Chaffetz Criticizes Lawmakers' "Embarrassing" Mullin Hearing Questions

Former Republican lawmaker and Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz criticized both Democratic and Republican lawmakers for their questioning during Homeland Security secretary nominee Markwayne Mullin’s Senate confirmation hearing. Chaffetz characterized the questioning as an "embarrassment."

Chaffetz characterized the questioning as an "embarrassment."

Chaffetz, who expressed his preference for Mullin to be the next DHS secretary, voiced disappointment regarding the nature of the questions posed. Mullin currently serves as a Republican Senator for Oklahoma. Chaffetz described questions from lawmakers, including Senator Joni Ernst (R-IO), as "soft." He also suggested that important questions were omitted.

Specifically, Chaffetz referenced a scenario concerning a presidential shooting and the accountability of the Secret Service. He questioned why Mullin was not asked about his plans to protect the President. Co-host Joey Jones agreed with this assessment, stating that the questioning lacked depth.

Key Moments from the Confirmation Hearing

Several significant exchanges marked Mullin's Senate confirmation hearing. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) notably pressed Mullin on the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

Additionally, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) engaged in a contentious exchange with Mullin. Paul raised concerns about the nominee's "anger issues" in relation to leading the Department of Homeland Security. Paul directly addressed Mullin about previous comments where Mullin had stated he understood the motivation behind an attack on Paul in 2017. Chaffetz observed that the interaction between Paul and Mullin appeared to be personal.

Mullin's nomination was advanced by a Senate committee on Thursday, potentially leading to his confirmation as the next DHS secretary next week.