US: Senate Dispute Over DHS Head Nominee

The hearing for Markwayne Mullin, President Donald Trump's nominee for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), began with tension in the Senate. Republican Rand Paul criticized Mullin 'personally'.

Mullin's appointment must be approved by the Homeland Security Committee and the Senate, where Republicans have a majority. Rand Paul questioned Mullin's statements, where he called him a 'snake' and referred to an attack on Paul in 2017.

Mullin defended his statements, saying he 'understood' the attack, but did not apologize. He asked for a chance to prove his worth. Paul questioned Mullin's suitability for the position, given his statements.

One Democrat, John Fetterman, stated he was 'open' to approving Mullin's nomination. Mullin aims to reduce the DHS's publicity. Trump fired Kristi Noem, due to an advertising campaign and criticism of operations against migrants.

Mullin distanced himself from previous statements about Alex Preti, saying he reacted in the heat of the moment.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ-AFP-Reuters