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John Thune Dismisses Rand Paul's Mullin Hearing Takedown

Paul raised Mullin’s past comments and alleged anger issues at the hearing, then repeated his criticism in an interview.

John Thune Dismisses Rand Paul's Mullin Hearing Takedown
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This article1 analysis · Oct 8, 2026
Mediaite
Mar 18, 2026
tl;dr

After a tense Senate confirmation hearing, John Thune defended Markwayne Mullin and dismissed Rand Paul’s concerns as rooted in their personal history. Thune said the Senate could vote on Mullin’s nomination as soon as the following week.

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Rand Paul R · KY · SEN
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Rand Paul
R · KY · SEN

Senator who challenged Mullin during the confirmation hearing and criticized him afterward

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Markwayne Mullin
Secretary of Homeland Security

Senator and nominee for Homeland Security secretary whose conduct Paul criticized at the confirmation hearing

Mullin's version of this story ↗
John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate Majority Leader who defended Mullin and discounted Paul’s concerns

Thune's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who nominated Mullin for Homeland Security secretary

Kristi Noem
Former U.S. Representative (R-SD)

Former Homeland Security secretary whom Mullin was nominated to replace

Part of a bigger story

36 OUTLETS
Senate Holds Hearing on Markwayne Mullin’s DHS Nomination

At Markwayne Mullin’s Senate confirmation hearing for Homeland Security secretary, Rand Paul challenged him over past remarks about Paul’s assault and political violence, and said he would vote against the nomination. Left-leaning outlets center Paul’s criticism, with some presenting it as merited and relevant to Mullin’s fitness. Center outlets pair the confrontation with Mullin’s answers and questions about DHS policy, funding, immigration and travel. Right-leaning outlets also stress the clash, while some foreground Mullin’s rebuttal or question Paul’s conduct.

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