MAGA Supporters Condemn Jimmy Kimmel for Mocking DHS Secretary's Plumbing Past
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has ignited a firestorm of criticism from MAGA supporters and Republican politicians after making jokes about the professional background of newly appointed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The controversy erupted during the March 25, 2026 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where the comedian targeted Mullin's previous career as a plumber.
Kimmel's Controversial Monologue Targets Mullin's Background
During his opening monologue, Kimmel referenced President Trump's appointment of Mullin, who was sworn in as DHS Secretary on March 24, 2026, replacing the controversial Kristi Noem. "Before he was elected to the Senate, Markwayne Mullin was a low-level MMA fighter and a plumber," Kimmel stated with a grin. "That's right, we have a plumber protecting us from terrorism now."
The comedian continued his routine by drawing a comparison to popular culture. "Well, it worked for Super Mario, why not Markwayne," he quipped, generating laughter from his studio audience. Kimmel further suggested that President Trump should approach the DHS Secretary position with more creativity, proposing rapper Lil Wayne as an alternative candidate. "Instead of Markwayne, how about Lil Wayne for Homeland Security? At least we could get a concert out of it, right?"
Republican Lawmakers and Influencers Voice Outrage
The response from conservative circles was swift and severe, with prominent GOP figures taking to social media platform X to express their disapproval of Kimmel's remarks.
- Senator Ted Cruz posted: "I prefer plumbers to woke & unfunny comedians."
- Representative Mike Collins 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."
- Senator Cynthia Lummis branded the joke as "shameful" in her social media response.
- Journalist Chris Cillizza commented simply: "Not a great look."
MAGA influencers and supporters joined the criticism, with one X user declaring the remark "unfunny" while another wrote: "I can't wait for the day that Kimmel will be in need of a plumber." The backlash highlights the ongoing cultural divide between entertainment figures and conservative political supporters.
Markwayne Mullin's Professional Journey from Plumbing to Politics
Despite the controversy surrounding Kimmel's comments, Markwayne Mullin's business background is well-documented. According to the Sequoyah County Times, Mullin took over his family's plumbing business, Mullin Plumbing, in 1997 when it employed just six people. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, becoming Oklahoma's largest plumbing business by 2011, as reported by Tulsa World.
Interestingly, Mullin has been candid about his initial feelings toward the profession. During an appearance on The Elephant in the Room, he admitted: "I'd probably say that I was a little bit embarrassed about being a plumber. I never wanted to be a plumber." However, he and his wife worked to instill pride in the trade by providing branded trucks and uniforms to employees.
Before entering politics, Mullin was an accomplished wrestler who attended Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship. A recurring shoulder injury eventually forced him to leave the sport, according to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, which later honored him with an "Outstanding American" award in 2016.
Political Trajectory Leading to Homeland Security Role
Markwayne Mullin's political career began when he was elected as the U.S. representative for Oklahoma's second congressional district in 2013, serving until 2023. He then became Oklahoma's junior senator from 2023 until his appointment as DHS Secretary in March 2026. His replacement of Kristi Noem marks a significant shift in leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees national security, border protection, and emergency management.
The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's comments reflects broader tensions between entertainment media and political figures, particularly those with blue-collar backgrounds. While late-night comedians have traditionally engaged in political satire, the strong reaction from MAGA supporters suggests such humor continues to resonate deeply within conservative circles, potentially influencing public perception of both the comedian and the political appointee he targeted.
