1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose Senator Markwayne Mullin's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security. His record demonstrates a troubling pattern of poor judgment and a lack of qualifications necessary for this critical position. Most concerning is Senator Mullin's recent objection to Democratic efforts to increase transparency regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files. He stated the goal was to "give [Trump] cover," effectively opposing accountability measures related to one of the most serious criminal investigations involving the exploitation of minors in recent history. This willingness to prioritize political protection over transparency in cases involving child abuse raises serious questions about his commitment to justice and the rule of law. Beyond this alarming stance, Senator Mullin has repeatedly demonstrated temperament issues unsuitable for leading a department responsible for protecting Americans. In late 2023, he threatened to engage in a physical fistfight with a labor union head during a Capitol Hill hearing. He has suggested that journalists would write "less false stories" if violence were used to handle disputes. These are not the qualities needed in someone overseeing federal immigration agents, natural disaster response, Coast Guard operations, and protection of the first family. Senator Mullin's grasp of basic policy matters is also deeply concerning. He has struggled to understand fundamental economic concepts like inflation and per capita statistics, falsely claimed that vaccines cause autism, and last month discussed shutting down airports in sanctuary cities. The Department of Homeland Security requires sophisticated leadership capable of managing complex operations across multiple critical areas. I ask that you vote against this nomination and demand a candidate with the qualifications, temperament, and commitment to transparency that this position requires. Our national security depends on competent leadership, not political loyalty.