Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) grilled his Republican colleague, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), for appearing to “justify” a violent attack he experienced in 2017 and showing a “pattern” of aggression.
The confrontation occurred on Wednesday during a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing on Mullin’s nomination to be secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Paul first brought up Mullin’s previous comment, in which Mullin called Paul a “freaking snake” for voting against his amendment to stop funding for refugee welfare programs in February. He also later played a compilation of clips that appeared to show Mullin advocating bringing back canings for men to “settle” their differences, saying he’s “not afraid to bite” during a confrontation, and previously challenging the Teamsters president to a physical fight.
Mullin responds: pic.twitter.com/Su2BSJqqRD
— Jennie Taer (@JennieSTaer) March 18, 2026
“You told the media that I was a freakin’ snake and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted. I was shocked that you would justify and celebrate this violent assault that caused me so much pain, and my family so much pain. 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.
“You went on to brag that you’d already told me to my face that you completely understood and approved of the assault. Well, that’s a lie. You’ve got a chance today, you can either continue to lie, or you can correct the record,” the Kentucky lawmaker added.
Paul was assaulted in 2017 by a neighbor while doing yard work. He was left seriously injured.
“Tell the world why you believe I deserve to be assaulted from behind, have six ribs broken and a damaged lung. Tell me 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. Explain to the American public how a man who has no regrets about brawling in a Senate committee could set a proper example for over 250,000 men and women who work at the Department of Homeland Security.”
Mullin then took an opportunity to respond to Paul in his opening statement, but didn’t apologize or walk back any of his previous statements.
“I have to address remarks the chairman made calling me a liar. Sir … everybody in this room knows that I’m very blunt and direct to the point. And if I have something to say, I’ll say it directly to your face,” Mullin said.
Rand Paul “rolls the tapes” on Markwayne Mullin’s “pattern” of violence pic.twitter.com/iymerPC77T
— Jennie Taer (@JennieSTaer) March 18, 2026
“Seems like you fight Republicans more than you work with us,” the Oklahoma senator said. “I did address those remarks, I did explain your gimmicks by the amendment you put forth. And as far as me saying that I invoke violence, I don’t think anybody should be hit by surprise, I don’t like that, but if I do have something to say, everybody in this room knows I’ll come straight to you, I’ll say it publicly and I’ll say it privately, but I’ll never say it behind your back. So for you to say I’m a liar, sir, that’s not accurate.”
Mullin appeared to extend an olive branch, but Paul didn’t seem satisfied without an overt apology.
“So I can set it aside, if you’re willing to set it aside. Let me earn your respect, let me earn the job. I won’t fail you, I won’t back down from a challenge, and I’ll also admit when I’m wrong,” Mullin said.
“I’m not perfect, I don’t claim to be perfect. I make mistakes just like anybody else. But mistakes, if you own them, you can learn from, and you can move ahead. And I’ll make that commitment to you,” he added.
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