Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized Democratic senators on Tuesday following comments from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer regarding recent incidents between the department and Democratic lawmakers.

Mullin, who previously served in the Senate before being nominated to lead DHS, responded to a post from Schumer on the social media platform X. The minority leader's post referenced targeting of U.S. senators, though the full context of his remarks was not detailed in available reporting.

In his response, Mullin stated he has "zero respect for career liberal politicians," taking aim at his former Senate colleagues. The comment represents a sharp departure from typical inter-branch diplomatic protocol between cabinet officials and members of Congress.

The exchange appears to stem from what sources describe as "two notable incidents" involving the Department of Homeland Security and Democratic lawmakers over the past year, though specific details of these incidents were not provided in available reporting.

Mullin's appointment to head DHS marked a transition from his legislative role to leading the department responsible for national security, immigration enforcement, and cybersecurity operations. His comments suggest ongoing tensions between the administration and Democratic leadership in Congress.