Mullin Said to Have Credited the King of Jordan for a Helicopter Rescue

New York Times
by Charlie Savage
March 20, 2026
3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Homeland Security nominee Mullin credited the King of Jordan with facilitating a helicopter rescue during his confirmation hearing testimony.

How This Affects You

If confirmed, a DHS leader whose background includes foreign assistance claims may face conflicts of interest in national security decisions affecting homeland defense.

AI Summary

Homeland Security nominee Mullin credited the King of Jordan with facilitating a helicopter rescue during testimony at his confirmation hearing, referencing a trip he took to the country in August 2016. The specific circumstances of the rescue and why Mullin brought it up at the hearing remain unclear from available details. The mention of foreign intervention in a potential emergency situation raises questions about the nature of Mullin's activities abroad and how they might relate to his qualifications for leading the Department of Homeland Security. Congressional records confirm Mullin visited Jordan that August, though the full context of the trip has not been publicly detailed. The anecdote emerged as part of the broader confirmation process for a key national security position.

What's Being Done

The anecdote emerged during Mullin's confirmation process; the full context of the rescue remains unclear.

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