A look at Mullin's rise from MMA fighter to MAGA warrior and DHS nomination
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The Bottom Line
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, former MMA fighter, faces confirmation hearing to become DHS secretary.
AI Summary
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin faces a confirmation hearing Wednesday to become secretary of homeland security, following President Trump's firing of Kristi Noem from the position. Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter turned Republican senator, has embraced Trump's agenda and represents a significant shift in leadership at the agency responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, and disaster response. His confirmation would place someone with a combat sports background and strong MAGA credentials in charge of one of the federal government's largest and most consequential departments. The hearing will test whether Senate Republicans, who control the chamber, will quickly approve Trump's pick or raise questions about Mullin's experience managing a sprawling bureaucracy. Mullin's path from the octagon to Congress to potential DHS leadership reflects the broader evolution of the Republican Party under Trump's influence.
What's Being Done
Mullin is scheduled for a Senate confirmation hearing to become secretary of homeland security, replacing Kristi Noem whom Trump fired.
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Trump's Influence on US Politics and Foreign Policy
Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence on US politics, from taunting foreign leaders and shaping primary elections to making controversial statements on immigration and foreign policy, including his stance on the ongoing Iran conflict.
Trump's Influence on US Politics and Elections
Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over US politics, from taunting political rivals and making policy demands to impacting primary elections and facing legal challenges. His statements and actions are shaping ongoing debates and future electoral contests.
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<p>Sen. <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/markwayne-mullin-homeland-security-secretary-nominee" target="_blank">Markwayne Mullin</a> (R-Okla.) has privately hinted to colleagues that he was involved in dangerous private security work in Middle East war zones before running for Congress in 2012, according to three people who have heard him discuss it.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> It's a mystery likely to come up Wednesday at his Senate confirmation hearing, where he will face colleagues as <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/kristi-noem-trump-fired-moved" target="_blank">President Trump's nominee</a> to replace Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary.</p><hr><ul><li>There's no public record of Mullin — a former professional mixed martial arts fighter who sold his family's plumbing business in 2021 — doing the kind of security work he has alluded to in private.</li><li>But to former colleagues in the House, and on several other occasions, Mullin has suggeste...
PoliticsFetterman on supporting Mullin for DHS secretary: ‘Why can’t you just give someone a chance?’
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is urging Democratic colleagues to “give someone a chance” and consider backing Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s (R-Okla.) nomination for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary. Fetterman reaffirmed on Thursday that he would vote to confirm Mullin, who is set to appear before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs next…
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PoliticsSen. Mullin faces confirmation hearing to lead Homeland Security Department
Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin faces questions from his fellow senators at his confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security,
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