US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Senator Markwayne Mullin will become the next United States Secretary of Homeland Security, with the appointment set to take effect on March 31, 2026. The announcement was made through a post on Truth Social, where Trump also revealed that the current secretary, Kristi Noem, will transition to a new role as special envoy for a forthcoming regional security initiative known as “The Shield of the Americas.”
According to the president, the initiative is aimed at strengthening security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere and will be formally introduced during an event scheduled for Saturday in Doral, Florida. Trump praised Noem’s tenure at the Department of Homeland Security, highlighting what he described as strong outcomes in border security and enforcement during her leadership. He thanked her for her service and said she would continue contributing to the administration’s broader security strategy in her new diplomatic position.
Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, brings more than a decade of experience in Congress to the role. He previously served for ten years in the US House of Representatives before joining the Senate, where he has served for the past three years. As homeland security secretary, Mullin will oversee key responsibilities including border security, immigration enforcement, countering domestic threats, and coordinating federal disaster response.
Trump described Mullin as a strong supporter of the administration’s America First agenda and praised his record representing Oklahoma. The president also highlighted Mullin’s unique background, noting his previous career as an undefeated professional mixed martial arts fighter. Mullin is currently the only Native American serving in the United States Senate, a distinction Trump said has helped him advocate effectively for tribal communities.
In his statement, Trump expressed confidence that Mullin will focus on strengthening border controls, addressing illegal immigration, and combating cross-border crime and drug trafficking. The president said Mullin’s leadership would play a key role in advancing national security priorities and maintaining public safety across the country as part of the administration’s broader homeland security strategy.
