DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin appeared on “Fox News Sunday” with Shannon Bream to tackle crucial issues surrounding funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The episode aired on May 3, 2026, featuring an exchange centered on the ramifications of a historic government shutdown.
Bream opened the discussion by noting the “historic lapse of funding” and questioned how it impacted DHS’s operational capabilities. Mullin acknowledged the 76-day shutdown as the longest in history and explained that recovery will take time. “Are we able to still be mission capable? Yes. Were we able to pick up everything that was being brought to us? No,” he stated, underlining the significant challenges that lay ahead.
Secretary Mullin elaborated on how the shutdown directly affected the department’s day-to-day functions. He pointed out that it impaired DHS’s capacity to pay for essential services. “We had 500 electric bills throughout just the Coast Guard that was in default,” Mullin revealed, indicating the extent of the dysfunction. The reliance on other agencies, like the State Department, to cover expenses further highlighted the urgency of the situation. His remarks painted a picture of a department struggling not just with operational capacity but also with low morale, stating, “We were also having a tremendous amount of morale issues, so we had a large turnover.”
Bream then shifted the conversation to the potential for another shutdown, referencing comments made by Rep. Bennie Thompson. Mullin did not hold back his criticism, stating, “We can’t argue with crazy.” He characterized Thompson’s warnings as “reckless” and accused him of engaging in “political theater” rather than fulfilling his responsibilities as a lawmaker. This assertion reflects Mullin’s determination to highlight perceived irresponsibility among Democrats, particularly regarding DHS funding.
The discussion also turned to comments made by Rep. Jamie Raskin regarding ICE. Mullin dismissed Raskin’s rhetoric, calling it “reckless” and challenging him to justify any claims of unconstitutional actions by ICE. “Tell me what it is that ICE is doing that’s unconstitutional because they are enforcing the laws that by the way Congress passed,” Mullin said, making it clear that he views the enforcement of existing laws as a necessary function of the agency.
This segment of “Fox News Sunday” not only spotlighted ongoing challenges faced by DHS following prolonged funding interruptions but also underscored the tension between Democratic lawmakers and the department’s leadership. Mullin’s remarks reflect a sense of urgency and frustration, emphasizing the need to restore functionality for the sake of national security.
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