Senator Mark Wayne Mullin speaks during the ceremony for the ownership transfer of the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center from OSU and VHiT LLC to the VA during a special ceremony at the site in downtown Tulsa. The $181.4 million project was funded through the CHIP IN Veterans Act with $25 million coming from private donations. The 273,000 square foot, 58-bed hospital will welcome its first patients in 2026.
Senator Mark Wayne Mullin speaks during the ceremony for the ownership transfer of the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center from OSU and VHiT LLC to the VA during a special ceremony at the site in downtown Tulsa. The $181.4 million project was funded through the CHIP IN Veterans Act with $25 million coming from private donations. The 273,000 square foot, 58-bed hospital will welcome its first patients in 2026. Credit: Tim Landes / Tulsa Flyer

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has selected Markwayne Mullin as the replacement for Kristi Noem as secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, following tensions over congressional testimony about a federal advertising campaign.

Why Noem Is Under Scrutiny

According to a report from National Review, the president is privately frustrated with Noem after she told lawmakers during a hearing before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee that Trump had advance knowledge of a $220 million taxpayer-funded advertising campaign approved by the department.

The campaign, which prominently featured Noem, was subcontracted to one of her allies. The National Review reports that sources familiar with the president’s thinking said Trump was angered that Noem, under oath, suggested he was aware of the multimillion-dollar campaign and approved it before the agency finalized the contract.

It remains unclear whether Trump will ultimately replace Noem. The president is known for discussing potential personnel changes privately with allies before making final decisions, according to the National Review.

Mullin Responds to Cabinet Rumors

Initially, Mullin was asked Thursday by a CBS Capitol Hill reporter about the possibility of being considered for the role, Mullin said he had not spoken with the president recently.

“I haven’t talked to the president all week, so I couldn’t even help you with that answer,” Mullin said.

When asked whether he would consider serving in the Cabinet if asked, Mullin declined to speculate.

“I’m actually positively not dealing with hypotheticals,” he said. “Right now I’m focused on doing my job.”

Mullin also said he continues to support Noem.

“She’s a friend,” Mullin said, adding that he voted to confirm her and would continue backing her as long as the president does.

Background on Markwayne Mullin

Mullin, a Republican senator from Stillwell, Oklahoma, previously served five terms in the U.S. House.

Mullin has not shied away from controversy during his political career, most recently confronting Rep. Al Green during Trump’s State of the Union address.

He has consistently aligned himself with Donald Trump, earning a reputation as a steadfast supporter of the president.

He has embraced Trump’s policy positions and public statements, and has been involved in several high-profile debates over federal funding, energy policy, and election-related legislation. 

In 2024, there was speculation that Mullin would be offered a role as the Secretary of the Department of the Interior or the Department of Veterans Affairs within Trump’s cabinet, both of which were filled with other people.

Background on Kristi Noem and DHS

Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, has led the Department of Homeland Security since joining Trump’s Cabinet. The agency oversees border security, immigration enforcement, disaster response, and other domestic security responsibilities.

This article was originally published by KOTV (News on 6). You can see the original story here.