The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for many things we take for granted: disaster response, cybersecurity, and — most importantly — securing the infrastructure of our democratic elections. This is why the nomination of U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead this agency should concern every citizen in Livingston County, regardless of party.
Mullin has a documented history of promoting debunked conspiracy theories regarding the 2020 election. By continuing to push claims of a “stolen” election long after they were rejected by dozens of courts and non-partisan experts, he has demonstrated a disregard for the very democratic processes he is now being asked to protect. We cannot afford to have an election denier overseeing the security of our future votes.
Furthermore, his public suggestions that U.S. citizen children should be deported along with their undocumented parents show a troubling willingness to bypass the 14th Amendment. The leader of DHS must be a defender of the Constitution, not someone who views it as an obstacle to a political agenda.
DHS should be led by an objective professional, not as a reward for political loyalty. I urge our senators to prioritize our national stability and the rule of law by rejecting this nomination.
Peggy Van Sickle
Brighton
