1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

Vote no on Markwayne Mullin's confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security. His hearing exposed someone fundamentally unqualified to lead a department responsible for national security and law enforcement. Mullin made confusing claims about combat experience overseas despite never enlisting in the military. When Senator Peters asked where he "smelled war," Mullin refused to answer, citing classification even though Peters confirmed the FBI report contained nothing classified. He claimed he accompanied Delta Force operators in 2021 despite having no military training. This pattern of embellishment about his background is disqualifying. His temperament is equally alarming. Mullin told Senator Paul to his face that he understood why Paul's neighbor assaulted him, leaving Paul with broken ribs. When given the chance to apologize at the hearing, he refused. He called an ICE officer "absolutely" justified in killing Renee Good, even though video shows she was swerving away. He labeled Alex Pretti a "deranged individual" after Pretti was fatally shot by immigration officers, then offered only a vague statement of regret when pressed. Someone who applauds political violence, refuses to apologize for celebrating an assault on a colleague, and prejudges fatal shootings before investigations conclude cannot lead an agency struggling with proper use of force. Vote no.