen ever to serve as a senator.

According to Trump, Mullin has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful people of Oklahoma.

Before becoming a politician, he was a businessman who built his career in construction and property development after studying construction technology rather than completing a bachelor’s degree.

Why is Markwayne Mullin Trump’s top choice?

Having been called a “MAGA warrior”, Mullin is the top choice due to alignment of his policies with the US President. Besides policy alignment, the selection is also about optics and his combative leadership style.

Hardline policy record

Being an ardent supporter of Trump, Mullen’s record on immigration closely aligns with Trump’s stance. Mullin co-sponsored the Laken Riley Act and has advocated for ending birth right citizenship incentives. He famously stated that children of undocumented parents should go where their parents are.

Defender of ICE

In recent months, ICE has been under fire due to its crackdown on immigrants. Mullin is considered as the big defender of ICE as he criticized city policies responsible for obstructing the implementation of federal law. He also considers mass deportation as legal obligation.

Mullin has consistently framed agents as "red-blooded American patriots" and "not Disney villains.”

A native advocate

As a member of the Cherokee Nation and only Native American representative in the Senate, Mullin provides the administration with a unique voice on border issues on indigenous lands.

Trump wrote, “As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible tribal communities.”

As an undefeated MMA fighter, Mullin is expected to oversee and implement the Trump administration’s policies and border security agenda more efficiently.