Trump Comments on Appointment of First Native American DHS Secretary

In an unexpected twist during a notable Oval Office event, Donald Trump displayed surprise upon discovering the Native American heritage of Markwayne Mullin, who was being sworn in as the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Mullin, former Oklahoma Senator, was taking over the role from the recently dismissed Kristi Noem.

As Trump proceeded with the formalities of the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, he began to read aloud Mullin’s biography. Upon reaching the part about Mullin’s heritage, Trump paused, revealing his surprise, “But as the only Native American… I didn’t know that,” he remarked, casting a glance towards Mullin.

Attempting to connect this newfound information with historical context, Trump asked Mullin about Native American representation in the Senate. “I can tell you, he’s the only Native American in the Senate. How many have been there before you, do you know?” he inquired.

Mullin, unfazed, promptly responded with historical clarity, “I think three.” This moment, though unexpected, highlighted Mullin’s unique standing and the limited representation of Native Americans in such high-ranking positions.

The new DHS Secretary quickly answered: ‘I think three.’

‘I didn’t know all these things. I would have picked him faster. If I had known, I would have made a quicker decision,’ the President joked. 

Mullin seemed surprised that Trump did not know more of his backstory. After all, the two have made myriad public appearances together over the years and have spent a lot of time at political and sporting events, including with the Secretary’s family.  

‘Well, you’re a fantastic representative. Markwayne has also been a fantastic advocate for our cherished tribal communities. He’s now the first member of the Cherokee Nation ever to serve as a member of the Cabinet.’ 

President Donald Trump admitted he did not know that his new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin is Native American. He added that had he known, ‘I would have picked him faster’

Mullin appeared to be surprised that the President did not know his heritage

Attorney General Pam Bondi swore in Mullin as the new Secretary’s wife, Christie Mullin, held a Bible

Mullin, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation, supported multiple legislative efforts to help Native Americans while in Congress. 

‘I’m Cherokee, and I never knew I was special for being Cherokee until I came to DC, because where I’m from, everybody is Indian or wants to be,’ Mullin said in a 2025 press release. 

Trump and the Secretary’s relationship grew after a scary injury Mullin’s son, Jim, then 15, suffered during a high school wrestling match in 2020. 

The President would call Mullin to check in on Jim and the family, and later that year, he invited the father and son on stage at a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Mullin and Trump later made a trip together to the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Tulsa in 2023.

Shortly after being sworn in by Attorney General Pam Bondi, Mullin remarked that he will work with both Republican and Democratic states to ‘protect everybody the same.’ 

‘No one’s going to outwork me,’ the DHS Secretary said. ‘The President has entrusted me with this, and failure is not an option.’

Trump also thanked the Mullin family, who were in attendance, before complimenting the Secretary’s wife, Christie Mullin. 

Mullin with the leaders of the Cherokee Nation in 2019 

Mullin talks with Former President Donald Trump during the NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championships at the BOK Center in 2023

The Mullins and their six children stand as Trump speaks

‘I want to thank the family, because without the family, he’s not here. He’s a different person, and that goes especially for mom, who looks like she’s about 22 years old.’

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt swore in Alan Armstrong, an energy executive, to replace Mullin as the state’s junior Senator on Tuesday. 

Armstrong will serve until November, when the state’s Senatorial election will take place. 

Congressman Kevin Hern, a Republican, is the heavy favorite in the race.