Mullin reacts to DHS nomination as Noem thanks Trump: 'We're going to try to earn everybody's vote'

WASHINGTON, DC: Kristi Noem publicly thanked President Donald Trump after he appointed her as the "Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas," a newly created role focused on security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. 

The announcement followed Trump’s decision to nominate Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to replace her as secretary of Homeland Security.

Noem addressed the transition in a post on X, outlining priorities for the new role and highlighting accomplishments from her tenure at DHS.

Meanwhile, several Republican leaders responded to Mullin’s nomination, including remarks referencing earlier controversies surrounding Noem.

Kristi Noem thanks Trump for envoy role and highlights DHS record

In a message posted on social media, Noem expressed gratitude to the president for assigning her to lead the new initiative. 

She thanked Trump for appointing her as the “Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas” and said she looked forward to collaborating with senior officials across the administration.

The initiative is expected to focus on security partnerships across the Western Hemisphere, particularly addressing transnational organized crime.

Noem said she plans to work closely with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as part of the effort.

She also emphasized the strategic importance of regional partnerships, adding, “The Western Hemisphere is absolutely critical for US security. In this new role, I will be able to build on the partnerships and national security expertise I forged over the last 13 months as Secretary of Homeland Security.”

Noem highlighted what she described as “historic accomplishments” during her time leading DHS.

According to her statement, the department delivered “the MOST secure border in American history,” while also overseeing significant immigration enforcement and other initiatives.

She said that “3 million illegal aliens have left the US, we have located 145,000 children, FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the US Coast Guard.”

Markwayne Mullin says focus will be on Homeland Security

Meanwhile, Markwayne Mullin briefly addressed his nomination while speaking to reporters at the US Capitol, signaling that his immediate focus would be on securing support for confirmation while outlining his priorities for the role.

“We're going to try to earn everybody's vote,” Mullin said.

He added that if confirmed to lead the United States Department of Homeland Security, his primary focus would be on national security and safeguarding the country’s borders. 

“Once I make that transition, my focus is to keep the Homeland secure. That's going to be my focus, and we're super excited about this opportunity,” he added.

Mullin also noted that additional discussions with President Donald Trump are expected as the administration prepares for the transition and the Senate confirmation process moves forward.