U.S. President Donald Trump has selected Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), replacing Kristi Noem, whom the president dismissed on Thursday. The DHS is one of the most significant government agencies, responsible for executing Trump's hardline immigration policy amidst strong opposition from civil organizations and local governments, as well as a wave of lawsuits accusing it of 'unconstitutional' practices and human rights violations. Mullin, a senator since 2023, is a staunch defender of Trump and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. He has a background in the family plumbing business, which he later expanded into restaurants and real estate. Before the Senate, he served in the House of Representatives for a decade. During the January 6th Capitol attack, Mullin claimed to be the first House member to join the Capitol Police to respond. In 2021, he caused controversy by attempting to travel to Afghanistan to 'rescue' American citizens after the troop withdrawal ordered by then-President Joe Biden, but his effort was blocked by the Pentagon and U.S. diplomats in Tajikistan. Outside of politics, Mullin is also known for his passion for mixed martial arts and wrestling.
