Teamsters Boss Praises Mullin's DHS Nomination After Heated Confrontation

Sean O'Brien, who nearly brawled with Mullin in 2023, now supports his nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Teamsters President Sean O'Brien offered unexpected praise for Sen. Markwayne Mullin's (R-Okla.) nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a surprising reconciliation after the two men nearly came to blows during a Senate hearing in 2023. O'Brien said "If anyone is willing to stand their butt up to protect America, it's Markwayne Mullin."

Why it matters

The praise from O'Brien, who previously criticized Mullin on social media, signals a potential thawing of tensions between the two men after their highly publicized confrontation. Mullin's nomination to lead DHS also comes amid an ongoing shutdown of the agency over Democratic demands for reform within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The details

In November 2023, Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, challenged O'Brien to a physical fight during a Senate hearing on unions after O'Brien made several critical social media posts about the senator. The two men nearly came to blows before Sen. Bernie Sanders was able to restore order. However, Mullin later said O'Brien apologized to him after a meeting arranged by former President Trump.

  • In November 2023, Mullin and O'Brien nearly brawled during a Senate hearing.
  • In July 2024, Mullin said O'Brien apologized to him after a meeting arranged by former President Trump.

The players

Sean O'Brien

President of the Teamsters union, who nearly got into a physical altercation with Sen. Markwayne Mullin during a 2023 Senate hearing.

Markwayne Mullin

Republican Senator from Oklahoma who was nominated by President to lead the Department of Homeland Security, and who nearly brawled with Teamsters President Sean O'Brien in 2023.

Bernie Sanders

Independent Senator from Vermont who attempted to intervene and calm the situation when Mullin and O'Brien nearly came to blows during the 2023 Senate hearing.

Chuck Schumer

Democratic Senate Minority Leader who signaled his opposition to Mullin's DHS nomination, saying the "rot in DHS is deep" and that the Senate should not consider any DHS Secretary nominee until the agency is reformed.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security, whom Mullin has been nominated to replace.

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What they’re saying

“If anyone is willing to stand their butt up to protect America, it's Markwayne Mullin.”

— Sean O'Brien, Teamsters President (The Hill)

“He said, 'Out of all of the people that I should have read their bio on, I should read yours, and I didn't,'”

— Markwayne Mullin, Senator (The Hill)

“Hold it. No, no, no, sit down. Sit down! You're a United States senator, sit down.”

— Bernie Sanders, Senator (The Hill)

“I've been asked if I would support Sen. Mullin as Noem's replacement. The answer is a resounding NO. The rot in DHS is deep, much deeper than any individual. It's a question of policy not personnel. The Senate should not consider any DHS Secretary nominee until DHS and ICE are reined in.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (The Hill)

What’s next

The Senate will consider Mullin's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer signaling his opposition unless Mullin commits to reforms within the agency.

The takeaway

The surprising reconciliation between Teamsters President Sean O'Brien and Senator Markwayne Mullin, who nearly came to blows just a few years ago, underscores the potential for political adversaries to find common ground. However, Mullin's nomination to lead DHS still faces significant opposition from Democrats who are demanding broader reforms within the agency.