Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on March 3, 2026. (USA Today via Reuters)
With western North Carolina still in recovery from Hurricane Helene in 2024, President Trump’s new Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin visits the region.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is visiting Western North Carolina on Tuesday. Mullin, who was confirmed by the Senate last month, will head to the Asheville area.
He’ll participate in events focusing on the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Florence, according to Spectrum News.
The secretary previously represented Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate from 2023 to 2026, and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2023.
Mullin replaces Kristi Noem, who was fired by President Donald Trump after disputes over immigration enforcement led to a partial government shutdown for Homeland Security.
After Mullin’s confirmation, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein wrote a letter sending congratulations and asking for help with Hurricane Helene recovery. Stein also extended an open invitation to visit western North Carolina.
“Given your firsthand experience with disaster response and recovery in Oklahoma, I know you understand the long road communities face after the initial headlines fade,” Stein wrote.
Mullin will be joined by representatives including U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, U.S. Reps. Chuck Edwards and Tim Moore and Budget Director Russ Vought, according to WXII 12 News.
FEMA announced more than $103 million for recovery efforts in North Carolina last week.
The funding serves over 50 public assistance projects to assist with repairing and protecting critical infrastructure across the state.
“Ensuring Public Assistance funds are approved and disbursed quickly means more projects — like removing debris, reopening schools and repairing roads — can move forward,” Budd said in a statement.
Mullin’s first major action as Homeland Security Secretary last week was to rescind a controversial rule requiring DHS expenditures over $100,000 be personally approved by his office. Critics said the policy hindered FEMA’s work aiding disaster response and recovery.
Reporting by Christine Zhu, NC Newsline
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