President Donald Trump has picked U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, to lead the country's Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Mullin's election follows Trump's firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from her position on March 5 and his social media announcement that she would be replaced as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, the president's security initiative against drug trafficking in the western hemisphere.
However, Mullin has come under fire for his military background after making remarks about the 'smell of war' in Iran.
Questions have surged about whether Mullin served in the military, with Senators and users online questioning his military experience.
According to publicly available biographical records, Mullin has not served in the US military, despite serving on congressional committees that oversee national defense and veterans' issues.
Mullin built his career as a businessman, rancher, and brief professional mixed martial arts fighter before entering politics.
His 2022 senator election campaign website stated that he is a 'fighter for America,' and referred to his legislative roles since joining the House of Representatives in 2012.
Mullin has served on legislative committees that address defense and national security matters, including the House Armed Services Committee during his tenure in the House, despite not having served in the armed forces.
