Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chair Rand Paul accused fellow Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of having "anger issues" during the opening moments of Mullin's confirmation hearing to become secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

The hearing began at 9:24 a.m. EDT on Wednesday in Washington and was ongoing as of mid-morning. Paul, who chairs the committee overseeing the nomination, directly challenged Mullin over comments he made after Paul was assaulted by a neighbor in 2017. The attack left Paul with six broken ribs and a punctured lung. Mullin had called Paul a "freaking snake" and said he "completely understood" the assault, tying it to Paul's vote to continue welfare programs for refugees.

"Instead of explaining your vote to continue these welfare programs for refugees, you decide to transfer the blame. You told the media that I was a ‘freaking snake’ and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted," Paul said. "I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force."

Paul also referenced a 2023 Senate hearing in which Mullin challenged Teamsters President Sean O’Brien to a physical fight, telling him to "stand your butt up." He played video of the incident and questioned Mullin's temperament. "Explain to the American public why they should trust a man with anger issues to set the proper example for ICE and Border Patrol agents," Paul said. "You have never had the courage to look me in the eye and tell me that the assault was justified, so today you’ll have your chance. Tell it to my face why you think I deserved it."

Mullin responded in his opening statement, defending his blunt style. "I have to address the remarks the chairman made, calling me a liar. Sir, I think everybody in this room knows that I’m very blunt and direct to the point, and if I have something to say, I’ll say it directly to your face," he said. He clarified that he "understood" the neighbor's actions due to Paul's behavior but did not support surprise violence and would not apologize. Mullin noted he and O’Brien later became friends.

"I did not say I supported it. I said I understood it. There’s a difference," Mullin added. He pledged to set aside differences: "The truth is, I have a job to do, and I don’t like to fail at anything at all, so I can set it aside. If you’re willing to set it aside, let me earn your respect."

President Donald Trump nominated Mullin, an Oklahoma senator and former House member with a background as a mixed martial arts fighter and plumber, to lead DHS amid a 32-day partial shutdown that has furloughed employees and lengthened airport security lines. The nomination follows Kristi Noem's tenure. Mullin stressed the need for Congress to fund the agency, saying leaving it shuttered was "playing with fire."

Other senators raised concerns. Ranking Democrat Sen. Gary Peters questioned Mullin's experience and commitment to FEMA, which Mullin said needs restructuring but not elimination. Democrats like Sens. Andy Kim and Maggie Hassan pressed on detention centers and followed the law over presidential orders.

The exchange highlighted intra-GOP tensions, with Paul, a frequent Trump critic, testing Mullin, a staunch ally. A committee vote is expected Thursday, though Republicans hold the majority.