Trending Now - Fetterman Defies Party Lines to Support Trump's DHS Nominee
WHO:
Joy Behar, co-host of "The View," criticized Sen. John Fetterman for supporting Markwayne Mullin's nomination.
Sunny Hostin, co-host of "The View," also criticized Mullin and referred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as "masked bandits."
President Donald Trump nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania, supported Mullin's nomination.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, voted against Mullin and is the chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, raised concerns about Mullin's classified trip.
Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, is a close friend of Mullin.
WHAT:
Joy Behar stated, "With Democrats like that, who needs Republicans?" regarding Fetterman's support for Mullin.
Fetterman described his support for Mullin as "rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship" in a social media post.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs voted 8-7 to advance Mullin's nomination on March 19, 2026.
Fetterman's vote was decisive; had he voted against, Mullin's nomination could have been jeopardized.
Mullin's confirmation vote in the full Senate is expected to occur in the coming week.
Fetterman stated he approached the confirmation with "an open mind" and emphasized a "strong committed, constructive working relationship" with Mullin.
WHERE:
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is located in Washington, D.C.
WHEN:
Behar's comments were made on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
The committee vote took place on March 19, 2026.
Mullin's confirmation hearing occurred on March 18, 2026.
WHY:
Fetterman expressed that he "truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open mind."
Fetterman supported Mullin due to their prior relationship and his belief in Mullin's capability for the role.
Concerns were raised about Mullin's classified trip, which involved a "whistleblower issue."
HOW:
Fetterman reminisced about a trip he took with Mullin to help Americans jailed for carrying ammunition into an airport during the confirmation hearing.
The committee's vote was conducted along party lines, with Fetterman's support being crucial for Mullin's advancement.
Mullin faced questioning regarding his past comments on a physical attack against Sen. Rand Paul, which he described as "justified."
(UPDATED March 20, 2026 01:24 UTC)
On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Joy Behar and Sunny Hostin, co-hosts of "The View," criticized Senator John Fetterman for his support of Markwayne Mullin's nomination, with Behar remarking, "With Democrats like that, who needs Republicans?" Fetterman defended his position, stating it was based on a strong working relationship and recalling a trip he took with Mullin to assist Americans jailed for carrying ammunition into an airport. Hostin also weighed in, calling Immigration and Customs Enforcement "masked bandits" during the discussion.
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(UPDATED March 19, 2026 23:09 UTC)
Today, President Trump nominated Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs voted 8-7 to advance his nomination. Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, played a crucial role in this decision by supporting Mullin, while concerns were raised by Senator Richard Blumenthal regarding Mullin's classified trip. Mullin's confirmation vote in the full Senate is expected to take place next week, following his hearing on March 18, where he faced questions about his past comments on a physical attack against Senator Rand Paul.