How Trump’s pick to lead Homeland Security could be different from Kristi Noem

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, during a Senate confirmation hearing in Washington, DC, on February 25, 2026. | Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

A major change is underway at the top of the Department of Homeland Security.

In the first Cabinet shakeup of his second term, President Donald Trump has tapped Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R) to take the lead on his “mass deportation” goals. The change comes after Kristi Noem was fired from her position as Homeland Security secretary.