Overview
- Jimmy Kimmel’s Tuesday monologue mocked new Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin as a plumber and a low-level MMA fighter, drawing quick condemnation from conservatives who called the joke elitist.
- President Trump on Thursday phoned into Fox’s The Five, called Kimmel a loser who should be fired, and praised Mullin as country smart while defending his record.
- A DHS spokesperson declined to engage with the dispute and said the agency is focused on arresting criminals and handling national security rather than what it called silliness.
- Mullin won Senate confirmation 54–45 on Monday and was sworn in Tuesday to replace Kristi Noem, with supporters highlighting that he built his family plumbing firm into a major Oklahoma business and served in the House and Senate.
- Right-leaning media amplified the backlash, with Fox’s Will Cain airing a 2012 Mullin plumbing ad, while outlets like Mint framed the reaction as a broader debate over whether late-night satire disrespects skilled trades.