Story perspectives

Trump Nominates Mullin for Homeland Security Amid Shutdown

3/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Mullin aims to present himself as bipartisan and seeks Democrats' support.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposes Mullin's nomination, while Democrats like John Fetterman may support him, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is skeptical about collaboration.
The Department of Homeland Security is currently in its third week of shutdown, complicating Mullin's confirmation.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established on March 1, 2003, following the September 11 attacks, to consolidate various agencies for national security. With a budget of $40 billion, it aimed to address emerging threats. Today, Senator Markwayne Mullin's nomination to lead the DHS highlights ongoing political divisions, as the agency faces challenges in bipartisan cooperation amid a government shutdown.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Mullin aims to present himself as bipartisan and seeks Democrats' support.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposes Mullin's nomination, while Democrats like John Fetterman may support him, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is skeptical about collaboration.
The Department of Homeland Security is currently in its third week of shutdown, complicating Mullin's confirmation.

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