‘Wrong Guy At The Wrong Time’: Why Markwayne Mullin Faces MAGA Uproar

Published Mon, Aug 3, 2026

Topline

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is facing growing backlash among prominent figures in President Donald Trump’s base who say he’s too soft on immigration, after he advocated for some reforms, including an expansion of permanent visas.

Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin speaks during a news conference in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on July 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Key Facts

Mullin made the case during a speech Saturday at the National Governors Association summer meeting for “more permanent solutions” for work visas, including favoring additional permanent work permits as opposed to temporary ones to fill labor shortages, arguing some jobs that were once seasonal are becoming year-round, such as dairy farming.

Mullin, in what Trump’s base widely viewed as an attempt at damage control, later posted on X, “NO amnesty for illegal aliens. Ever.”

Multiple MAGA figures responded with outrage, including Steve Bannon, who told Playbook on Monday, “Mullin is the wrong guy at the wrong time for the wrong job—a time when we need focus on ‘mass deportations,’ we get an amnesty advocate,” adding that MAGA wants Trump to appoint controversial outgoing interim Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte as DHS secretary.

Right-wing podcaster Jack Posobiec also told Playbook, “there is a growing wave among MAGA to find a DHS secretary who puts deportations first.”

Laura Loomer called for Mullin to be fired, writing she’s “so fed up,” while conservative activist Robby Starbuck wrote, “the weakness he projects is disturbing,” and former border patrol commander-at-large Gregory Bovino called Mullin’s interview “a masterclass in how to give terrible answers.”

Right-wing political commentator Tomi Lahren accused Mullin of wanting to “appease liberal media and big labor,” and right-wing influencer Nick Sortor called Mullin a “JOKE” and said his comments were “INFURIATING.”

Crucial Quote

“Is immigration reform possible? No,” Mullin said, adding, “do you really need immigration reform? Yes, you do, but can we work with the system we have? Yes.”

Tangent

Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro revealed last week he and Mullin “worked together discreetly” on DHS’s now-canceled plans to build two immigration detention centers in the state, Politico reported. Shapiro announced last week DHS had reversed course on turning two warehouses into Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities. Mullin told Playbook he and Shapiro “have a real good relationship.”

Contra

The Trump administration defended Mullin in statements to Politico. White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson said “the president has confidence in Secretary Mullin and his entire Administration to carry out the agenda the American people voted for.” An unnamed DHS spokesperson also pointed to stats that show deportations, self deportations and arrests at record levels under Mullin.

Key Background

Trump fired his initial pick for DHS secretary, Kristi Noem, in March after criticism of her leadership style and two fatal ICE shootings in Minnesota prompted a wave of backlash. Mullin, then a senator representing Oklahoma, resigned from his post to fill the DHS role. Mullin said during his Senate confirmation hearing he wanted to repair the agency’s image, telling senators, “my goal in six months is that we’re not in the lead story every single day. My goal is for people to understand we’re out there, we’re protecting them, and we’re working with them.” Immigration officials reduced their public-facing street sweeps in the wake of the shootings in Minnesota, though ICE arrests have not subsided, reaching record numbers under Mullin’s leadership. Still, he’s faced numerous public controversies, including fatal shootings in Houston and Maine during ICE vehicle stops. Mullin also faced backlash from Trump’s MAGA base when DHS announced a moratorium on vehicle stops, only for Trump to advocate publicly for the policy to stay in place less than a day later, prompting DHS to reverse the change.