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GOP Senator Targets Trump’s DHS Nominee With Vicious Attack Lines Mid-Hearing

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Sparks flew on Capitol Hill Wednesday as Sen. Rand Paul tore into fellow Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, reviving an old feud and questioning whether his colleague has the temperament to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

The clash unfolded during a heated confirmation hearing, with Paul accusing Mullin of having “anger issues” and demanding answers about his past conduct.

“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,” Paul said, pressing the Oklahoma Republican.

He doubled down moments later.

“Explain to the American public how a man who has no regrets about brawling in a Senate committee can set a proper example for over 250,000 men and women who work at the Department of Homeland Security.”

Mullin didn’t wait long to fire back.

Using his opening statement to go on offense, he accused Paul of undermining fellow Republicans and brought up their prior run-ins.

“I have to address the remarks the chairman made, calling me a liar. Sir, I think everybody in this room knows that I’m very blunt and direct to the point, and if I have something to say, I’ll say it directly to your face. If you recall back in my house days we actually did have this conversation….I simply addressed that. I said I could understand, because of the behavior you were having, that I can understand why your neighbor did what he did. As far as my terms ‘snake in the grass,’ sir, I work around this room to try to fix problems. I’ve worked with many people in this room. Seems like you fight Republicans more than you work with us,” Mullin said.

He also pushed back on accusations that he condones violence.

“And as far as me saying that I invoke violence – I don’t think anybody should be hit by surprise. I don’t like that. But if I do have something to say, everybody in this room knows. I’ll come straight to you, I’ll say it publicly and I’ll say it privately, but I’ll never say it behind your back. So for you to say I’m a liar, sir, that’s not accurate.”

Still, Mullin struck a slightly softer tone when addressing the broader dispute, saying he wanted to move past it.

Mullin said he hopes they can get past the “political differences we have” and said “I’ve had to really pray about my attitude.”

“The truth is, I have a job to do, and I don’t like to fail at anything at all, so I can set it aside. If you’re willing to set it aside, let me earn your respect,” Mullin said.

Paul shot back with vitriol.

In a pointed line of questioning, he accused Mullin of refusing to take responsibility for his past remarks and behavior.

“You’re unrepentant. The only thing you quibble about is whether I met you somehow when you’re in the house. I don’t think we ever met when you were in the house. And this idea that the only thing you’re upset about is not that you were for violence. What you’re upset about is that I called you a liar because you said it to my face. It’s really more about this machismo that you have,” Paul said.

He added that Mullin had shown no remorse.

“You offer no apology today and no regrets. Haven’t, I don’t hear the word apologize. Haven’t heard the word regret. Haven’t heard I misspoke,” Paul said.

Mullin made clear he wasn’t backing down.

“I did not say I supported it. I said I understood it. There’s a difference,” Mullin said.

Paul then pointed to what he described as a broader pattern, referencing past confrontations and even playing footage of Mullin clashing with Teamsters President Sean O’Brien.

Mullin dismissed the move as political theater.

“I get it. It’s about character assassination,” Mullin said. “That’s the way this game is played. I understand it, and you are making this about you, which is fine.”

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