Markwayne Mullin's Confirmation Hearing Was the Funniest in Ages-and Might Have a Stunning Outcome

"Tell the world why you believe I deserved to be assaulted from behind, have six ribs broken, and a damaged lung. Tell it 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."

"A hearing like this, in which the nominee has recently joked about an assault on the committee chairman, is a rarity. But the opportunity was nevertheless there for a sort of staged closure: Mullin could apologize, say he got carried away, and pledge to work with the chairman going forward."

Sen. Markwayne Mullin's nomination as Homeland Security secretary is relatively uncontroversial among Trump appointments, given his twelve years in Congress and collegial relationships. However, a significant obstacle emerges: Mullin has a contentious relationship with Sen. Rand Paul, the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee responsible for confirming DHS nominees. Mullin previously called Paul a 'freaking snake' and expressed understanding of why Paul's neighbor assaulted him in 2017. During the confirmation hearing, Paul detailed his injuries from the attack—six broken ribs, damaged lung, infections—and directly confronted Mullin about his comments, questioning whether someone with anger issues should lead ICE and Border Patrol. The hearing became centered on this personal dispute rather than policy matters.

Read at Slate Magazine