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▼ Bad look for MullinCongress / Members

Rand Paul Says He Won't Vote to Confirm Markwayne Mullin to DHS

Mullin defended his past remarks and disputed Paul’s account of what he meant by saying he understood the assault.

Rand Paul Says He Won't Vote to Confirm Markwayne Mullin to DHS
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Outlet credibilityRolling Stone75/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 8, 2026
Mar 18, 2026
tl;dr

Rand Paul said he would vote against Markwayne Mullin’s confirmation as homeland security secretary after confronting him at a committee hearing over past comments about Paul’s assault. Mullin denied supporting political violence, and John Thune said he expected Mullin to be confirmed.

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Markwayne Mullin Secretary of Homeland Security
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Markwayne Mullin
Secretary of Homeland Security

Senator and nominee for secretary of homeland security

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Rand Paul
R · KY · SEN

Senator and committee chair opposing Markwayne Mullin’s confirmation

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

President who selected Mullin for the DHS post

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate Majority Leader who expressed confidence Mullin would be confirmed

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

Former DHS secretary

Part of a bigger story

29 OUTLETS
Rand Paul Challenges Markwayne Mullin at DHS Confirmation Hearing

At his Senate confirmation hearing to lead Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin faced questions from senators, including Rand Paul’s challenge over Mullin’s past remarks about political violence and an assault on Paul. Left-leaning outlets foreground Paul’s criticism and opposition, with Raw Story also stressing questions about Mullin’s account of classified work. Center outlets pair the exchange with broader questions about DHS policies, funding and Mullin’s readiness. Right-leaning outlets focus on the clash over Mullin’s fitness and his response, while Townhall casts Paul’s questioning as an attack on Mullin’s character.

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