Trending Now - Sen. Mullin Regrets Comments Made During Contentious Hearing
WHO:
Senator Markwayne Mullin, nominee for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
President Trump, who nominated Mullin
Senator Rand Paul, Republican from Kentucky, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee
Senator Gary Peters, ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee
Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse shot by federal agents
Kristi Noem, the embattled leader of the Department of Homeland Security prior to Mullin's nomination
Sean O'Brien, Teamsters Union President, who was present at the hearing
WHAT:
Mullin expressed regret for calling Alex Pretti a "deranged individual" during a confirmation hearing on March 18th, 2026.
Mullin stated, "Those words probably should have been retracted. I shouldn't have said that."
Mullin's confirmation hearing included a confrontation with Rand Paul regarding Mullin's past comments and temperament.
Mullin acknowledged he has no law enforcement experience and was questioned about his qualifications for the role.
A vote on Mullin's confirmation is expected on March 19th, 2026.
WHERE:
The confirmation hearing took place in Washington, D.C.
WHEN:
The confirmation hearing occurred on March 18th, 2026.
A committee vote on Mullin's confirmation is scheduled for March 19th, 2026.
Pretti was shot in January 2026.
WHY:
Mullin's comments about Pretti were made in response to the shooting incident involving federal agents during a protest.
Mullin's nomination follows Kristi Noem's sidelining by Trump in early March 2026.
HOW:
Mullin's confirmation process involves a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing where he was questioned about his past remarks and qualifications.
Mullin's comments about Pretti were made during an interview on Fox News prior to the hearing.
(UPDATED March 18, 2026 23:13 UTC)
During a confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2026, Senator Markwayne Mullin, nominated by President Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security, expressed regret for previously calling Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti a "deranged individual" after she was shot by federal agents during a protest. Mullin acknowledged his lack of law enforcement experience and faced tough questions from Senator Rand Paul regarding his qualifications and past comments, stating, "Those words probably should have been retracted. I shouldn't have said that." A committee vote on Mullin's confirmation is expected tomorrow, March 19, 2026.