Trump’s DHS pick, Markwayne Mullin, never served in military but talks as if he did

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/18/trump-dhs-markwayne-mullin-military

Oklahoma senator has repeatedly made cryptic claims about ‘overseas’ work and war experience, while refusing to explain them

Markwayne Mullin, the Oklahoma senator chosen by Donald Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security who will be considered by the Senate on Wednesday, has never served in the US military, but he routinely speaks as if he did in interviews.

Two days after the US attacked Iran, for instance, Mullin told Fox News: “War is ugly. It smells bad. And if anybody has ever been there and been able to smell the war that’s happening around you and taste it, and feel it in your nostrils, and hear it, it’s something you’ll never forget. And it’s ugly.”

While Mullin’s words might have lead many viewers to assume that he was speaking from personal experience, he went on to suggest, in a somewhat confusing manner, that he was actually talking about what he imagined the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, had been through.

277 points · 28 comments · view on lemmy.world

28 Comments

Hideakikarate@sh.itjust.works · 92 pts · 151d (13 replies)

January 6th

circuscritic@lemmy.ca · 34 pts · 151d (1 reply)

Markwayne's 9/11

3jane@piefed.ca · 7 pts · 151d

And other senators were at the door preparing to defend it!

DickFiasco@sh.itjust.works · 28 pts · 151d (1 reply)

You can see how he took cover behind a row of seats. Not only do the seats provide protection, but they also allow lateral movement thus allowing him to maneuver to different vantage points. Cowering idiot or brilliant tactician? You be the judge.

AbidanYre@lemmy.world · 36 pts · 151d

Looks to me like he's making a move on Vance's ex.

BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today · 4 pts · 150d

That's the fear of a guy who knows he stirred up this pot, and now he's caught in the cross-fire that he encouraged.

Rhaedas@fedia.io · -16 pts · 151d (7 replies)

I don't think that's fair to pick out for an attack on his abilities or what he says. Lots of people wee scared that day, and should have been. If anything, use this as a point in time where he should have changed his political stance, realizing who the real enemy was.

CaptDust@sh.itjust.works · 40 pts · 151d

Why would he be scared? Peaceful day of love, I've been told? Mullins certainly worked hard to ensure no one was held responsible for whatever made him cower like that.

Ghostalmedia@lemmy.world · 16 pts · 151d

he should have changed his political stance, realizing who the real enemy was.

But that’s why we’re mocking him. He was terrified about the goon squad when he was on the receiving end, and now he was to employ them.

lolola@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 9 pts · 151d

He was scared and should have changed but didn't. He does not deserve to use abilities or say things anymore. Fucking FUCK HIM.

UnspecificGravity@piefed.social · 8 pts · 151d

The difference is that Mark Wayne actually claims to have responded to aid Capital police and defend the chamber on January 6th:

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/21/house-capitol-riots-lawmakers-stood-their-ground-460965

Reddfugee42@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 151d

Only cowards would hide from peaceful tourists whom police allowed in

3jane@piefed.ca · 5 pts · 151d

Other men were preparing to defend the door though.

BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today · 2 pts · 150d

He pretends to be big tough guy, but he's clearly incapable of even protecting himself.

He picked a fight with the Teamsters guy, knowing Bernie would take control. "HOLD ME BACK BERNIE, I'M READY TO BLOW!"

prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 26 pts · 151d (1 reply)

He probably went on a "missions trip" with his church 25 years ago, and he thinks he knows so much about the world because of it 🙄

2piradians@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 151d

Exactly this. And he knows what he implies with his lies about war. To demonstrate:

What is the #1 comment when someone talks about war overseas? Thank you for your service. And he's made his response to that a regular part of his overall lie

0_o7@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 12 pts · 151d

CoD chuds running the country

melsaskca@lemmy.ca · 11 pts · 151d (1 reply)

Mullin has no experience just like the ICE guys. They'll get along great! All cosplay all the time!

ClownStatue@piefed.social · 2 pts · 151d

Right!? Doesn’t this make him extra-qualified!?

Wilco@lemmy.zip · 10 pts · 151d

Yea, but he knows we are fighting a war that isn't a war in Iraq ... Iraq ... I mean Iraq ... Iran.

givesomefucks@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 151d

"“Maybe if you’ve been in a real fight war, you might not be so keen for another.”

ruuster13@lemmy.zip · 7 pts · 151d

Trump picked him for one reason only: his vagina is tighter than Noem's.

4am@lemmy.zip · 4 pts · 151d (1 reply)

Mar-Kwayne MooLeen

CodandChips@lemmy.ml · 10 pts · 151d

Akasazh@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 150d

I'm increasingly baffled at how long the military puts up with these schmucks who have disrespected them in every way.

Not just veterans, like usual (somehow) but active service members.

BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today · 3 pts · 150d

This schmuck exudes big George Costanza energy.

bitjunkie@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 151d

Billywaynebob Mullet

Doomsider@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 150d

Do they specifically seek out the lowest IQ people possible.