CNN host Jake Tapper and Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin clashed over Pete Hegseth's past comments about using alcohol as self-medication during his military service. Mullin defended Hegseth, arguing that the media's scrutiny is hypocritical and fails to understand the experiences of combat veterans. Tapper countered that drinking at 10 AM indicates a problem, emphasizing the importance of addressing such issues, especially for someone vying to lead the Defense Department.
The Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue's promotion to a four-star general after Sen. Markwayne Mullin lifted his hold on the nomination. Mullin had initially blocked the promotion due to concerns, but faced backlash from retired military officers and former Trump administration officials. Donahue was involved in the Afghanistan evacuation and will now serve as the top commander at U.S. Army Europe.
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) has called for the Senate to have access to the House Ethics Committee's report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who resigned after being nominated by President-elect Trump for attorney general. Mullin emphasized the importance of the report in Gaetz's confirmation process, despite their past differences. The Ethics Committee had been investigating Gaetz for alleged misconduct, but the probe ended with his resignation. The release of the report remains uncertain, as Gaetz is no longer a House member.
Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin advises Donald Trump to stay out of the race for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s successor, calling it a "lose-lose situation." McConnell's planned departure sets up a high-stakes race for his replacement, with Sens. Thune, Cornyn, and Barrasso as leading candidates. Mullin has backed Thune, who he believes understands the need for party unity and recognizes Trump as the presidential nominee. Mullin also mentioned Barrasso, Cornyn, and Sen. Rick Scott as viable options for the post, and stated that he had a "really good conversation" with Trump last week.
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin revealed in a video that Teamsters President Sean O'Brien challenged him to a backyard fight prior to their recent public exchange during a Senate hearing. This comes after Mullin had previously challenged O'Brien to a fight in response to a social media post. O'Brien never publicly responded to the challenge, but Mullin claimed that O'Brien later called him and suggested fighting in a backyard. The response from O'Brien is unknown.
Senator Markwayne Mullin defended his heated exchange with union boss Sean O'Brien during a Senate committee hearing, stating that in Oklahoma, people are expected to be called out for running their mouths. Mullin read aloud tweets from O'Brien that insulted him, leading to an invitation to fight. Mullin also referenced historical incidents of physical confrontations in politics. Despite O'Brien's attempt to diffuse the situation by suggesting a cup of coffee, Mullin believes he got nervous when confronted.
Senator Markwayne Mullin, who made headlines for challenging Teamsters president Sean O'Brien to a fight during a Senate hearing, defended his actions, stating that he felt bullied and was in a reactionary mode. The tensions arose after O'Brien tweeted a photo of Mullin standing on a stool to appear taller. Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, confronted O'Brien during the hearing and challenged him to settle the feud physically. Senator Bernie Sanders intervened to calm the situation. Mullin shared his personal history of overcoming adversity and being bullied, emphasizing that he knows how to fight.
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin challenged the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Sean O'Brien, to a physical fight during a Senate hearing on labor unions. The confrontation stemmed from a previous heated exchange between the two, with Mullin holding up printed versions of O'Brien's tweets criticizing him. The situation escalated as both men stood up, but was eventually diffused by Senator Bernie Sanders. The exchange ended with insults being exchanged, and Mullin later stated that he accepted the challenge because O'Brien had challenged him first.
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin challenged Teamsters president Sean O'Brien to a physical fight during a Senate hearing, after O'Brien called him a "clown" and a "fraud" on Twitter. The confrontation was diffused by Senator Bernie Sanders, who reminded them they were in a hearing and not a boxing ring. The purpose of the hearing was to discuss how unions are improving the lives of working families. Mullin defended his actions, stating that he was responding to O'Brien's challenge. O'Brien stood by his tweets and suggested they have a discussion over coffee instead.
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin accused Congressman Matt Gaetz of showing colleagues videos of the women he had slept with, as part of Gaetz's efforts to oust Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker. Mullin claimed that Gaetz was widely disliked in the party and that none of his colleagues defended him when allegations of sex trafficking emerged. Gaetz denied the claim and criticized Mullin for making false statements. Gaetz is still facing a House Committee inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and misuse of funds. McCarthy, who was ousted as Speaker, announced that he will not run for the position again.
During a hearing on race and education, Republican senator Markwayne Mullin said "I don't want reality" when questioned about childcare and the teaching of race. Mullin later said he "misspoke" and continued to question a witness about whether a book meant to teach children about racism was appropriate for early learning classes. Mullin's confrontational style has caused comment before, and he is an election denier, former cage fighter, and plumbing company owner who sat in the US House before being elected to the Senate last year.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin accused Sen. Bernie Sanders of hypocrisy and demonizing people after a heated debate during a Senate hearing on Wednesday. Mullin called out Sanders for criticizing Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and pointed to Sanders' own multi-million dollar net worth. Mullin claimed that Sanders demonizes all CEOs for being millionaires while accumulating a wealth of over $8 million himself from being in public office. Sanders responded by calling Mullin's claims a lie.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin accused Sen. Bernie Sanders of hypocrisy and demonizing people during a heated debate on the Senate floor. Mullin pointed out Sanders' own multi-million dollar net worth and questioned why CEOs who create jobs and hire union members are demonized while Sanders is not. Mullin also criticized Sanders' pension from being in public office and accused him of being hypocritical for grilling the CEO of Starbucks.
Former President Donald Trump attended the NCAA Wrestling Championship in Oklahoma and was seen greeting wrestlers and taking pictures with fans. He sat with staff members and Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. Trump watched Cornell’s Yianni Diakomihalis become the fifth Division I wrestler to win four national titles and Penn State win its 10th team title in 12 years. Princeton’s Pat Glory won the 125-pound weight class, and Trump congratulated him after the match.
