Markwayne Mullin confirmed to lead a DHS in turmoil
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- Markwayne Mullin was confirmed by the Senate as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), succeeding Kristi Noem amid ongoing funding lapses and shutdown negotiations.
- The confirmation vote was 54-45, with some bipartisan support despite concerns over Mullin’s temperament and allegations of stolen valor raised during his hearing.
- Mullin pledged to lead differently from Noem, emphasizing accessibility to Congress, owning mistakes, and proposing changes to ICE operations, including requiring judicial warrants for property entry.
- Democrats have pushed for legislative changes to immigration enforcement, particularly the use of judicial warrants, as part of DHS funding negotiations currently stalled amid a shutdown.
- Mullin is a close ally of former President Trump and has played a key role in bridging gaps between House and Senate Republicans, with the White House delaying shutdown talks until his confirmation.
