In a candid moment during a high-profile Oval Office ceremony, incoming Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin appeared visibly taken aback when President Donald Trump openly admitted he was unaware the former Oklahoma Senator is Native American. The revelation occurred on Tuesday as Mullin was sworn in to replace the dismissed Kristi Noem, with the President reading from the new appointee's biography before encountering an unexpected detail.
A Surprising Admission in the Oval Office
President Trump began reciting Mullin's credentials but paused abruptly upon discovering his heritage. "But as the only Native American... I didn't know that," Trump stated, glancing toward Mullin with apparent surprise. He then inquired, "I can tell you, he's the only Native American in the Senate. How many have been there before you, do you know?"
The newly appointed DHS Secretary promptly responded, "I think three." Trump, maintaining his characteristic humor, remarked, "I didn't know all these things. I would have picked him faster. If I had known, I would have made a quicker decision." Observers noted Mullin's expression suggested genuine astonishment that the President, despite their extensive history together, was unfamiliar with this fundamental aspect of his identity.
Longstanding Political Alliance and Personal Bonds
The relationship between Trump and Mullin has deepened over years of shared public appearances at political rallies and sporting events, often including the Secretary's family. Trump praised Mullin, stating, "Well, you're a fantastic representative. Mark Wayne 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."
Attorney General Pam Bondi officiated the swearing-in ceremony while Mullin's wife, Christie Mullin, held the Bible. Mullin, a committed member of the Cherokee Nation, has consistently supported legislative initiatives benefiting Native American communities throughout his congressional tenure. Reflecting on his heritage, Mullin once noted in a 2025 press release, "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."
Personal Connection Forged Through Family Crisis
The bond between the two politicians strengthened significantly following a distressing incident in 2020 involving Mullin's then-15-year-old son, Jim, who sustained a serious injury during a high school wrestling match. President Trump personally telephoned Mullin to check on Jim's condition and offer support to the family. Later that year, he invited both father and son to join him onstage at a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Their camaraderie continued with a joint attendance at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Tulsa during 2023, further solidifying their professional and personal rapport. Following his official swearing-in, Secretary Mullin emphasized his commitment to bipartisan cooperation, declaring he will collaborate with both Republican and Democratic states to "protect everybody the same." He asserted, "No one's going to outwork me. The President has entrusted me with this, and failure is not an option."
Family Recognition and Political Transition
President Trump extended gratitude to the Mullin family, who were present at the ceremony, offering particular compliments to Christie Mullin. "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," Trump remarked warmly.
Concurrently, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt administered the oath of office to Alan Armstrong, an energy executive, who will succeed Mullin as the state's junior Senator. Armstrong is set to serve in an interim capacity until November, when a special Senatorial election will determine the permanent occupant. Congressman Kevin Hern, a Republican, is widely regarded as the overwhelming favorite to secure the seat in the upcoming electoral contest.
