Everything You Need To Know About Markwayne Mullin, Trump’s Pick To Replace Kristi Noem At DHS
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he was replacing Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin. The personnel change will take place on March 31.
“We’re excited, can’t wait to get to work, but we still have the nomination process,” Mullin said. said Thursday to journalists, according to CNBC.
“We want the Department of Homeland Security to work for the American people, and that will be our priority,” he said. “So we are open to new ideas and doing things that, as I said, ensure the work that we need to do.”
Mullin too said reporters that he and Trump are “great friends,” adding that they “get along great,” according to NBC News.
Mullin48 years old, is a native of Oklahoma and the youngest of seven children. He registered He attended Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship in 1996, but dropped out the following year to save the family plumbing business after his father became ill. Mullin later received an Associate of Applied Science degree from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in 2010. (RELATED: ‘He’s Respected’: Democratic Senator Praises Trump’s Pick to Replace Kristi Noem at DHS)
“A MAGA warrior and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne really gets along with people and knows the wisdom and courage it takes to advance our America First agenda,” Trump wrote in his Truth Social announcement, made Thursday.
Mullin appreciated a stint as a mixed martial arts fighter between 2006 and 2007, retiring undefeated. He was honored speak Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.
True to his roots, Mullin challenged Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien to a cage fight for charity in 2023.
“An attention-seeking Teamsters union boss tries to be punchy after our Senate hearing. Okay, I accept your challenge. MMA fights for the charity of our choice. September 30 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ll give you 3 days to accept,” Mullin wrote on social networks.
Mullin confronted O’Brien in person later that year at a congressional hearing.
“Stop acting tough at these Senate hearings. You know where to find me. Anywhere, anytime, cowboy,” Mullin said, reading aloud one of O’Brien’s earlier tweets.
“Sir, this is the time. This is a place. You want to talk. We can be two consenting adults. We can end it here,” Mullin said.
“Okay, that’s good. Perfect,” O’Brien replied.
“Do you want to do it now?”
“I would love to do it now.”
“Well, get your ass up then.”
“You lift your butt up. »
Mullin stood up before independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders broke up the fight. Mullin and O’Brien buried the hatchet in 2025, appearing in a video together. (RELATED: Markwayne Mullin Tears Bernie Sanders in the Face for Being a Congressional Relic)
Let’s be honest…last time @TeamsterSOB and I was in a courtroom together, we almost came to blows.
President Trump brought businesses and workers together in this election. I trust his choice. Let’s finish this fight. 🇺🇸💪 pic.twitter.com/xZ200Ub289
– Markwayne Mullin (@SenMullin) February 19, 2025
Mullin attempted to rescue five American citizens – a woman and her four children – from Afghanistan in September 2021, according to The Washington Post. His efforts were rebuffed by the American embassy.
Mullin took aim at former President Joe Biden, accusing Biden of poorly executing the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“And when I say there is blood on his hands, do I mean President Biden’s? I mean that with everything in my heart,” Mullin said Fox News’ Bret Baier in September 2021.
“It’s his fault. I wouldn’t have gone there – I wouldn’t have even thought about going there if it wasn’t for his failure. I wouldn’t have put my life in danger. I wouldn’t have put my kids and my wife through this, I wouldn’t have put anyone through this,” Mullin continued. The senator is married to his high school sweetheart. The couple have six children.
Mullin attracted positive attention within the Republican Party during negotiations on the “Big nice bill.” Mullin”served as an informal liaison between the House and Senate during negotiations, helping relay concerns between the chambers, which are often at odds,” according to CNBC.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announcement his disapproval of Mullin’s nomination Thursday.
“I was asked if I would support Senator Mullin to replace Noem,” Schumer wrote on social media.
“The answer is a resounding NO. The rot in DHS runs deep, much deeper than that of any individual.”
“This is a matter of policy, not personnel. The Senate should not consider any nominee for DHS secretary until DHS and ICE are brought under control.”
Mullin should be able to count on the support of Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who wrote THURSDAY, “I don’t know how many fellow Democrats will vote to support our colleague [Mullin] as the next DHS Secretary, but I’m AYE.
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