Sparks fly at DHS confirmation hearing, but Trump’s pick clears committee
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Mar 19, 2026
19:05
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Rand Paul Recounts 2017 Assault And Feud With Mullin
Rand Paul described being assaulted in 2017 and confronted Markwayne Mullin about past comments that seemed to justify the attack.
Mullin had previously said he could understand why Paul's neighbor attacked him and called Paul a "freaking snake," making the exchange personal and heated.
insights INSIGHT
Personal Feuds Can Highlight Policy Failings
Rand Paul linked Mullin's praise or justification of political violence to concerns about DHS use-of-force policy oversight.
The exchange highlighted scrutiny of DHS after two Americans were shot and killed by ICE agents.
insights INSIGHT
Mullin Signals Willingness To Reconsider Warrant Use
Mullin indicated openness to discussing judicial warrants instead of administrative warrants for home entries, tying warrants to use-of-force concerns.
He set a goal that DHS "wouldn't be in the news headlines" within six months, signaling emphasis on optics and tactics.
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President Trump’s pick to run the Department of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, advanced past the Senate Homeland Security Committee, even after Mullin clashed with committee chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., at Wednesday’s hearing. We discuss what new leadership would mean for immigration enforcement operations.
This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.
This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.
Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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