Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) will face scrutiny Wednesday at his Senate confirmation hearing for Homeland Security secretary over claims he made to colleagues about secret security work in Middle East war zones. According to three people who heard him discuss it, Mullin has privately hinted he was involved in dangerous private security work for the U.S. government before running for Congress in 2012.
No public record exists of such work by the former professional mixed martial arts fighter who sold his family's plumbing business in 2021. Mullin has not mentioned this alleged service in any of his five House campaigns or his 2022 Senate race, and it doesn't appear on his public websites. Former House colleagues say he mentioned overseas work "protecting our country" but was clear he wasn't in the armed services.
In at least one private meeting, Mullin said he avoids mentioning his service in Afghanistan publicly because of the work's sensitivity. Former colleagues describe him as matter-of-fact rather than boastful about the alleged overseas assignments, with both believing he spent extended periods abroad. When contacted by Axios, Mullin declined to discuss the matter, saying "you know that I can't talk about any questions like this."
The mystery surrounding Mullin's alleged clandestine work is likely to emerge during questioning from senators considering his nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security. His confirmation would place him in charge of border security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism efforts. The hearing comes as President Trump seeks to install loyalists in key national security positions.