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Markwayne Mullin Breaks Term Limit Promise for Trump

3/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma businessman and former mixed martial arts fighter, promised to serve only three terms in Congress.
He reversed that pledge to align with U.S. President Donald Trump, believing he could influence policy from within.
Over the years, Mullin developed strong ties to Trump as a key ally in Congress.
In 2023, Trump appointed him as homeland security secretary, to implement the president's immigration agenda.

History

Historical Context

The push for congressional term limits gained momentum in the early 1990s, culminating in the Republican Party's 1994 "Contract with America," which proposed limits amid 73% public support. However, the U.S. Supreme Court's 1995 ruling in U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton invalidated state-imposed limits on federal representatives, highlighting ongoing debates about political accountability and influence, particularly in immigration policy.

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Story summary

Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma businessman and former mixed martial arts fighter, promised to serve only three terms in Congress.
He reversed that pledge to align with U.S. President Donald Trump, believing he could influence policy from within.
Over the years, Mullin developed strong ties to Trump as a key ally in Congress.
In 2023, Trump appointed him as homeland security secretary, to implement the president's immigration agenda.

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