Live updates: Mullin faces DHS questions; senators to confront Gabbard, Ratcliffe on global threats

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is testifying before the Senate Wednesday to make his case for becoming the Trump administration's next DHS secretary, while senators are simultaneously questioning Tulsi Gabbard and Marco Ratcliffe on global security threats. Mullin's hearing comes as Gabbard faces staff departures—including her counterterrorism director's resignation over opposition to the Iran conflict—signaling internal discord at the intelligence agency level. The dual hearings reflect Senate scrutiny of Trump's national security team during a period of heightened international tensions. Mullin's confirmation would make him the principal official overseeing border security, immigration enforcement, and domestic preparedness. The timing underscores competing demands on the Senate to vet multiple high-level security appointments simultaneously.