Morning Wire – “DHS Funding Fight Continues & Can Terror Cost Citizenship?”

Date: March 19, 2026
Hosts: Georgia Howe & John Bickley
Notable Guests: Cameron Arcan (Daily Wire political reporter), Bev Turner (GB News), Jenny Tarre (Daily Wire), Lyndon Blake

Episode Overview

This episode of Morning Wire centers on several major current events: the fight to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. and international responses to Iran’s destabilization, and a national debate over whether naturalized citizens convicted of terrorism can lose their citizenship. The hosts break down the week’s high-stakes political maneuverings, evolving voter ID legislation, international tensions over Iran, and the legal and political landscape around denaturalization after recent terror incidents. They close with a quick feature on March Madness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DHS Funding Battle & Leadership (02:25 – 07:30)

• Ongoing Hearings: The fate of DHS remains up in the air as Congress grapples with budgetary and leadership questions. A funding stalemate continues, with the White House making some concessions.
• Agency Leadership: Oklahoma Senator Mark Wayne Mullen featured in confirmation hearings to succeed Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary. He emphasized renewing public trust and focusing the agency on protecting the homeland.
  • Notable quote (03:23):
    "I hope DHS is just able to be laser focused on doing their job and it does isn't controversial about taking care of the homeland. I hope people have confidence in her and in our agency again and I'm going to work every day to restore that."
• Warrants Policy: Mullen suggested requiring judicial (not only administrative) warrants for most immigration enforcement at homes/businesses, aiming for greater accountability.
• White House Counteroffer: To break the deadlock, the White House supported increased oversight of detention facilities and more use of body cameras (03:45).
• Senate Intelligence Hearing: DNI Director Tulsi Gabbard testified on Iran’s weakened position post-sanctions and continued domestic repression.
  • Quote (04:24):
    "Iran's strategic position has been significantly degraded." — Georgia Howe, summarizing Gabbard
• National Counterterrorism Center Controversy: Joe Kent’s resignation followed both criticism of Operation Epic Fury in Iran and an FBI investigation into alleged leaks—casting doubt on the narrative of a principled protest (04:55).
• Save America Act: Advanced in the Senate (51-48 vote). Proposed measures include:
  • Proof of citizenship documentation
  • Voter ID requirements
  • Mail-in voting restrictions for federal elections
  • Democratic opposition remains strong, with debate ongoing.
  • Moderate view:
    "I don't want this other stuff in the Save America Act, I just want voter ID." — John Fetterman (06:42)

2. Iran Conflict & Transatlantic Tensions (08:34 – 13:19)

• Iran’s Actions: Following leadership losses, Iran launched retaliatory strikes on Israel, attempted to evade sanctions with dark shipments, and faces economic crisis.
• US-Europe Friction:
  • Bev Turner details the UK’s cautious involvement: initial refusals to allow US use of UK bases, eventual allowances seen as somewhat belated.
  • Quote (09:21):
    "They only got in touch when the war was won. ... They are using them. Of course, this is a little bit of the braggadocious bravado that we hear from President Trump. ... We aren't on the offensive with Israel and America, but we are trying to shoot drones down." — Bev Turner
  • Limited UK military action (shooting down 40 drones) is framed as defensive, not offensive support.
  • Broader European reluctance is partly attributed to poor pre-war communication from the Trump administration.
    • "Donald Trump plows his own furrow. He doesn't go for cooperation with these countries first. It's almost like he asks for forgiveness, not permission." — Bev Turner (10:44)
• Oil Prices & Strategic Risk: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz would impact European and global energy supplies. The UK government’s hesitancy reflects fears about escalation and political blame for economic fallout.
  • Quote (11:45):
    "As soon as one British soldier is killed, we are in that war. That is clearly a pinch point for all of these negotiations..." — Bev Turner

3. Can Terror Cost Citizenship? The Denaturalization Debate (13:48 – 17:34)

• Recent Attacks: String of terror incidents by naturalized citizens prompts a surge in debate about revoking citizenship for convicted terrorists.
  • Incidents cited: shootings in Austin and at a Michigan synagogue, a foiled attack in Texas, and a university shooter with prior ISIS ties.
• Legal Hurdles:
  • Attorney Matthew Culkin explains the legal standard: Crime alone—even if terrorism—is not grounds for denaturalization unless citizenship was fraudulently obtained.
    • "If a naturalized U.S. citizen commits a heinous act of terrorism. That's not a way to take away somebody's. They've done everything right. From an immigration standpoint... They can be convicted of a crime and go to jail for the rest of their life, but... they'll die a United States citizen." — Matthew Culkin (15:24)
  • Denaturalization grounds: Fraud during immigration or joining hostile organizations within five years of naturalization.
• Legislative Movement:
  • Congress can expand qualifying offenses for denaturalization.
  • Gene Hamilton (America First Legal):
    • "Congress could pass new legislation tomorrow that would broaden the provisions of existing law that allow for denaturalization upon the commission of certain types of heinous offenses or upon a person's association with certain disqualifying organizations." (16:28)
  • Sen. Eric Schmidt’s SCAM Act would extend denaturalization to welfare fraud, cartel and terrorist ties.
    • "That would give the federal government the power to denaturalize these people who have committed terrorist attacks or crimes in the country rather than just going after them for fraud." — Jenny Tarre (16:57)
  • The bill reflects public sentiment that this is “common sense” after the recent attacks.

4. Quick Hit: March Madness Kicks Off (17:35 – 18:35)

• The Tournament Begins: Lyndon Blake highlights the excitement of March Madness, noting the recent trend (caused by the new college athletics economy) of powerhouse schools stifling traditional "Cinderella" upsets.
  • "Last year was the first time in history all 16 top four seeds ... advanced to the second round ... nil, you have pay for play, and it has honestly killed the Cinderella team." — Lyndon Blake (17:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | 03:23 | “… DHS is just able to be laser focused on doing their job..." | Sen. Mark Wayne Mullen (paraphrased by Brendan Steinhauser) | | 04:24 | "Iran's strategic position has been significantly degraded." | (Summarized by Georgia Howe from DNI Gabbard testimony) | | 06:42 | "I don't want this other stuff in the Save America Act, I just want voter ID." | John Fetterman (paraphrased) | | 09:21 | “…They only got in touch when the war was won. …That is the braggadocious bravado that we hear from President Trump. ... We aren't on the offensive... but trying to shoot drones down." | Bev Turner | | 15:24 | “If a naturalized U.S. citizen commits a heinous act of terrorism… They can be convicted of a crime and go to jail for the rest of their life, but... they'll die a United States citizen.” | Matthew Culkin | | 16:28 | "Congress could ... broaden the provisions of existing law that allow for denaturalization upon the commission of certain types of heinous offenses..." | Gene Hamilton | | 17:56 | "nil, you have pay for play, and it has honestly killed the Cinderella team." | Lyndon Blake |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Main Headlines Begin – 00:33
• DHS Funding & Leadership – 02:25–07:30
• Iran Updates & NATO Tensions – 08:34–13:19
• Denaturalization Debate – 13:48–17:34
• March Madness Update – 17:35–18:35

Summary & Tone

In its signature brisk yet thorough style, the episode illuminates several urgent national security and legal topics with clear, fact-driven reporting. The tone is serious, occasionally critical (particularly toward Democratic strategies and European allies), and offers space for diverse perspectives within the conservative-leaning framework. The hosts allow experts and correspondents to clarify complex legal and policy issues without sensationalism, aiming for factual clarity and actionable news.