Rand Paul Confronts Fellow Republican Markwayne Mullin at DHS Hearing: 'Tell Me to My Face Why I Deserved to Be Assaulted'

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chair Rand Paul confronted fellow Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin during a confirmation hearing Wednesday, challenging the Oklahoma Republican over past remarks suggesting he understood why Paul had been assaulted by a neighbor in 2017.

"Tell me to my face why you think I deserved to be assaulted from behind. Have six ribs broken and a damaged lung," Paul said during Mullin's nomination hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security. "Tell it to me today. Tell the world why you believe I deserve to be assaulted."

Paul said Mullin had previously referred to him as a "freaking snake" and told reporters he understood why Paul's neighbor attacked him. The Kentucky Republican said those remarks raise questions about Mullin's temperament and suitability to lead an agency responsible for overseeing federal law enforcement bodies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol.

"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," Paul said.

Mullin rejected Paul's characterization of his comments.

"I did not say I supported it. I said I understood it. There's a difference," Mullin said. He added that he prefers addressing disagreements directly. "If I have something to say, I'll say it directly to your face."

The confrontation had been anticipated ahead of the hearing. The committee led by Paul plays a key role in determining whether Mullin's nomination advances in the Senate, and the two Republicans have had an adversarial relationship in recent months.

Paul also referenced another confrontation involving Mullin during a 2023 Senate hearing in which he challenged Teamsters union president Sean O'Brien to stand up for a physical fight. "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," Paul said.

Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the committee's top Democrat, also questioned Mullin's readiness for the role. "This is a role where temperament matters, where judgment matters, and where experience matters," Peters said, adding that he had "reservations" about Mullin leading the department.

Mullin said he hoped to move beyond the dispute and focus on the responsibilities of the position.

"I have a job to do," he said. "If you're willing to set it aside, let me earn your respect."