In a significant first visit as the newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin toured disaster-stricken areas in Western North Carolina, focusing on relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. Mullin emphasized the need for progress in disaster response, stating that states should take the lead rather than solely relying on FEMA. During his visit, he addressed concerns regarding the backlog of aid funds and pledged that his department would not neglect the ongoing recovery challenges faced by the region, which has been rebuilding for 18 months. He also reassured FEMA workers about upcoming back pay. The visit included discussions about future funding and commitment to support the affected areas.