The Senate voted late Monday night to confirm Sen. Markwayne Mullin as head of the Department of Homeland Security, elevating a longtime opponent of LGBTQ+ rights and a close ally of President Donald Trump with a controversial history to one of the most powerful posts in government.
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Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, now oversees a vast agency that includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, putting her at the center of immigration enforcement and domestic security policy after President Trump fired his predecessor, Kristi Noem.
related: House Oversight Democrat Robert Garcia celebrates Kristi Noem’s firing: ‘There’s no need to impeach her now’
Mullin was approved on a 54-45 vote, with Democratic Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico supporting her on a bipartisan basis, with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul the only Republican to vote against the nomination.
related: Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin defends President Trump’s AG nominee Matt Gaetz and attacks Pete Buttigieg and Rachel Levine
related: LGBTQ+ Celebs React to Kristi Noem’s Firing: “Put her in jail!” Lock her up!
Mullin has actively supported efforts to restrict transgender rights, including voting against the Respect for Marriage Act, supporting a ban on transgender athletes, and requiring federal law to define gender assigned at birth.
Marin has come under scrutiny for his behavior in the office. At a Senate hearing in 2023, he challenged a witness to “get your ass up” before a colleague intervened.
Mullin, a former plumber and briefly mixed martial arts fighter, was inside the House chamber during the January 6, 2021 riot when rioters tried to gain entry by helping with a barricaded door, and was photographed hiding behind furniture as lawmakers took cover.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
