Following the dismissal of Kristi Noem, Mullin’s name is gaining traction as the potential new head of Homeland Security.
By San Diego Red on March 5, 2026
President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday, March 5th, the firing of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Kristi Noem and, shortly after, nominated his choice for a replacement: Markwayne Mullin.
Mullin’s name quickly became a trending topic online, with many questioning the trust the U.S. President has in him to consider him the ideal candidate for the position. Here’s a closer look at the official.
Who is Markwayne Mullin?
Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin was born in Tulsa on July 26, 1977. According to his official biography, he attended Sitwell High School and later enrolled at Missouri Valley College, where he earned a wrestling scholarship until the age of 20.
Did you know? Markwayne Mullin is a member of the Cherokee Nation.
He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology in Construction Management from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. He as well supported his father during an illness with the family business, “Mullin Plumbing,” a plumbing service.
Before fully dedicating himself to politics, he competed as a professional mixed martial artist, even being inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016, remaining active in the sport despite having retired some time ago.
In 2012, he was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District. He served five terms and then ran in the 2022 special election, winning and assuming the seat left by Jim Inhofe in 2023.
He is a registered member of the Cherokee Nation, becoming the first Tribal Citizen to serve in the United States Senate in 20 years. A staunch supporter of MAGA (Develop America Great Again) and an admirer of President Trump, Mullin is poised to become the new secretary of homeland security.
