— Sabrina Carpenter’s response to someone who hurled the most specific insult. Talk about a manchild.
US News
Congress Is Mullin’ Things Over
What’s going on: Yesterday, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) was in the hot seat during a confirmation hearing that could set him up to replace outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. (She may be out, but no one will wear a Rolex to a prison quite like her.) Things got off to a rocky start. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) skipped the pleasantries and channeled his inner Real Housewife, asking Mullin why he called him a “freaking snake.” Paul also questioned Mullin’s inappropriate comments after Paul was physically attacked in 2017. Sadly, Andy Cohen wasn’t there to moderate. Most Democrats seemed skeptical. They pressed Mullin on a “classified” overseas trip he took and on his comments about Alex Pretti, who federal immigration officers shot and killed in Minnesota. Mullin apologized for calling him a “deranged individual.”
On leading DHS: Mullin showed signs of a more moderate approach. He said he’d have ICE focus specifically on deporting immigrants already in custody, rather than being on the “front lines.” He promised to work with leaders in sanctuary cities, adding that he’d treat his dealings with them like he would a tiff with a spouse, so… no going to bed angry? Mullin added he’d phase out a controversial Noem policy that requires the secretary to sign off on all federal disaster aid over $100,000.
What’s next: The nomination vote was set for today, but may be delayed by a closed-door briefing over Mullin’s “classified” travel. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) still expects him to get confirmed, even without support from Paul. He may have a Democrat to thank for that after Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) praised Mullin’s willingness to work across the aisle. Guess it never hurts to have friends in unexpected places.
