Trump nominee for Homeland Security chief grilled at fiery Senate hearingSenator Markwayne Mullin being sworn in for his Senate confirmation hearingWASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - Markwayne Mullin, US President Donald Trump's pick for Homeland Security chief, distanced himself from his fired predecessor Kristi Noem as he was grilled over immigration policy at a contentious Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Mullin, a senator from Oklahoma, clashed repeatedly during his appearance before the Senate Homeland Security Committee with Senator Rand Paul, the committee chairman and a fellow Republican. Republicans hold an 8-7 majority on the Senate panel and a simple majority is needed to advance Mullin's nomination to the full Senate for a confirmation vote. "I want to protect the homeland," Mullin said. Mullin, a staunch Trump supporter, was elected to the Senate from Oklahoma in 2022 after serving 10 years in the US House of Representatives.

Source: Bangkok Post March 19, 2026 09:40 UTC