Attorney General Gentner Drummond is leading a group of 18 state attorneys general in calling for the immediate confirmation of U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, according to a March 17 statement. The coalition sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, emphasizing the urgency due to ongoing national security threats.
The issue is significant because the Department of Homeland Security plays a central role in protecting Americans from various threats. The attorneys general argue that leaving the position vacant could allow adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities.
Drummond said, “Sen. Mullin has worked alongside us on the front lines of our border security battles, and he has the legislative experience, the executive backbone and the personal commitment to lead DHS effectively from day one. Every day this position remains vacant is a day our adversaries can exploit. The Senate must act now.”
The letter highlights Mullin’s qualifications, including his years in Congress, service on key committees such as Armed Services and Appropriations, business leadership experience, and membership in the Cherokee Nation. The coalition wrote, “The threat is real, it is multi-faceted, and it is here, harming Americans every day. The next Secretary of Homeland Security must be prepared to confront all of these dangers simultaneously, and to do so from the moment of confirmation. Senator Mullin is ready.”
Drummond heads the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office and leverages extensive legal experience according to his official biography. His office focuses on combating crime, ensuring government transparency, strengthening tribal relations, upholding rule of law, supporting energy sector policies, educational safeguards, tougher laws on crimes like rape and drug distribution, collaborating with state and federal partners against organized crime, and providing public legal services according to his official biography.
In addition to Drummond’s signature on the letter are those from attorneys general representing Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and West Virginia.
