Leavitt demands 'expeditious' confirmation for Mullin as DHS seeks new chief after Noem's exit

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House on Friday, March 6, signaled strong support for Senator Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security, saying it expects the Senate to confirm him quickly. 

President Donald Trump announced the nomination after the departure of Kristi Noem. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the administration would work with lawmakers to move the confirmation process forward.

Leavitt praised Mullin’s relationship with the president and highlighted his backing of the administration’s immigration policies as reasons for the nomination. 

White House pushes quick confirmation for Markwayne Mullin

Leavitt described Mullin as a key ally of President Donald Trump and emphasized his alignment with the administration’s priorities, particularly on immigration enforcement and border security.

“Senator Markwayne Mullin has been a strong friend of the president and a big supporter of the president's immigration policies... We look forward to his expeditious confirmation,” Leavitt said.

She added that the president was enthusiastic about bringing Mullin into the Cabinet. According to Leavitt, Trump believed Mullin’s experience and support for his agenda made him well-suited to lead the department responsible for border security, immigration enforcement and domestic safety operations. 

“The president was very excited about Senator Markwayne Mullin moving into this role and being officially part of his team and the Cabinet,” she said.

Leavitt also said that the White House would coordinate closely with the Senate to ensure that the nomination proceeded quickly through the confirmation process.

She indicated that the administration hoped to see the transition completed without significant delay so Mullin could assume leadership of the department soon.

The press secretary also acknowledged the work of outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, thanking her for her efforts over the past year while leading the agency.

“The White House will be working with the Senate to confirm him as quickly as possible, and we thank DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for her efforts over the past year,” Leavitt said.

Tim Walz suggests Minnesota officials will investigate Kristi Noem

Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said state authorities could pursue further actions related to Kristi Noem’s tenure. 

The governor had previously criticized federal immigration enforcement operations carried out in Minnesota earlier this year.

Federal agents shot and killed two Americans during operations in Minneapolis in January. Walz said the state was seeking accountability regarding the circumstances surrounding those deaths. 

“We’re not looking for retribution; we’re looking for justice, and we’re looking to make sure that no one’s above the law,” Walz said.

He also suggested Noem could face further scrutiny from state authorities.

“I would just say at this time that former Secretary Noem should probably get used to spending more time in Minnesota because I have a pretty good feeling in the future she may be doing that because we have got to get accountability,” Walz said.

“My demand for all the senators who are voting: don’t vote for anything until they let us be part of the investigation into these crimes,” he added.