A look at Mullin's rise from MMA fighter to MAGA warrior and DHS nomination

PBS NewsHour
by Lisa Desjardins
March 17, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

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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