Trump Appoints Mullin as Homeland Security Secretary

0:00President Trump swore in former Oklahoma Senator Mark Wayne Mullin as the new Homeland Security Secretary during a Tuesday Oval Office ceremony. Trump praised him as strong, professional, and fair, saying he'll make the country safer. Mullin, who resigned from the Senate on Monday after a 54-45 confirmation vote, brings a unique background. He's the first Cherokee Nation member in a presidential cabinet, plus an award-winning wrestler and former mixed martial arts fighter who served in Congress before the Senate. The timing is tough, with a partial shutdown hitting major airports hard. Thousands of transportation security administration workers, part of Homeland Security, have quit or called out after more than a month without. Pagex, all tied to politics. This follows two high-profile fatal shootings by Department agents earlier this month, a 37-year-old woman by immigration and customs. Bushman and Minneapolis on January 7, and another 37-year-old man by Border Patrol on January 24.

1:02Democrats want full funding only if Republicans add rules like body cameras and judicial warrants. Mullin met with unpaid employees, Tuesday, and promised to protect everyone equally, no matter politics. With 260,000 staff under him, he'll tackle the shutdown mess and push forward on security priorities. That's your update from Anchorage News today, powered by AI.