Trump's Homeland Security Nominee Purchased Chevron Shares Before Venezuela Military Action
President Donald Trump's nominee to replace Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, reportedly purchased shares in American oil giant Chevron just five days before the United States launched a military attack against Venezuela. According to financial disclosure reports, Mullin bought stock in the only major U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela on December 29, 2025.
Timing of Stock Purchase Raises Questions
The purchases, valued between $15,001 and $50,000 according to investment research site Quiver Quantitative, occurred mere days before Trump ordered the January 3, 2026 attack on Venezuela that resulted in the kidnapping and extradition of President Nicolás Maduro to the United States. Since Mullin's investment, Chevron shares have surged from $150.99 to $196.82, representing a substantial 30.4 percent increase as of March 13.
There is no evidence suggesting Mullin possessed insider knowledge of Trump's Venezuela plans before making the stock purchase. The revelation, initially reported by The Oklahoman in January, emerges as Mullin prepares for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs this Wednesday.
Mullin's Extensive Stock Trading History
A recent New York Times investigation described Mullin as "one of the most prolific stock buyers in Congress," noting that the Republican senator has actively traded shares in companies holding contracts with the Department of Homeland Security, the very department he seeks to lead. These companies include:
- Microsoft
- Aircraft repairs firm VSE Corporation
- Defense contractor RTX
Mullin's spokesperson defended the trading activity, stating: "Senator Mullin uses an independent, third-party operator firm that manages all stock investments on his behalf," adding that these trades comply with federal reporting requirements.
Wealth Accumulation and Congressional Stock Trading Debate
The senator's personal wealth has increased dramatically since joining the Senate three years ago. Financial disclosure forms reveal his assets grew from between $2.8 million and $9 million in 2012 to between $29 million and $97 million in 2024.
This case highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding congressional stock trading. While not illegal for members of Congress to trade stocks, there is significant public pressure to implement restrictions. President Trump addressed this issue during his recent State of the Union address, urging Congress to "pass the Stop Insider Trading Act without delay to ensure that members of Congress cannot corruptly profit from using insider information."
Ethical Concerns and Committee Positions
Mullin, a former MMA fighter, holds positions on multiple influential committees including:
- The Senate Armed Services Committee
- The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
- The Committee on Indian Affairs
- The powerful Senate Appropriations Committee
Ethical watchdogs argue that the current system makes it difficult for Americans to determine whether their representatives are acting in the public interest or for personal financial gain. Delaney Marsco, director of ethics for the non-profit Campaign Legal Center, explained: "These people have whole staffs dedicated to collecting information and putting it in a neat pile on their desk. They have access to members of industry, lobbyists who are talking to them all day, trying to get their ear."
The scrutiny comes as Kristi Noem departs her DHS position following conflicts of interest investigations regarding contracts and spending during her tenure. Mullin is expected to receive Senate confirmation this week, with Noem scheduled to leave her post on March 31.
