Mullin sworn in as DHS chief after GOP fracture forced Dem to save nomination

Mullin, 48, is a former mixed martial arts champion and plumbing business owner who will replace outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem, a South Dakota Republican recently picked to lead the Shield of the Americas security initiative announced by Trump earlier this month.

40+ HOUSE REPUBLICANS RALLY BEHIND MARKWAYNE MULLIN FOR DHS, CALL IT A ‘CRITICAL MOMENT’ FOR BORDER SECURITY
Mullin needed a Democratic ally to get his nomination out of committee after Paul’s no vote.

Sen.

John Fetterman, D-Pa., who formerly exchanged endorsements with socialist Sen.

Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor, has become somewhat of a political maverick and provided the necessary vote to advance the nomination to the full Senate.

There, he garnered support from another Democrat, New Mexico Sen.

Martin Heinrich, who said in a statement that he doesn’t believe Mullin will be "bullied" or allow himself to "take orders from Stephen Miller" at the White House.

"This is going to surprise some people, but I consider Markwayne Mullin a friend.

We have a very honest and constructive working relationship.

We have authored legislation together, such as the Tribal Buffalo Management Act, and we crafted the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill together this year," Heinrich said.

In turn, Oklahoma Gov.

Kevin Stitt was tasked with naming Mullin’s replacement, which was subject to a unique Sooner State law that requires the nominee to pledge not to run for a full term in the Senate come November.

WHITE HOUSE SAYS ‘NO ONE’ CHANGING TRUMP ENFORCEMENT AGENDA IN RESPONSE TO ANGEL MOM APPEAL TO MULLIN
Stitt named natgas magnate Alan Armstrong, chief executive of the Williams Companies, whose nomination was criticized by some on the right given the mogul’s past donations to then-Rep.

Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., a vocal Trump critic.

"He's a strong business leader who understands the power of free markets and limited government.

He spent his career fighting for Oklahoma's energy industry and providing affordable, reliable energy to all of America," Stitt said of Armstrong on Tuesday.

Mullin succeeds Noem, who herself succeeded controversial Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whom Trump blamed for the open border crisis.

Other top names who have held the role include its inaugural secretary, former Pennsylvania Gov.

Tom Ridge, nominated by President George W.

Bush in the wake of 9/11.

Ridge has since broken with the mainstream "MAGA" GOP in his support for Trump.

Former Arizona Gov.

Janet Napolitano, former Air Force general counsel Jeh Johnson, Gen.

John Kelly (Ret.), and former Deputy Trump White House chief of staff Kirstjen Nielsen also prominently served.