Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Mullin Makes First DHS Trip to Storm-Hit North Carolina, Vows Faster FEMA Aid

The visit signals a push to clear FEMA backlogs before hurricane season under a department still constrained by a partial funding shutdown.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, right, talks with Mayor Peter O'Leary, during a trip to survey damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Chimney Rock, N.C. This is Mullin's first official trip since replacing Kristi Noem. (AP Photo Rebecca Santana)
Image
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, center left, listens to a briefing on hurricane recovery efforts, Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Lake Lure, N.C. This is his first official trip since replacing Kristi Noem. (AP Photo Rebecca Santana)
Image

Overview

  • Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, on Tuesday, made his first official trip to western North Carolina to survey Hurricane Helene damage and pledged to speed FEMA approvals in a state with about 2,000 projects still pending.
  • FEMA said Monday it will spend $26 million to buy out 75 flooded homes in Henderson, Polk and Yancey counties to help families relocate from high-risk areas and reduce future flood losses.
  • Mullin recently ended a Kristi Noem policy that required the secretary to approve all DHS expenses over $100,000, a rule that officials said created a bottleneck for FEMA reimbursements.
  • He said DHS employees who missed pay during the partial shutdown will receive back pay by Friday, with some deposits posting Monday, while future payroll hinges on congressional funding.
  • Mullin also floated pulling customs officers from airports in cities that do not enforce federal immigration laws, a move that could halt some international flights and disrupt trade flows.