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← The NPR Politics Podcast

Sparks fly at DHS confirmation hearing, but Trump’s pick clears committee

March 19, 2026·19m

President Trump’s pick to run the Department of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, advanced past the Senate Homeland Security Committee, even after Mullin clashed with committee chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., at Wednesday’s hearing. We discuss what new leadership would mean for immigration enforcement operations. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.