GOP congressman faces furious backlash after grilling whistleblower Rick Bright about his blood pressure: ‘Scum’
Rep. Markwayne Mullins (R-OK) spent his time during the hearing to interview whistleblower Dr. Rick Bright about his high blood pressure. While many members of Congress were asking questions about the investigations into hydroxychloroquine, the national stockpile, the administration’s lack of response to early warnings about the coronavirus and how to protect Americans.
The conservative plumber demanded details from Dr. Bright on why he was on medical leave from his new position at the National Institute of Health, where he transitioned after being ousted at the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Bright explained that being ousted, thrust into the spotlight and attacked by conservative media has been more stress than he’s accustomed to experiencing as a doctor.
Mullin then asked why Dr. Bright could appear before Congress but not go to work at the NIH. Mullin didn’t give Dr. Bright time to respond to the question but witnesses are generally subpoenaed to appear before Congress. Bright explained he was taking his vacation time to deal with the Congressional hearing.
The internet swiftly responded to Mullin, calling him out for what they called embarrassing, cruel and an unnecessary line of questioning that didn’t get to the bottom of why over 85,000 Americans have died from COVID-19.
Moments later Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar attacked Dr. Bright, saying he isn’t showing up to work when he’s needed the most. It’s an ironic claim given Azar and Trump removed Bright from his position. If he was so necessary, it’s unclear why Dr. Bright was removed.
You can see their responses below:
how unusual...a gop rep attacking the witness instead of asking substantial questions— Beth Becker 👠🤠 (@Beth Becker 👠🤠) 1589472762
“You’re well enough to come here today, but not go to work.” The man just says his blood pressure was high. 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️— The Chanteezy Is Real ♉️ (@The Chanteezy Is Real ♉️) 1589472975
@RepMullin you are a vial POS how dare you make fun of someone with high blood pressure. You are a asshole. How do you sleep at night.— Denise Lynn (@Denise Lynn) 1589472940
Why is Mullin allowed to harangue Dr. Bright about his taking medical leave and smear him regarding his high blood… https://t.co/jKKCF0IIcn— (((anti-antisemite))) (@(((anti-antisemite)))) 1589472943
@atDavidHoffman The Republicans are making the worst showing I’ve ever seen. Some guy is trying to hammer Dr Bright… https://t.co/ZjmCUcpogH— Shelley Webb (@Shelley Webb) 1589472948
So is .@RepMullin there to try to make Dr Bright look bad? What is the purpose of his questions? What does Dr Brigh… https://t.co/ANFmCUDp8p— Romantic At Heart & Political Activist (@Romantic At Heart & Political Activist) 1589472960
Mr Mullin is an as*hat. He is intentionally trying to raise Dr Brights blood pressure. He has no right to that line… https://t.co/9LLmiGam0A— Sheila W 🇺🇦🌻 (@Sheila W 🇺🇦🌻) 1589472965
Watch @RepMullin make an ASS of himself attacking a man for high blood pressure after he was removed from his job… https://t.co/Q4Hjeq4nXW— tubsjmh (@tubsjmh) 1589472966
@Scattered211 @bluenap33 I’m with you there... let’s constantly interrupt a man who’s got high blood pressure and i… https://t.co/ruoA3W8BX5— BOB! (@BOB!) 1589472968
@kendallybrown Is he the one asking Dr Bright why he can’t manage his blood pressure? And inferring that he shouldn… https://t.co/tx8uAFbqpC— Helen (@Helen) 1589472970
When a man risks his own safety and career to stand up and try to save lives, what you should really do is interrog… https://t.co/7NU6sI2uOx— 𝙹𝚊𝚢𝚗𝚒𝚎’𝚜 𝙶𝚘𝚝 𝚊 𝙱𝚞𝚗 (@𝙹𝚊𝚢𝚗𝚒𝚎’𝚜 𝙶𝚘𝚝 𝚊 𝙱𝚞𝚗) 1589472975
Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) says he has "a hard time understanding" how Dr. Bright could have high blood pressure… https://t.co/0gpRxCUtye— Brian Tashman (@Brian Tashman) 1589472871
Omg Mullin’s questioning is even making my blood pressure rise that was ridiculous— Chase Laudenslager (@Chase Laudenslager) 1589472883
@RepMullin what an ass. Hope all your kids see how nasty you are to a man with high blood pressure illegally remov… https://t.co/gFcTmN0nnT— MsDayTwo🐀 (@MsDayTwo🐀) 1589472886
FYI, to the gentleman from OKLAHOMA, Coming forward and telling the truth helps lower that blood pressure. #DrBright— Tammi (@Tammi) 1589472891
@OctoberDawn4 I bet 75% of those old fkrs are on blood pressure meds so ... that’s irrelevant af.— ❄️GoͦtͭJaͣniͥeͤ? ® 😷🌵🇺🇦🔱🦙🐢💨 (@❄️GoͦtͭJaͣniͥeͤ? ® 😷🌵🇺🇦🔱🦙🐢💨) 1589472895
@RepMullin why are you focusing on Dr. Bright blood pressure rather than the dire warning he is sharing about dange… https://t.co/9wCeUfnIPe— Anne Frank Zappa ❁ (@Anne Frank Zappa ❁) 1589472922
Wow that guy is a real dick #hearings on #CNN I mean a real ass. Oh so you have high blood pressure? Prick....I bet… https://t.co/LVxbhmYqOv— Lucie`°•.♥.•♪♫ ღ¸♪• (@Lucie`°•.♥.•♪♫ ღ¸♪•) 1589472924
I would like to hear what Dr. Bright has to say about the preparedness of the US, but the GOP line of questioning i… https://t.co/OqCoLuqV0T— Real Anti Christofascist (@Real Anti Christofascist) 1589473498
@rossgarber Did you miss Mr. Mullin a few minutes ago??— Robin Anne (@Robin Anne) 1589473957
@Iwillnotfall The line of questioning from the majority of Republicans on the committee has been awful. But Mullin'… https://t.co/EZPsDp23PB— Kimberly Tyda (@Kimberly Tyda) 1589473968
Rather than inquire abt the COVID-19 response, OK Rep. Markwayne Mullin viciously attacked & berated Dr Bright abou… https://t.co/3DcqpEEfFu— Mel the Enforcer (@Mel the Enforcer) 1589473978
@RepMullin so, Mr. Trump says to Mr. Mullin “who’s a good boy, huh? You’re a good boy! Such a good boy!”— neoGeezr (@neoGeezr) 1589473988
