Mullin spars with Sen. Rand Paul in explosive DHS confirmation hearing
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WASHINGTON (TNND) — Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, President Donald Trump’s pick for Homeland Security secretary, appeared before senators on Wednesday for a contentious confirmation hearing.
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who chairs the committee, used his opening statement to confront Mullin over past comments, calling him a “freaking snake” and saying he “completely” understood why a neighbor assaulted Paul in 2017.
“Tell me to my face why you think I deserved it,” Paul said. “And while you’re at it, explain to the American public why they should trust a man with anger issues to set the proper example for ICE and Border Patrol agents.”
Mullin, who has spent 13 years in Congress, will oversee the third-largest Cabinet department, which has been central to enforcing the Trump administration’s push for mass deportations.
Trump has described Mullin as a strong advocate of his “America First” agenda, highlighting his background as a former professional mixed martial arts fighter and as the only Native American currently serving in the Senate.
Mullin said after his selection that he looks forward to supporting Trump’s mission to “safeguard the American people and defend the homeland.”
His nomination follows the departure of Kristi Noem, who stepped down earlier this month to become special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas,” a Western Hemisphere security initiative.
Trump praised Noem’s tenure at DHS, citing what he called “spectacular results,” particularly on border enforcement. The administration said more than 2 million people self-deported in 2025.
Her tenure also saw intensified enforcement operations in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis, where large-scale sweeps led to detentions and, at times, violent protests.
Activists and some politicians accused DHS officers of using excessive force, including smashing car windows, roughing up bystanders and detaining immigrants in poor conditions. The fatal shootings of two protesters — Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — further fueled criticism of the administration’s immigration policies.
DHS has said its officers use force only when necessary and has blamed activists and political leaders for escalating tensions.
The department oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
It has been operating without funding for more than a month amid a standoff in Congress, with Democrats criticizing the administration’s immigration tactics and Republicans accusing them of withholding funding for political reasons. Senate Democrats sent their latest proposal Tuesday night.
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Editor’s note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.
