WASHINGTON – As a stream of prospective politicians place their bid for a cabinet position under President-elect Donald Trump, one name has repeatedly made the rounds. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, whose reputation as a congressman is tied to outbursts of threatened violence, is under heavy consideration for a Trump administration cabinet position.
Mullin first took office in the U.S. Senate in 2023 after longtime Senator Jim Inhofe retired before his term fully expired. From 2013-2023, Mullin represented Oklahoma’s second district in the state House of Representatives.
A member of the Cherokee Nation, Mullin headed the Trump campaign’s Native American outreach program. It’s this experience that might lead him to the position of Secretary of Interior. The Department of Interior is tasked with managing federal land and resources. Currently, the position is held by Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as cabinet secretary.
From the Oklahoma Capitol to Washington
Other Oklahoma politicians have already begun showcasing their admiration for Trump. Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has long touted his support for the President-elect. However, a Secretary of Education position may be further out of reach as Trump has vowed to close the federal Department of Education.
Related Stories
Gov. Kevin Stitt has also congratulated the former president despite endorsing Ron DeSantis during the primary elections. Some Republican politicos believe that his previous endorsement won’t disregard him as a potential cabinet pick. Re-elected in 2022, Stitt will soon reach the end of his term as governor.
Though unconfirmed, speculation suggests that Walters may run for Oklahoma governor. Notably, someone has already secured a website domain for a potential campaign.
Markwayne Mullin’s Time as Senator
“Markwayne Mullin, you don’t wanna fight with him,” said Trump at one of his many campaign rallies. According to Mullin’s website, he is a former mixed martial arts fighter and is an inductee of the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame. His family also started a prominent plumbing business in the state, which Mullin took over in 2016.
It’s the former experience that has publicly leaked into his legislative career. In November 2023, Mullin challenged International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O’Brien to a physical altercation during a Senate hearing.
“You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here,” said Mullin. As tensions rose, Committee Chairman Senator Bernie Sanders said “You’re a United States Senator, sit down.” The situation took several minutes to diffuse, with Mullin attempting to convene future meetings with the labor union president.
Recently, Mullins joined 26 other GOP congress members to support Jim Risch’s (R-Indiana) intent to create the Stand With Israel Act. Not yet introduced, the legislation aims to cut off federal funding to United Nations agencies that restrict participation from Israel.
In February, as Congress worked to hash out a plan to address problems surrounding illegal immigration, Mullin voted against the infamous border bill. Sponsored by fellow Oklahoma Senator James Lankford, the 370-page bill sought to tackle areas of national security. However, Trump’s allies in the Senate stalled efforts and the bill never made it off the Senate floor.
Gov. Stitt would have the opportunity to appoint someone to fill the vacated Senate seat if Mullin accepts a cabinet position. Oklahoma voters would not have the option to vote on the matter until the 2026 midterm elections.