There are loads of questions on how massive of a change Markwayne Mullin could be as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in contrast to his outgoing predecessor, Kristi Noem.
But in a single space, addressed throughout his affirmation listening to Wednesday, Mullin was unequivocal.
“Absolutely,” Mullin mentioned when requested if he would revoke Noem’s policy that she personally review all DHS awards over $100,000.
“That’s called micromanaging,” Mullin continued. “I don’t know if the secretary put that in or someone else did. I’m not a micromanager. We put people in, we empower them to make decisions. What is required to come into my level, we’ll make decisions.”
Noem instituted the policy in a July 2025 memo. DHS mentioned it was aimed toward rooting out fraud, waste and abuse.
But the policy was reportedly on the heart of delays to disaster aid, cybersecurity contracts, transportation safety know-how and even Trump administration priorities, like border wall building. The policy drew bipartisan criticism, together with at a contentious Senate listening to with Noem in February.
Mullin, who’s at present serving because the junior senator from Oklahoma, agreed with Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) that the $100,000 review policy constitutes “red tape” at DHS.
“We will have a very clear line of communication with every one of our agencies’ heads on their authority that you gave to them within their parameters, and we’ll discuss, but we’re also going to be very responsible for the taxpayer dollars,” Mullin mentioned.
DHS didn’t reply to a request for touch upon the review policy.
Mullin used the listening to to pitch himself as as regular hand for a division that’s been on the heart of controversies over the previous yr. He additionally referred to as on lawmakers to finish the continuing DHS shutdown.
As of Wednesday night, Mullin’s path to affirmation was murky. Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-Ky.) mentioned he can’t assist Mullin’s nomination.
But Paul additionally mentioned he would maintain a committee vote on the nomination Thursday morning. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa). is predicted to be a part of all different committee Republicans in voting sure, which might give Mullin’s nomination sufficient votes to advance to the Senate flooring.
FEMA cuts
While a lot of the nomination listening to centered on immigration enforcement, Mullin was requested a number of instances in regards to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Trump early in his second time period steered his administration might “get rid of” FEMA. Noem took to saying FEMA “should be eliminated as it exists today.” A FEMA Review Council draft report, which suggests main modifications and staffing cuts at FEMA, has been delayed since December.
Over the final yr, FEMA has misplaced 1000’s of employees. Further potential cuts are on maintain due to an ongoing courtroom case.
“I think it needs to be restructured, not eliminated,” Mullin mentioned when requested about his strategy to FEMA.
However, Mullin didn’t rule out additional FEMA staffing cuts when pressed on the difficulty.
“I’m pretty sure that you guys set the policies and the mission for FEMA,” Mullin added later. “So for any serious changes, it may take actual policy changes, and I will be in your office talking to you.”
Mullin additionally agreed that FEMA ought to have a everlasting, Senate-confirmed administrator. Trump has not but nominated a FEMA administrator. The company has been led by a collection of appearing leaders since final January.
“We are already looking at some” candidates for FEMA administrator, Mullin mentioned.
Kim additionally raised the difficulty of FEMA employees who were put on administrative leave after signing the so-called “Katrina Declaration,” a public letter that warned modifications beneath the Trump administration are making FEMA much less prepared to deal with a serious catastrophe.
Kim requested if Mullin would adhere to whistleblower legal guidelines and be sure that workers don’t face retaliation for protected disclosures.
“There’s already laws in place to protect whistleblowers, and I’ve said multiple times I’ll work within the law and the requirements of me as secretary,” Mullin responded.
Copyright
© 2026 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This web site will not be supposed for customers positioned throughout the European Economic Area.
