OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Sen. Markwayne Mullin was sworn in this afternoon as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in a White House ceremony with President Donald Trump. Alan Armstrong, the energy executive tapped by Gov. Kevin Stitt to fill Mullin’s Senate seat, was sworn in today as well.
The Senate confirmed Mullin 54–45 on Monday, with Democrats John Fetterman and Martin Heinrich voting yes and Republican Rand Paul voting no. He succeeds Kristi Noem, who was fired earlier this month.
“I want to thank President Trump and my Senate colleagues for trusting me with this crucial role,” said Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “As the Secretary of Homeland Security, I look forward to continuing President Trump’s mission to safeguard the American people and defend the homeland. My first priority is to get the Department funded so the incredible patriots that support our 22 critical agencies receive a paycheck and can continue their critical work of keeping our nation safe. DHS is bigger than any political party. It’s time to end the partisan bickering that threatens our national security and put the American people first.”
Mullin takes over an agency in the sixth week of a funding shutdown that has strained TSA staffing and produced long security lines as unpaid officers call out or resign. More than 400 TSA officers have left since the lapse began.
Stitt announced Armstrong’s appointment Tuesday morning, saying the longtime Williams Companies leader would serve through this year’s election under Oklahoma’s vacancy rules. Armstrong has signaled a narrow focus on permitting and large‑scale infrastructure during his short tenure. He took the oath on the Senate floor this afternoon.
