Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) pulled no punches in his opening statement at today’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmation hearing for Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).
Trump nominated Mullin to replace outgoing DHS Sec. Kristi Noem, who hits the doors on March 31.
Paul, who’s the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, opened the hearing calling out Mullin for past remarks saying he “understands completely” why Paul was savagely attacked in his own front yard by a neighbor in 2017.
watch Markwayne Mullin’s facial expression as Rand Paul confronts him for “never having the courage to look me in the eye and tell me that the assault was justified. Today you’ll have your chance. Tell it to my face.” pic.twitter.com/Yg6sPg6yh6
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 18, 2026
Here’s the transcript of Paul’s remarks:
“You told the media that I was a ‘freaking snake’ and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted. I was shocked you would justify and celebrate this violent assault that caused me so much pain and my family so much pain.
“I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force.
“You chose to lash out at me. You went on to brag that you’d already told me to my face that you completely understood and approved of the assault. Well, that’s a lie. You got a chance today. You can either continue to lie or you can correct the record.
“You have never had the courage to look me in the eye and tell me that the assault was justified, so today you’ll have your chance. Today I’ll give you that chance to clear the record. Tell it to my face, if that’s what you believe. Tell it to me today. Tell the world why you believe I deserve to be assaulted from behind. Have six ribs broken and a damaged lung. Tell me to my face why you think I deserved it.
“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.
“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 Department of Homeland Security.”
At the end of it all, Mullin did not apologize for the comments about Paul.
Even though the exchange was highly personal, it does connect to a central debate about the Department of Homeland Security’s handling of immigration enforcement.
Democrats in Congress say the department has developed an atmosphere of impunity for ICE officers encouraging improper uses of force against immigrants and protesters.
As you can see in the video, Mullin was rather chill during the conversation barely registering a reaction.
He was also asked about his overly-quick remarks regarding the deadly killings of Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti and Renee Good. No apologies for those comments either.
A vote to advance Mullin’s nomination is scheduled for tomorrow.
PETERS: You called Alex Pretti ‘a deranged individual that came in to cause max damage.’ Can we expect those kind of quick responses if you are confirmed as secretary?
MARKWAYNE MULLIN: No sir. Those words probably should’ve been retracted. I shouldn’t have said that. I regret… pic.twitter.com/f2uUaQFwwb
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 18, 2026
BLUMENTHAL: What about Renee Good? You were asked whether you believed her shooting was justified, and you replied, ‘absolutely.’ Do you regret that statement?
MARKWAYNE MULLIN: It’s very clear an officer had to make a split decision as the car was running toward him and did… pic.twitter.com/afJGsQ1NaJ
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 18, 2026
Discover more from The Randy Report
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.