Mullin Confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary

On March 24th, the Senate confirmed Mark Wayne Mullin as the new Homeland Security Secretary

late Monday in a 54-45-party line vote.

The Oklahoma Republican Senator replaces Christie Knowham, who was fired amid backlash over

aggressive immigration enforcement and mass deportations under President Trump.

Mullin steps in during tough times, with routine department funding lapsed since February

14th.

That has caused long waits at airports, as transportation security administration agents

call out amid the budget standoff.

Trump has also ordered more immigration and customs enforcement presence at airports.

Reactions split along party lines during Mullin's combative confirmation hearing last

week.

The Republican Homeland Security Committee chairman questioned his temperament in a heated

clash, and Democrats remain skeptical of his loyalty to Trump's agenda.

Still, some praise him as a serious leader, ready to make the country safer.

Mullin brings over a dozen years in Congress, plus experience running a family plumbing

business.

A former mixed martial arts fighter, he's known as a negotiator who got close to both

parties.

He promised judicial warrants for home entries, no quick judgments on incidents, and changes

at the federal emergency management agency, like, scrapping Knowham's contract rules to

speed disaster aid.

As Democrats push for body cameras, no mass for agents, and limits near schools and

churches, Mullin faces pressure to restore funding while sticking to Trump's deportation

push.

His focus now turns to studying the department through these ongoing battles.