Markwayne Mullin’s DHS nomination not at risk from Rand Paul , Thune says - Politico

Politico
March 18, 2026
3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Senate Majority Leader Thune says Markwayne Mullin's DHS nomination has sufficient Republican support despite Rand Paul opposition.

AI Summary

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Markwayne Mullin's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security is not imperiled by opposition from Senator Rand Paul. Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, has faced scrutiny during his confirmation process, but Thune's statement suggests he has sufficient support among Senate Republicans to advance the nomination. Paul, a Kentucky libertarian conservative, has been critical of various Trump administration nominees on civil liberties and fiscal grounds. The confirmation vote will test whether Trump's cabinet picks can secure Republican backing even when facing dissent from within the party. Mullin's DHS role would put him in charge of border security, immigration enforcement, and domestic counterterrorism operations.

What's Being Done

Mullin's confirmation vote will proceed with a Senate vote testing Republican backing for the nomination.

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