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Homeland Security Secretary Mullin Refuses to Disclose Rent from Congressional Roommate
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has come under scrutiny for refusing to disclose the rent paid by his congressional roommate, Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), who shares a Capitol Hill residence owned by Mullin. According to a report by The Daily Mail, Mullin purchased the $1.8 million brick row house in 2023, which is located near the Capitol and has been shared with Smith for three years. Smith, who is unmarried, confirmed the arrangement to The Daily Mail during an interview in late July. Mullin's representative declined to reveal the monthly rent amount, stating that Mullin acts as Smith's landlord. The Daily Mail noted that there are no public records of rent transactions for the property, and Smith's office did not respond to requests for comment. A House ethics rule prohibits members from accepting gifts worth more than $100 from a single source annually, and rent below market value could be considered a gift. Financial disclosures from Mullin Realty LLC indicate that Mullin's residential real estate portfolio, valued between $1 million and $5 million, generates $50,000 to $100,000 in annual rental income from over 40 properties across Washington, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Smith, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee overseeing portions of the Department of Homeland Security, has not reported specific rental payments to Mullin in his financial disclosures. Sources described the arrangement as unusual for a cabinet official, with one noting that it is strange for a cabinet secretary to have a roommate, while another likened the residence to a 'college dorm' due to the constant flow of visitors. An anonymous source suggested that Mullin rarely stays in DC, using the property as a 'crash pad,' and that the setup is unique among senior Trump administration officials. The report highlights concerns about potential ethics violations and the unusual nature of Mullin's living arrangement, which contrasts with typical practices for high-ranking government officials.
