Donald Trump Clashes With Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin

Donald Trump is increasingly frustrated with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin following a series of public remarks and policy decisions the president considers off-message. Tensions peaked in early August after Mullin suggested that immigration could help address low labor-force participation rates in specific regions, a comment that drew backlash from the president's allies.

Other points of conflict include Mullin's suggestion that some Haitians might remain in the U.S. despite a Supreme Court ruling and his attempt to cancel Fourth of July fireworks due to lightning. In one instance, Trump used social media to reverse a temporary halt on vehicle stops by immigration officials that Mullin had implemented.

Mullin also faces internal resistance regarding his nomination of Lance Schroyer to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This selection is opposed by border czar Tom Homan and rank-and-file ICE officials. Despite these frictions, a senior administration official stated that Trump has no current plans to fire the secretary.