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- Markwayne Mullin slammed for bizarre 9/11 ‘celebration’ comments (irishstar.com)
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin faced widespread criticism after an unsettling remark during a live Fox News interview, where he suggested that some Americans “celebrate” the events of 9/11.
The comment quickly drew backlash across social media, with many condemning the statement as tone-deaf given that the anniversary is universally observed as a solemn day of remembrance. During the broadcast, Mullin appeared to stumble over his words while discussing the significance of the attacks.
“To be honest with you, 9/11 isn’t a day that I just love to celebrate,” Mullin said. “Because some people do celebrate success that American [sic] has. For me, it kinda puts a bad taste in my mouth.”
The confusing phrasing sparked immediate outrage and disbelief on platforms like X, with many questioning what the secretary meant by implying celebration of the tragedy.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul quickly responded, directly addressing Mullin on X: “Nobody ‘celebrates’ 9/11. New Yorkers mourn the lives lost, honor the heroes, and live with the consequences to this day.” Hochul also took the opportunity to criticize Mullin’s political affiliations, calling for restoration of counterterrorism funding cut during the previous administration.
Everyday users expressed similar shock and disapproval. One user wrote, “WTF is Mullin talking about?
No one with any decency celebrates that day.” Another simply asked, “Who the f–k ‘celebrates’ 9/11?”
However, some viewers defended Mullin, suggesting his comment was likely a verbal slip. Given his statement that the day leaves a “bad taste” in his mouth, many argued he meant to say “commemorate” or “memorialize” rather than “celebrate.”
“People don’t celebrate 9/11, they commemorate it,” one user pointed out. Another added, “It was never a day of celebration, it was a day of remembrance… He just used the wrong word.”
As of now, Mullin’s office has not issued an official clarification, leaving the comment a subject of ongoing debate online.
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- Markwayne Mullin slammed for bizarre 9/11 ‘celebration’ comments (irishstar.com)