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Why True Conservatives Are Turning On Markwayne Mullin
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Why True Conservatives Are Turning On Markwayne Mullin

A fresh dispute over immigration policy has triggered criticism from several prominent conservative figures after comments attributed to Markwayne Mullin during a governors' meeting sparked accusations that he was softening the administration's stance on immigration.

Editor's note: The source material identifies Markwayne Mullin as DHS secretary. Mullin is a U.S. senator from Oklahoma, and the article does not explain that discrepancy.

According to a Politico report cited by the source, dissatisfaction with Mullin's remarks extends beyond conservative commentators and into the Trump administration itself.


One unnamed senior administration official told Politico there was unusual agreement among administration officials regarding Mullin's performance.

“It takes a lot to unite this administration around a cohesive point of view,” the official said. “Mullin deserves credit where credit is due. Everyone agrees he sucks donkey butt.”

The criticism intensified after remarks Mullin made Saturday during the National Governors Association Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City, where he discussed the need for longer-term immigration reforms involving work visas.

“If we’re looking to grow our economy, we need more permanent solutions on [work visas], because this narrative that it steals American jobs is true in some industries – it’s not true for all industries,” Mullin said.


Those comments were interpreted by many immigration hardliners as signaling greater openness to expanding legal pathways for foreign workers. Critics argued the remarks distracted from the administration's emphasis on deporting those in the country illegally and securing the southern border.

As criticism mounted online, Mullin issued a statement on X later that day attempting to clarify his position.

“NO amnesty for illegal aliens. Ever,” he wrote. “We are a nation of laws. If you are illegally present in the United States of America—you will be detained and deported. Period.”


The clarification, however, did little to quiet many of his critics.

Former Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino criticized Mullin for highlighting nearly 900,000 naturalizations over a 12-month period while, in Bovino's view, failing to focus on deportation efforts. Bovino argued that emphasizing legal immigration without demonstrating progress on removals could create political problems for Republicans heading into the midterm elections.

Conservative radio host Todd Starnes also challenged Mullin's messaging.


“But that’s not what you told the governors today,” Starnes wrote on social media. “Are you deporting all illegals or just the worst of the worst? If you don’t have the stomach for the job, resign.”

Journalist Megan Basham questioned whether administration officials had accurately gauged the priorities of Republican voters on immigration.


Filmmaker and activist Robby Starbuck likewise criticized Mullin, arguing that his comments projected weakness on one of the administration's signature issues. Starbuck suggested President Donald Trump should consider replacing him, saying he would rather see White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller leading the Department of Homeland Security.

Conservative commentator Nick Sortor also joined the criticism, accusing Mullin of encouraging illegal Haitian migrants and individuals with Temporary Protected Status to seek permanent residency in the United States.

Written by Arthur Higgens - August 4, 2026