Mullin grilled on past remarks in tense DHS confirmation hearing

PBS NewsHour
by Lisa Desjardins
March 18, 2026
3 min read

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Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin faced intense questioning at his DHS confirmation hearing about controversial past remarks.

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Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin appeared before the Senate for his confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security, facing intense questioning from lawmakers about controversial past remarks. The hearing grew heated as senators pressed Mullin on how his positions might differ from those of Kristi Noem, who was previously removed from the DHS role. Mullin's nomination is significant because DHS oversees immigration enforcement and border security, two priorities of the Trump administration. The contentious confirmation process signals potential friction between Mullin and some senators over his record and policy positions. His confirmation would place him in charge of one of the largest federal agencies during a period of heightened focus on immigration enforcement.

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