Overview
- Mullin took the oath in the Oval Office on Tuesday, one day after a 54–45 Senate vote, with Attorney General Pam Bondi administering the swearing‑in as President Trump looked on.
- He replaces Kristi Noem, whom the White House said will serve as Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas, as inspector general and congressional reviews continue into Noem‑era advertising contracts and ICE tactics.
- DHS remains in a partial shutdown that has left many employees working without pay and strained airport screening, a pressure point Mullin cited as he met staff on his first day.
- In his hearing and first remarks, Mullin said ICE agents would generally need judicial warrants to enter private homes and pledged to protect residents in red and blue states the same.
- Coverage split along familiar lines, with Breitbart amplifying Trump’s praise and Mullin’s vows, while outlets and late‑night hosts questioned his qualifications based on his plumber and MMA background, and Sen. Rand Paul joined most Democrats in opposition.