House Rejects Iran War Powers Resolution as Trump Reshuffles DHS Leadership

President Trump announced on March 5, 2026 the removal of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, posting the decision on Truth Social. Trump simultaneously named Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as her intended replacement, with the transition set for March 31. Noem was appointed to the new role of Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a Western Hemisphere security initiative.

An administration official cited by NBC News attributed the removal to a range of factors, including Noem's Senate testimony in which she indicated Trump personally approved a $220 million taxpayer-funded advertising campaign on immigration enforcement, alleged conduct issues, staff management concerns, and reported internal disputes with leadership at ICE and CBP.

Sen. Mullin, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, would lead a department that includes ICE, the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Transportation Security Administration. His formal nomination requires Senate confirmation. Mullin's departure from the Senate would trigger a process under Oklahoma state law to fill his seat.

The March 3, 2026 Texas primary elections produced decisive results in the contest for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican incumbent John Cornyn. State legislator and seminary student James Talarico defeated U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett with approximately 57 percent of the vote, securing the Democratic nomination outright without a runoff.

On the Republican side, no candidate cleared the 50 percent threshold required under Texas law. Cornyn led the field with roughly 41.9 percent of the vote, followed closely by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at 40.7 percent, with a third candidate, Hunt, at approximately 13.5 percent. Cornyn and Paxton will face each other in a runoff election scheduled for May 26, 2026.

The Cornyn-Paxton contest has drawn significant attention within Republican circles. Political analysts note that runoff elections typically draw more ideologically engaged voters, a dynamic seen as potentially favorable to Paxton. President Trump has signaled possible interest in weighing in on the GOP race. Texas has not elected a Democratic U.S. senator since 1988, making the November general election a significant test for both parties.