President Donald Trump announced Thursday the formation of his “revamped” Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) — and he appointed top Fox News and conservative media star Mark Levin to lead the group, alongside South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, former NYPD detective Bo Dietl, and Florida state Sen. Joseph Gruters.
The announcement, made via Truth Social on April 18, represents a reestablishment of the advisory body that was dismantled when Trump took office in January.
“I am proud to announce the formation of my revamped Homeland Security Advisory Council, which is comprised of Top Experts in their field, who are highly respected by their peers,” Trump wrote. “It is a big honor to serve on HSAC, and I know the new Members will do an incredible job.”
Levin responded —
What an honor! Thank you, Mr. President! pic.twitter.com/7KxLzTQ1Py
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) April 17, 2025
The council will operate under the leadership of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, focusing on what Trump described as developing “new Policies and Strategies that will help us secure our Border, deport Illegal Criminal Thugs, stop the flow of Fentanyl and other illegal drugs that are killing our Citizens, and MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN.”
Levin is perhaps the most recognizable name among the appointees, and currently hosts “Life, Liberty & Levin” on Fox News Channel and has been a fixture at the network since 2017. The 67-year-old Philadelphia native also hosts a nationally syndicated radio program “The Mark Levin Show.”
It is unlikely Levin will be able to continue all his jobs and the new role, but unclear if he’ll immediately resign from Fox News and/or his daily radio program.
Before his media career, Levin served in the Reagan administration as chief of staff to Attorney General Edwin Meese and was the president of the Landmark Legal Foundation. A Temple University graduate, Levin is a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame.
The administration’s decision to reestablish the advisory council comes after it initially disbanded the previous version upon taking office.
At that time, officials justified the move as guarding against “misuse of resources” following what they characterized as the Biden administration’s “disastrous attempt to create a Big Brother-style ‘Disinformation Governance Board.'”
McMaster, one of Trump’s earliest supporters during his first presidential campaign, brings state executive experience to the council. Dietl, a former NYPD detective who has appeared frequently on Fox News as a law enforcement analyst, adds a police perspective to the panel.
Gruters, who previously served as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, rounds out the council. Gruters has political aspirations beyond the appointment — Trump endorsed him last year for the role of Florida Chief Financial Officer, a position that is currently vacant after former CFO Jimmy Patronis resigned to take a congressional seat. The Florida CFO election is scheduled for 2026, though Governor Ron DeSantis can appoint a replacement in the interim.
The Homeland Security Advisory Council is tasked with providing the Secretary of Homeland Security with independent advice and recommendations on matters related to homeland security. Under previous administrations, the council also included a mix of security experts, former officials, and private sector leaders.
Trump’s selections for the revamped council, particularly the inclusion of Levin, underscore the influence of conservative media voices in shaping national security policy under his administration.