WATCH LIVE: Trump swears in Markwayne Mullin as new homeland security secretary amid shutdown

PBS NewsHour
by Rebecca Santana, Associated Press
March 24, 2026
3 min read

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Trump swears in Markwayne Mullin as homeland security secretary during active government shutdown.

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President Trump is swearing in Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, as the new homeland security secretary during an active government shutdown. Mullin has cultivated a close relationship with Trump and previously emphasized his intention to depoliticize the department and reduce its media profile. The appointment comes as the Trump administration manages border security and immigration enforcement amid broader budgetary disputes on Capitol Hill. Mullin's confirmation follows the departure of the previous homeland security leadership and signals Trump's prioritization of personnel aligned with his immigration agenda. The timing underscores the administration's focus on filling key cabinet positions even as federal funding remains in limbo.

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