Trump fires Noem as DHS secretary, names Senator Markwayne Mullin as successor

President Donald Trump announced that U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma will become the next Secretary of Homeland Security, effective March 31, 2026. In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said current DHS Secretary Kristi Noem will transition to a new role as Special Envoy for “The Shield of the Americas,” a Western Hemisphere security initiative the administration plans to formally unveil Saturday in Doral, Florida. Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar, a Navy veteran, will replace Noem temporarily. While Mullin will need to be confirmed by the Senate to officially serve in the position, federal law states that he would be allowed to serve as active secretary while his nomination is "formally pending." Mullin's nomination will go through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The panel is chaired by Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, whom Mullin recently criticized as a "freaking snake," in remarks to voters in Tulsa. The comment came as Mullin described how Paul, who has frequently defected from his own party in foreign policy, federal spending and other matters, proposes legislation that could tank a bigger package, such as appropriations bills and a farm bill. "Rand Paul’s a freaking snake. And I understand completely why his neighbor did what he did. And I told him that to his face," Mullin said, according to Oklahoma conservative talk show host David Arnett. Mullin was referring to a 2017 attack where Paul was assaulted by a neighbor who tackled him and broke several of his ribs in a lawn maintenance dispute. Due to a new state law in Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt will appoint a Senator to fill Mullin's seat, meaning a special election will not take place. _______________ Hit the subscribe button to stay up-to-date on the latest news, and turn on the notifications to get alerted when the big stories break as we bring them to you live! For all the full stories seen here, go to kutv.com. Follow KUTV 2News on our other social media pages for more photos, videos and reports: Facebook: KUTV2News TikTok: @kutv2news X: @kutv2news Instagram: @kutv2news Threads: @kutv2news Bluesky: @kutv2news.bsky.social If you see something newsworthy happen, or you just witness something incredible, hilarious or adorable, you can send your videos, photos and news tips to kutv.com/chimein. We love sharing our favorites on kutv.com, our social media and our broadcasts! You can also submit tips by email or phone. Email: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 801.839.1234 _______________ KUTV is a Utah-based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to nearly 200 television stations in 86 markets. Sinclair's television group reaches close to 40% of US television households and includes FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision and Azteca affiliates. #kutv #saltlakecity #news #utah