The knives are out in the White House for Department of Homeland Security Director Markwayne Mullin after he added more fuel to the fire over the weekend.
According to a report from Politico Playbook, Mullin's nuanced take on working immigrants over the weekend set off a firestorm amongst the MAGA faithful — and it extends deep into the administration.
White House officials are openly expressing frustration with the DHS director. A senior administration official told Playbook bluntly: "It takes a lot to unite this administration around a cohesive point of view. Mullin deserves credit where credit is due. Everyone agrees he sucks donkey butt."
The backlash intensified over Mullin's interactions with Democratic governors. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro praised Mullin at the National Governors Association meeting. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore lauded the DHS secretary from the stage, saying "there has been an absolute difference in what we have seen from the start of the administration until now." Mullin acknowledged talking with Moore "quite a bit."
Administration officials view Mullin's friendly relations with Democrats as particularly damaging. When asked if Shapiro's praise hurt Mullin more than other criticisms, an official told Politico, "Yes. 100%."
The pattern reflects deeper concerns about Mullin's approach to his position. "He's a people pleaser, and that doesn't work when you're a Cabinet official," the official said.
This weekend's friction represents a culmination of mounting frustrations. Last month, Mullin drew MAGA fire after DHS ordered ICE officers to suspend most vehicle stops following deadly shootings. House Democrats privately praised the move to Mullin, further alienating him from the base.
A former administration official characterized Mullin's management style as fundamentally misaligned with his role. "He acts like this is an embassy job," the official told Playbook.