Jimmy Kimmel mocks DHS chief Mullin as ‘plumber’: 'Tradesmen built this country'

WASHINGTON, DC: Jimmy Kimmel is catching heat after he made fun of Markwayne Mullin, the new Homeland Security Secretary, calling him a "plumber" during his latest monologue.

Mullin had just been confirmed for the job, and Kimmel didn’t waste any time poking at his history in the plumbing business. Fox News reported that Kimmel questioned whether Mullin was really up for the role, making his qualifications the punchline.

Kimmel highlights Mullin’s plumbing and MMA background

During his show, Kimmel referenced Mullin’s previous work running a family plumbing company, using it as part of a critique of his appointment.

"He's the now-former senator of Oklahoma. Before he was elected to the Senate, Markwayne Mullin was a low-level MMA fighter and a plumber. That's right. We have a plumber protecting us from terrorism now. It worked for Super Mario. Why not Markwayne?" Kimmel said.

Kimmel's comments were viewed as elitist by many commentators on X, who accused the comedian of mocking working-class professions.

Critics respond to Kimmel’s remarks on DHS secretary

Critics argued that focusing on Mullin’s plumbing background overlooked his elected experience and time in public office.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., wrote, "The disdain for which the Democrats and Hollywood elites have for working-class Americans—and folks who step up to do important jobs for their country—is shameful. These people need help."

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, joked, "I prefer plumbers to woke & unfunny comedians."

RealClearInvestigations senior writer Mark Hemingway agreed, "I would much rather be protected by plumbers than lawyers."

Journalist Chris Cillizza called it "not a great look," while Townhall writer Amy Curtis reminded audiences that Kimmel holds only an honorary doctorate from UNLV.

Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., wrote, "The elites too often look down their noses at blue collar, middle America. They try to demean a man by calling him a plumber…Plumbers, truckers, builders, tradesmen, etc., built this country and continue to be a vital part of our economy's backbone."

Mullin took the oath as the country’s ninth DHS secretary on Tuesday, stepping in for Kristi Noem. The Senate confirmed him the day before with a 54-45 vote. Most Republicans backed him, along with Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, voted no.

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