Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) announced Thursday that he intends to vote in favor of confirming Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as the next Secretary of Homeland Security, marking a notable moment of bipartisan backing following President Donald Trump’s surprise shake-up at the department.
Earlier in the day, Trump sent shockwaves through Washington when he revealed that current Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would be stepping down from her position. According to the president’s announcement, Noem’s final day at the Department of Homeland Security will be March 31.
Rather than leaving the administration entirely, Noem is expected to take on a new role. Trump said she will transition to serve as “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” which he described as part of a new security initiative focused on the Western Hemisphere. The president indicated that additional details about the initiative will be unveiled on Saturday.
At the same time, Trump named Mullin as his choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security, praising the Oklahoma senator’s background and commitment to the administration’s policy priorities.
“A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda,” Trump said in his statement announcing the pick.
The president also highlighted Mullin’s historic status and advocacy, noting that he is the only Native American currently serving in the U.S. Senate.
“As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities,” Trump said.
Trump added that Mullin would play a key role in carrying out the administration’s top homeland security goals, particularly when it comes to border enforcement and combating crime tied to illegal immigration.
“Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN,” Trump said.
Not long after the president’s announcement, Fetterman made clear that he plans to back Mullin when the confirmation vote reaches the Senate.
Taking to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the Pennsylvania Democrat signaled his support despite uncertainty about whether other members of his party will follow suit.
“As a member of the Homeland Security Committee + Ranking Member of Subcommittee on Border Security,” Fetterman wrote, referencing his role on the committee responsible for oversight of DHS.
He then added that his vote in favor of Mullin was already decided.
“I’m not sure how many fellow Democrats will vote to support our colleague @SenMullin as the next DHS Secretary, but I am AYE,” Fetterman said.
Fetterman’s statement suggests that Mullin could receive at least some bipartisan backing as the Senate prepares to consider Trump’s nominee to lead one of the federal government’s most critical agencies.
The Department of Homeland Security oversees a wide range of national security responsibilities, including border enforcement, immigration policy, counterterrorism coordination, and disaster response.
Trump’s decision to nominate Mullin follows his broader effort to strengthen border security and crack down on illegal immigration, which have remained central pillars of the administration’s policy agenda.
With Fetterman already pledging his support, attention now turns to how other senators — both Republican and Democrat — will approach the upcoming confirmation vote for the Oklahoma lawmaker.
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