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Mullin's fiery DHS confirmation hearing changed my mind about him

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23.03.2026

Following the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown failures in Minnesota, it became clear that change was needed. That started to happen with the administration's pullback from its massive operation and, in optics, with Kristi Noem's firing as Department of Homeland Security boss. 

I wasn't sure whether that decision to fire Noem would be purely symbolic or genuinely lead to a different approach when President Donald Trump picked Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, as a replacement. We got some answers during his confirmation hearing, after which he advanced in the process on March 19.

What we saw is that Mullin may not have the temperament to lead DHS, but his answers in his hearing at least make it clear that he wants to take a different approach to immigration enforcement than Noem did. 

There are some concerns about Sen. Markwayne Mullin

Mullin has a handful of issues as a nominee. The most high-profile of those were put on display with a fiery exchange between him and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky. Their personal dispute comes from comments........

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