Mike Rowe Critiques Jimmy Kimmel’s Remarks on Homeland Security Secretary

Mike Rowe, known for his work on “Dirty Jobs,” has openly criticized Jimmy Kimmel for mocking new Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin, who has a background as a plumber. This criticism came after Rowe faced backlash on social media.

Rowe expressed that he was caught up with filming and only recently realized that his earlier comments about Kimmel’s derision of plumbers were gaining traction online. He acknowledged the 22,000 responses to his post, apologizing for not engaging sooner.

He asserted that Kimmel’s jibes reflect lingering stereotypes about blue-collar workers, depicting them as “uneducated” and “one-dimensional.” In a post, Rowe clarified, “I have not suggested that plumbers are automatically suited for Cabinet roles. But simply being a plumber shouldn’t bar someone from such positions.”

Kimmel, often outspoken against the Trump administration, has been labeled elitist for his comments. In a recent monologue, he questioned Mullin’s qualifications based on his past as a plumbing business owner, suggesting that it made him less fit to head the Department of Homeland Security. Kimmel’s sarcastic remark about whether plumbers help prevent terrorism highlighted this point.

Further, Kimmel joked about the selection of a skilled worker, contemplating if they could replace Mullin with Lil Wayne to bring more entertainment to the department.

Rowe, in his response, felt that Kimmel’s humor contributed to the harmful stereotypes about skilled trades. He raised the point that Mullin’s trajectory from a plumbing entrepreneur to a political leader exemplifies the “American dream.”

He emphasized that such jokes reinforce misconceptions that could deter individuals from pursuing careers in skilled trades. “There’s a significant shortage of plumbers and electricians in this country, and it’s these stereotypes that keep people from exploring viable and lucrative careers,” Rowe noted.

Rowe concluded by expressing his belief in personal qualifications over mere credentials, questioning the relevance of degrees in determining true competence. He reminded Kimmel that people are entitled to their opinions, but he asserted that both the Constitution and the Senate validate Mullin’s appointment.

Rowe aims to encourage interest in skilled labor careers through his nonprofit, mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Fox News Digital has attempted to reach Kimmel’s office for a response.