politics
March 26, 2026
Markwayne Mullin quietly debuts at first Cabinet meeting as DHS deal stalls
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin attended his first Cabinet meeting Thursday, a gathering that comes at a crucial time as negotiations on Capitol Hill to fund his department are teetering on the edge of collapse.
TL;DR
- Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin attended his first Cabinet meeting as funding negotiations for his department teeter on the edge of collapse.
- President Trump blamed Democrats for the "disgraceful Democrat shutdown" and urged them to end it.
- Senate negotiations stalled after Democrats rejected a GOP proposal that would fund the rest of the department but carve out funding for ICE's deportation operations.
- Long lines and staffing shortages at airports have increased pressure on Congress to reach a deal.
- At least 458 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began on Feb. 14, and nearly 11% of TSA employees missed shifts on Monday.
- The acting TSA administrator warned that some airports might have to shut down if funding isn't received soon.
- ICE officers have been deployed to assist with airport security to alleviate pressure on TSA employees working without pay.
- Mullin was sworn in as the ninth Homeland Security secretary on Tuesday.
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