Overview
- President Trump nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem, and he is expected to serve as acting Homeland Security secretary beginning March 31 while his confirmation is pending.
- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee scheduled Mullin’s confirmation hearing for March 18 at 9:30 a.m. ET in the Dirksen Building.
- Federal court records show a Mullin Plumbing employee, Timothy L. Saylor, illegally stored guns at the company; Saylor pleaded guilty and told the Washington Post Mullin knew he was a felon, a claim Mullin previously denied knowing.
- DHS remains in a partial funding shutdown that has left many employees unpaid and strained operations, while inspector‑general and congressional reviews probe roughly $220 million in advertising and contracting under Noem.
- White House advisers continue to steer immigration policy, with reporting noting Stephen Miller’s significant influence, as detainee numbers reach about 70,000 and at least 23 deaths have been recorded this fiscal year.