Joy Behar slams John Fetterman for backing Trump's DHS pick

Joy Behar called Markwayne Mullin 'terrible' and argued that John Fetterman’s vote was decisive
Joy Behar sharply criticized Senator John Fetterman for supporting Markwayne Mullin as President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, X/@The View)
Joy Behar sharply criticized Senator John Fetterman for supporting Markwayne Mullin as President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, X/@The View)


NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: 'The View' host Joy Behar has thrashed Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa, for backing President Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pick, Senator Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.

During the Thursday, March 19, episode of the talk show, she said of Mullin, “I think he’s terrible,” before she called out Fetterman. “And as I said before, Fetterman was the deciding vote to say yes to this guy. With Democrats like that, who needs Republicans?” Behar added.

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee member Sen. John Fetterman (D-WV) votes to advance Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security during a markup hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) has announced that he does not support President Donald Trump's nomination of Mullin and voted against him. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Sen John Fetterman votes to advance Sen Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security during a markup hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2026 in Washington, DC (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

'The View' hosts do not find Markwayne Mullin fit to lead DHS

Fetterman has reportedly voted in favor of Mullin, while Republican Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky, has not supported his confirmation on Wednesday.

Along with Behar, her co-host Sunny Hostin also seemed frustrated with Mullin. She said, “He was a professional MMA fighter. I just don't think that even with his government experience, someone with that sort of fighter mentality who has been so aggressive should be heading a lawless band of masked bandits.”

“I just don't think that makes a lot of sense,” Hostin asserted.

According to reports, Mullin has experience working as a plumber. He was also an MMA fighter before joining politics.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., President Donald Trump's pick for Homeland Security secretary, testifies during Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing, Wednesday, March 18, 2026 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Sen Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla, President Donald Trump's pick for Homeland Security secretary, testifies during Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing, Wednesday, March 18, 2026 on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Behar slammed his past experiences, as well as she noted, “So, with all of this, they want a plumber and a talk show host to fix this? Is that what I'm hearing?”

Abigail Jackson slams 'The View'

However, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson hit back at Behar and her co-hosts’ remarks on Mullin.

She told Fox News Digital, “Joyless Behar and her View co-hosts are totally out of step with the American people – that’s why their ratings are in the dumpster. President Trump has ended Biden’s border crisis and deported countless dangerous criminal illegal aliens.”

Praising the 48-year-old politician, Jackson added, “Senator Mullin is perfectly suited to lead the Department of Homeland Security and work closely with President Trump to continue building on his many successes. Whether it be protecting the homeland from bad actors, stopping dangerous d***s from flowing into American communities, or removing the worst-of-the-worst criminal illegal aliens.”

Markwayne Mullin hails Trump's kindness and caring nature

This came after his Senate Homeland Security nomination hearing on Wednesday, Mullin went emotional while recalling Trump’s kindness. He also claimed to be the POTUS’ friend.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., President Donald Trump's pick for Homeland Security secretary, testifies during Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing, Wednesday, March 18, 2026 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Sen Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla, President Donald Trump's pick for Homeland Security secretary, testifies during Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing, Wednesday, March 18, 2026 on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

The businessman revealed that in 2020, his son suffered a severe brain injury, and Trump became his strength.

“The president found out about it and he gave me a call immediately. The president didn't understand the severity of it, but he heard it in my voice and immediately went to work,” Mullin said, who added, “He didn't do it for any other reason. I mean, here's the president of the United States and he did it just because he cared.”

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