WASHINGTON –Has President Trump replaced Kristi Noem as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security? Yes, the President selected Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as Noem’s replacement on Thursday.
President Trump decided to replace Noem as Secretary of the DHS, following tensions over congressional testimony about a federal advertising campaign. Mullin starts as acting DHS Secretary on March 31 but will still have to be confirmed by the Senate.
- Trump taps Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem at DHS
Donald Trump has selected Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Mullin is expected to begin serving as acting secretary on March 31 but must still be confirmed by the Senate. - Noem reportedly lost Trump’s confidence over congressional testimony.
According to a report from National Review, Trump was privately frustrated after Noem testified before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee that the president had advance knowledge of a $220 million DHS advertising campaign tied to a contractor connected to one of her allies. - Mullin publicly avoided discussing the job before the announcement.
Before the selection became public, Mullin told reporters he had not spoken with Trump and declined to speculate about a Cabinet role, saying he was focused on his Senate duties while continuing to voice support for Noem.
Why Noem Is Under Scrutiny
According to a report from National Review, the president is privately frustrated with Noem after she told lawmakers during a hearing before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee that Trump had advance knowledge of a $220 million taxpayer-funded advertising campaign approved by the department.
The campaign, which prominently featured Noem, was subcontracted to one of her allies. The National Review reports that sources familiar with the president’s thinking said Trump was angered that Noem, under oath, suggested he was aware of the multimillion-dollar campaign and approved it before the agency finalized the contract.
Has Mullin Accepted the Role?
Mullin has not directly responded to the announcement.
Initially, Mullin was asked on Thursday by a CBS Capitol Hill reporter about the possibility of being considered for the role. Mullin said he had not spoken with the president recently.
“I haven’t talked to the president all week, so I couldn’t even help you with that answer,” Mullin said.
When asked whether he would consider serving in the Cabinet if asked, Mullin declined to speculate.
“I’m actually positively not dealing with hypotheticals,” he said. “Right now I’m focused on doing my job.”
Mullin also said he continues to support Noem.
“She’s a friend,” Mullin said, adding that he voted to confirm her and would continue backing her as long as the president does.
Background on Markwayne Mullin
Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, previously served five terms in the U.S. House.
He is a Cherokee Citizen, and was congratulated by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. after the President’s announcement.
“The Cherokee Nation extends its warmest congratulations to Cherokee Nation citizen and Westville native Markwayne Mullin on this historic appointment as the United States Secretary of Homeland Security,” said Hoskin. “Having a Cherokee Nation citizen serve within the United States Cabinet is a mark of high esteem for our tribe. It stands as a testament to the resilience, capability, and enduring impact of our people. We are confident in Secretary Mullin’s ability to lead with historic responsibility and look forward to the positive, unifying impact his unique perspective will bring to the nation.”
Mullin has not shied away from controversy during his political career, most recently confronting Rep. Al Green during Trump’s State of the Union address.
He has consistently aligned himself with Donald Trump, earning a reputation as a steadfast supporter of the president.
He has embraced Trump’s policy positions and public statements, and has been involved in several high-profile debates over federal funding, energy policy, and election-related legislation.
In 2024, there was speculation that Mullin would be offered a role as the Secretary of the Department of the Interior or the Department of Veterans Affairs within Trump’s cabinet, both of which were filled with other people.
Background on Kristi Noem and DHS
Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, has led the Department of Homeland Security since joining Trump’s Cabinet. The agency oversees border security, immigration enforcement, disaster response, and other domestic security responsibilities.
