Mullin’s Smooth Confirmation Was a Throwback in the Senate

New York Times
by Michael Gold
March 24, 2026
3 min read

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Markwayne Mullin's Cabinet confirmation sailed through Senate with bipartisan support, departing from recent contentious confirmation battles.

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President Trump selected Senator Markwayne Mullin for a Cabinet position, a choice that sailed through Senate confirmation with bipartisan support. Mullin's nomination represents a departure from the contentious confirmation battles that have dominated recent administrations, reflecting his established relationships with colleagues across party lines and throughout Capitol leadership. The smooth confirmation process signals Trump's willingness to nominate candidates with deep institutional ties and broad acceptance in the Senate, rather than pursuing more combative selections. Mullin's confirmation underscores a rare moment of Senate consensus during a period when Cabinet picks have frequently faced partisan gridlock and prolonged debate.

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