Taking to his Truth Social account, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin is his choice to replace Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
Noem will become a Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas. Trump called it a new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere.
Mullin would take over the position on March 31st.
That means Governor Kevin Stitt will appoint Mullin’s replacement to serve out the rest of his term. Stitt also congratulated Mullin on his nomination by President Trump.
“Markwayne Mullin has been a fighter for Oklahoma and will fight to keep our nation secure. There isn’t a better choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Oklahoma has been an example to the nation for smart immigration enforcement, and Markwayne will bring that common sense to DHS. I will be looking to appoint a strong, small government conservative voice to support President Trump and protect Oklahomans’ way of life,” said Stitt.
Several Oklahoma officials joined Stitt in congratulating Mullin on his newfound job.
“Sen. Mullin is an inspired and excellent pick by President Trump to serve as his Cabinet Secretary of Homeland Security. The President knows what Oklahomans know, that Markwayne is exactly the sort of straight-talking, stalwart, and commonsense patriot needed to lead the Department of Homeland Security at this juncture. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and of three critical subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, Markwayne is extremely well-versed on matters of national security and will always act in the best interests of Americans. I have the utmost confidence in Sen. Mullin and wish him the best upon this extraordinary next chapter. Oklahoma’s loss is the nation’s gain,” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a statement.
From across the Capitol Rotunda, Congressman Tom Cole added his voice to those who are supporting the President’s choice.
“Service to the country is one of the highest callings in public life. I am proud to see my congressional colleague, friend, and fellow Native American, Senator Markwayne Mullin, receive this well-deserved nomination to serve as President Trump’s Secretary of Homeland Security. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he has been a strong partner and a steady leader working across chambers. Markwayne understands the critical importance of securing the homeland and protecting our communities, and I am confident he will serve with distinction in this new role. Vigilance and strength are essential to protecting the nation, and Oklahomans – and the American people – can be confident he will carry out that mission with the resolve it demands,” said Cole.
The White House says it will pursue Mullin’s Senate confirmation as quickly as possible.
