Teamsters boss who nearly brawled with Mullin praises DHS nomination

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5770671-teamsters-president-praises-mullin/

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien offered unexpected praise on Thursday for Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s (R-Okla.) nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the latest sign of reconciliation between the two men who nearly came to blows during a Senate hearing in 2023. “If anyone is willing to stand their butt up to protect America, it’s Markwayne Mullin,” O’Brien said in a statement to The Hill.

Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, drew national attention in November 2023 for challenging O’Brien to a physical fight during a hearing on unions. The viral exchange came after O’Brien made several posts criticizing Mullin on social media, including one in which he called the senator a “clown & fraud.”

“Sir, this is a time, this is a place. You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here,” Mullin said at the hearing in 2023. “OK, that’s fine. Perfect,” O’Brien shot back. “You want to do it now?” Mullin asked. “Stand your butt up then.” “You stand your butt up, big guy,” O’Brien replied, prompting Mullin to rise from his seat and grab for his wedding ring as if about to remove it.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) then attempted to step in and calm the situation. “Hold it. No, no, no, sit down. Sit down! You’re a United States senator, sit down,” Sanders shouted as Mullin stood. The confrontation continued for another minute until Sanders was ultimately able to restore order in the room.

snip