ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was called out for mocking newly confirmed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin as an “unqualified” plumber during his monologue Tuesday night.
“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?”
He continued, “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?”
Kimmel’s comments were viewed as elitist by many commentators on X, who accused the comedian of mocking working-class professions.
“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,” Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., wrote.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, joked, “I prefer plumbers to woke & unfunny comedians.”
“I would much rather be protected by plumbers than lawyers,” RealClearInvestigations senior writer Mark Hemingway agreed.
“Not a great look,” Substack journalist Chris Cillizza wrote.
Townhall.com writer Amy Curtis remarked, “This is your reminder that Jimmy Kimmel does not have a degree, save an honorary Doctorate from UNLV.”
“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.
Noem was removed from her position earlier this month.
