The personal animosity between Republican senators Markwayne Mullin and Rand Paul spilled out into public on Wednesday and threatened to derail Mullin's confirmation to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Paul chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee. In 2017, Paul was attacked by his neighbor in his yard. The senator suffered significant injuries, including a damaged lung and six broken ribs. According to Paul, Mullin told people that Paul was a "freakin snake" and that he deserved to be assaulted.
As chair of the committee, Paul began the proceedings with an opening statement and used it to confront Mullin.
wow! Rand Paul begins Markwayne Mullin's confirmation hearing by confronting him about comments Mullin made describing Paul as a "freakin' snake" and "celebrating" Paul getting assaulted
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 18, 2026
"I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the... pic.twitter.com/Jx1u9ystbd
"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.
"Tell me to my face why I deserved to be assaulted from behind have six ribs broken and a damaged lung," Paul continued. "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 that Mullin was a liar, saying that Mullin had told people that he had told Paul to his face that he "understood" and "completely approved" of the assault. "Well, that's a lie," Paul said. "You can either continue to lie, or you can correct the record."
When Mullin got a chance to speak, he took issue with Paul's characterization.
"I have to address remarks the chairman made calling me a liar. Sir, I think there's— 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.
Mullin then alluded to a conversation he had with Paul where he said he told him to his face that he could understand when the neighbor assaulted him. Mullin did not apologize for the comments.
"It seems like you fight Republicans more than you work with us," Mullin said. "We just don't get along."
As Mullin spoke, Paul began shaking his head.
"As far as me saying that I invoke violence, I don't. I don't think anybody should be hit by surprise. I don't like that," Mullin said. "I'm not perfect. I don't claim to be perfect," he said.
Mullin is President Trump's choice to replace Kristi Noem as head of DHS.
