Mullin faces scrutiny over past remarks on physically punishing children.

Incoming Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has drawn scrutiny for a 2023 video where he discussed using physical punishment on his children, including spankings and belt beatings. Mullin described his upbringing as shaped by fear and shared a story about threatening his daughter's boyfriend. The remarks resurfaced ahead of his confirmation, following the firing of former Secretary Kristi Noem, amid reports of Saudi pressure on Trump to escalate military actions against Iran.