“Before he was elected to the Senate, Markwayne Mullin was a low-level MMA fighter and a plumber. That’s right. We have a plumber protecting us from terrorism now.”
Left-wing comedian Jimmy Kimmel has been slammed for mocking DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin's background as a plumber during his monologue on Tuesday. The remarks drew heavy backlash online, with many saying that it represented an "elitist" mentality on the left.
"Trump's got a whole new generation of thinkers lined up, including his newly confirmed Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne 'Chuck Mike Bruce Dave' Melon — Mullin. Maybe melon's better," Kimmel said. "He's the now former senator of Oklahoma. Before he was elected to the Senate, Markwayne Mullin was a low-level MMA fighter and a plumber. That's right. We have a plumber protecting us from terrorism now. It worked for Super Mario. Why not Markwayne?"
https://twitter.com/libbyemmons/status/2036951481513906685?s=20
He added: "But honestly — I mean, if Trump is going to keep picking these unqualified people to run the department, why not have more fun with it? I mean, next time, instead of Markwayne, how about Lil Wayne for Homeland Security? At least we can get a concert out of it, right?"
Critics and lawmakers on X called the remarks elitist and accused Kimmel of disparaging those who work blue-collar jobs.
"The elites too often look down their noses at blue collar, middle America. They try to demean a man by calling him a plumber. As if plumbing is something to be ashamed of or is somehow a lesser profession than a court jester turning tricks on late night commentary (comedy is dead). But even just calling a U.S Senator and cabinet secretary a plumber doesn't do justice to a man, who built a successful business in a highly competitive environment that provides jobs for several plumbers actually and others that then feed many families," Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) wrote in response.
https://twitter.com/RepMikeCollins/status/2036851853271417113?s=20
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) responded, "The disdain for which the Democrats and Hollywood elites have for working class Americans - and folks who step up to do important jobs for their country - is shameful. These people need help."
https://twitter.com/SenLummis/status/2036872181590774001
Conservative commentator CJ Pearson posted in reaction to the clip from Kimmel, "Jimmy Kimmel: 'Before he was elected to the Senate, Markwayne Mullin was plumber. That's right. We have a plumber protecting us from terrorism now.' The elitism of Hollywood summarized in one moment."
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
