Kimmel Clarifies Comments on Homeland Security Secretary

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel has defended his remarks regarding Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin, who initially worked as a plumber.

Kimmel’s comments stirred criticism among Republicans, who perceived them as offensive to plumbers and blue-collar professionals. He addressed this backlash during his Thursday night show.

“Just to clarify, I’m not upset that the Secretary of Homeland Security was a plumber. I’m upset that he isn’t still one,” Kimmel stated during his opening monologue.

Before his current role, Mullin served as a representative for Oklahoma in both the House and Senate for 13 years. After high school, he attended college on a wrestling scholarship. However, a family illness prompted him to pause his education and help run their family plumbing business.

Kimmel accused conservative commentators of misinterpreting his words after seeing their reactions across various channels. “Of course, they decided to turn it into an attack on plumbers, which it really wasn’t,” he mentioned.

“I wouldn’t want a plumber leading the Department of Homeland Security, just like I wouldn’t call a five-star general to deal with a rat in a toilet. We all have our specializations,” Kimmel added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Mullin for a comment, but there was no immediate response.

The controversy began with Kimmel’s remarks in a earlier show where he compared Mullin’s backgrounds—including his past as a plumber—to characters in the video game franchise, “Super Mario Bros.” He pointed out that, “Now we have plumbers protecting us from terrorism. It worked for Super Mario. Why not Markwayne?”

Kimmel’s humorous suggestions also included recommending rapper Lil Wayne for the Department of Homeland Security, further criticizing what he perceived as an “unqualified” choice. In response, several Republicans defended Mullin online and labeled Kimmel’s remarks derogatory towards hardworking Americans.

Senator Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming expressed her disdain on social media, stating, “The disdain that Democrats and Hollywood elites have for working-class Americans is shameful. They need help.” Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz from Texas remarked, “I’d rather be a plumber than a woke and unfunny comedian.”

Mullin was sworn in as DHS Secretary following Kristi Noem’s resignation, stepping into the role during a challenging period, just weeks after lawmakers had shut down the DHS, leaving many, including TSA officers, without pay.