Senator Faces Backlash for Evoking ‘Odor of Conflict’ Without Military Experience
Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin stirred controversy during a Fox News segment on Monday, where he reflected on the “odor of conflict,” despite having no military background.
As a member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee, Mullin discussed U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, channeling a cinematic reference to Lt. Col. Kilgore from Apocalypse Now, who famously savored “the smell of napalm in the morning.”
“War is ugly,” Mullin asserted. “It has a foul scent. Anyone who has experienced it knows the taste, the smell, the sounds—it’s unforgettable.”
He mistakenly referred to Secretary Pete Hegseth as President, claiming Hegseth’s experience lent credibility to his statements. This blunder, however, paled in comparison to the uproar over Mullin’s presumption to represent the sentiments of U.S. soldiers.
Veteran Charlotte Clymer responded sharply on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “You were 24 on 9/11 and chose business over service. You need to stop talking.”
The Angry Staffer account chimed in, reminding followers that Mullin was a rancher before entering politics, suggesting he lacks any real understanding of warfare while advocating for sending others into battle.
VoteVets, a campaign group, added their voice to the criticism, quipping that Mullin likely associates war with “Mountain Dew and couch cushions,” implying his closest encounter with conflict comes from video games.
Social media users also circulated an image of Mullin allegedly hiding during the January 6 Capitol insurrection, mocking his claims of bravery.
In a related incident, former President Trump faced backlash for his dismissive remarks regarding U.S. troops killed in recent conflicts, which he described as “the way it is,” drawing ire from several Democratic lawmakers.
Mullin stumbled again during a separate Fox Business appearance, confusing Iran with Iraq. “It’s up to the Iraqi people—or, I’m sorry, the Iranian people—to choose their next leader,” he stated.
He echoed Trump’s call for the Iranian populace to rise against their government, framing the airstrikes as a pivotal moment for change.
Previously, Mullin’s stance on Iran has been inconsistent; he told CNN in January that while regime change wasn’t the goal, intervention might be necessary if leadership harmed its citizens.
A month later, he suggested that removing the ayatollah could be considered if it meant halting nuclear advancements but preferred diplomatic solutions.
Last week, Mullin made headlines for a heated exchange with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders during a confirmation hearing for Dr. Casey Means, Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, after Sanders critiqued his lengthy remarks on scientific inquiry.
