President Donald Trump has become increasingly frustrated with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, according to a report citing people familiar with the matter. The discontent stems from several instances where Mullin's actions and statements have diverged from the administration's messaging, particularly on border security.
Mullin, who was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security in March, has drawn criticism for remarks made in late June following a Supreme Court ruling that allowed Trump to end temporary protections for Haitian immigrants. Mullin suggested that some displaced individuals could potentially return to the U.S. by applying for permanent status or seeking assistance to return to their home country. Administration officials reportedly deemed these comments to be out of step with the White House's stance.
Another incident that reportedly annoyed Trump occurred around the Fourth of July when Mullin advocated for canceling fireworks on the National Mall due to lightning. Trump publicly recounted the interaction, subtly criticizing the suggestion to postpone the event.
More recently, Mullin faced scrutiny after two immigrants were killed in ICE-involved shootings in Texas and Maine within a week. Mullin implemented a temporary halt on federal immigration officials stopping vehicles for check-ins. An administration official stated that Trump was not informed of this decision prior to its announcement, and the policy was reversed the following day via a Truth Social post.
Mullin also drew criticism from within the administration and from Trump allies for comments made at a National Governors Association meeting. He stated that while immigrants stealing American jobs is true in some industries, it is not universally the case, and suggested immigration could address labor shortages in certain sectors. This more moderate tone on immigration contrasts with the administration's general messaging and led to backlash from prominent Trump supporters, who called for his dismissal and criticized his perceived lack of action on mass deportations.
Mullin's interactions with Democratic governors have also drawn attention. He reportedly praised his relationship with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, also a Democrat, welcomed Mullin's remarks in Oklahoma City as a positive shift from a senior Trump official. However, Mullin later posted on social media, "NO amnesty for illegal aliens. Ever," appearing to backtrack from his earlier statements.
Further friction has arisen over Mullin's proposed nominee for the head of ICE, Lance Schroyer. The nomination has been indefinitely shelved amid objections from ICE officials and reportedly from former ICE Director Tom Homan, who cited Schroyer's lack of federal government or immigration experience. Sources familiar with the search indicated that Mullin selected Schroyer without consulting key immigration advisors Stephen Miller and Homan, and without a thorough vetting process.
Despite the reported frustrations, a White House spokesperson stated that Trump has confidence in his cabinet and their ability to execute the administration's agenda. The spokesperson highlighted the administration's efforts in border security, deportations, and denaturalization as successes.
Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, was confirmed with bipartisan support in March. He previously served in the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate. His confirmation process was not without contention; Senator Rand Paul voted against him, citing past animosity, although Mullin later apologized for calling Paul a "freaking snake."