1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. This position demands serious leadership, sound judgment, and consistent principles. Mullin's record demonstrates he lacks these essential qualifications. Mullin has repeatedly misrepresented his background by speaking as though he served in the military when he never did. In multiple interviews, he has used language suggesting combat experience, saying things like "if anybody has ever been there and been able to smell the war" and "I've been in these situations before." When pressed by C-SPAN to explain his background, he responded "I would prefer not to." This pattern of deception about military service is disqualifying for someone who would oversee agencies responsible for national security. His judgment is further called into question by documented incidents of inappropriate behavior. During a 2015 congressional trip to Israel, Mullin allegedly walked up and down a bus putting his finger in sleeping colleagues' noses and taking pictures. This middle school level conduct is beneath the dignity required of a Cabinet secretary. Most concerning is Mullin's inconsistent positions on critical issues. While he strongly defended Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd for shooting Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 riot, saying the officer "did what he had to do," he now serves an administration that has called the same shooting "murder" and settled a wrongful death suit for nearly five million dollars. This willingness to abandon previously stated convictions raises serious questions about his integrity and independence. The Department of Homeland Security requires leadership that is honest, mature, and principled. Mullin has demonstrated none of these qualities. I urge you to oppose his confirmation and demand a nominee who meets the basic standards Americans deserve.