From wrestler to businessman
Before entering politics, Mullin built a business career in Oklahoma. Raised on a ranch, he dropped out of college at the age of 20 to take over the family’s plumbing company when his father fell ill.
He expanded the business, Mullin Plumbing — known locally for its red vans branded “The Red Rooter” — and later ventured into other businesses, including opening a steakhouse in the town of Stilwell.
A wrestler during his school years, Mullin was inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. He later competed briefly in mixed martial arts, compiling a 5-0 professional record.
A fighter’s reputation in Washington
In Washington, Mullin has developed a reputation as one of Trump’s most aggressive defenders in Congress. His fiery exchanges in Senate hearings and combative social media presence have reinforced his image as a political fighter.
One notable moment came during a 2023 Senate hearing when Mullin confronted the head of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
“If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults,” Mullin told Sean O’Brien, the union’s president, with whom Mullin had previously engaged in a back-and-forth on social media. “We can finish it here.”
Months later, Mullin said the two had reconciled and called O’Brien a “new friend.”
Despite the combative moments, colleagues often describe Mullin as an affable presence in the Capitol, where he is known to walk the halls wearing a cowboy hat and boots and occasionally leading workout sessions in the House gym.
Support from tribal leaders
As a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Mullin has supported legislation affecting Native communities and advocated for tribal sovereignty.
“It is deeply encouraging to have someone with a keen understanding of federal Indian policy, law and justice elevated to such a critical leadership role within a powerful federal agency,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said.
Trump also highlighted Mullin’s Native American heritage when announcing the nomination, saying he would be a “fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities.”
Past controversies
Mullin’s political career has not been without criticism.
He once pledged to serve only three terms in Congress but later reversed that position when he ran again, saying he “didn’t understand politics” when he made the original promise.
He also faced scrutiny after data from the US Treasury Department showed that four businesses he owned received between $800,000 and $1.9 million from the federal Paycheck Protection Program during the coronavirus pandemic.
A spokeswoman for Mullin said at the time that the congressman was not involved in the day-to-day operations of the companies and referred questions to the companies’ chief financial officer.