Trending Now - Rand Paul Criticizes Markwayne Mullin's DHS Nomination After Hearing

WHO:

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., nominee for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary

President Donald Trump, who nominated Mullin

Senate Majority Leader John Thune

Sen. Gary Peters, top Democrat on the committee

Sen. John Fetterman, Democrat from Pennsylvania

WHAT:

Rand Paul criticized Markwayne Mullin during a confirmation hearing for being "unfit" for the DHS position.

Paul accused Mullin of justifying violence related to a 2017 assault on Paul, which resulted in six broken ribs and lung damage.

Paul stated, "If he thinks that's justifiable... I think that makes him unacceptable and unfit to hold office."

Mullin acknowledged that he and Paul "just don’t get along" and did not apologize for his previous comments.

Paul expressed that Mullin's temperament would be dangerous for leading federal law enforcement.

The committee plans to vote on Mullin's nomination on March 20th, 2026.

WHERE:

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

Confirmation hearing held on March 18th, 2026.

Vote on Mullin's nomination scheduled for March 20th, 2026.

WHY:

Paul believes Mullin's justification of violence and lack of contrition make him unfit for the role of DHS secretary.

Mullin's comments about violence and dueling were cited as reasons for concern regarding his temperament.

HOW:

The hearing involved a heated exchange where Paul detailed his assault and questioned Mullin's views on violence.

Paul played a clip reel of Mullin's past comments on violence during the hearing.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 01:27 UTC)

During a heated confirmation hearing on March 18, Sen. Rand Paul criticized Markwayne Mullin, President Trump's nominee for Department of Homeland Security secretary, calling him "unfit" for the position due to his past comments justifying violence related to an assault on Paul that left him with serious injuries. Mullin acknowledged their contentious relationship but did not apologize for his remarks, leading Paul to express concerns about Mullin's temperament for leading federal law enforcement. The Senate Homeland Security Committee is set to vote on Mullin's nomination tomorrow, March 20.