The Megyn Kelly Show: "Noem Out And Mullin In at DHS, Iran War Timeline Shift, CA Gov Primary Has GOP on Top" – AM Update 3/6/26
Date: March 6, 2026
Host: Megyn Kelly

Episode Overview

In this morning AM update, Megyn Kelly covers breaking political developments: the shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security with Kristi Noem out and Senator Mark Wayne Mullen in; significant updates and policy shifts around the ongoing US military operation in Iran; intensifying conflicts over immigration policy in Virginia; and dramatic turmoil in the California governor’s race, with surprising polling that has Republicans out front thanks to a fractured Democratic field.

Kelly is joined by key political voices, including Senator Mark Wayne Mullen, Secretary Pete Hegseth, and legal analyst Mike Davis. The episode dives into leadership controversies, sharp party infighting, military strategy, and major legal debates at state and federal levels.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. DHS Leadership Shakeup: Noem Out, Mullen In

Timestamps: [00:38] – [05:54]

• Summary:

  • President Trump has removed Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security amid mounting controversies and appointed Senator Mark Wayne Mullen of Oklahoma as her replacement.
  • Noem became embroiled in scandal over a $220 million DHS ad campaign featuring herself and swirling allegations of staff mismanagement and infidelity.
  • Noem has now been named special envoy for the new Shield of the Americas regional security initiative.
  • Mullen describes his nomination as “humbling,” expressing disbelief at his rise from humble beginnings.
  • Political insiders note the change was “time” due to a “culmination of her many unfortunate leadership mishaps” ([04:33]).

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Pretty humbling when you start thinking about it. Little kid from Westville, Oklahoma gets to serve in the president's Cabinet.” – Mark Wayne Mullen ([00:38], [05:38])
  • “Secretary Kristi Noem, who has served us well and has had numerous and spectacular results, especially on the border, will be moving to be special envoy for the Shield of the Americas...” – Trump statement, read by Kelly ([03:29])
  • _“Replacing Christie was based on the culmination of her many unfortunate leadership mishaps...”—anonymous administration source ([04:33])

• Process Notes:

  • Mullen’s appointment requires Senate confirmation; at least one Democrat, Senator Fetterman, has pledged support ([05:54]).
  • Details emerge about Noem’s alleged affair with Corey Lewandowski, who may also be leaving DHS.

2. Operation Epic Fury in Iran: Undefined Endgame

Timestamps: [05:54] – [09:24]

• Summary:

  • Despite initial projections of a brief military intervention, the US now anticipates a much lengthier campaign in Iran.
  • Secretary of War Pete Hegseth tells reporters there is “no shortage of American will” and no imposed timeline: “as long as it takes” to meet objectives ([06:51]).
  • Trump asserts the US will help choose Iran’s next supreme leader, rejecting the late Ayatollah’s son as successor—raising questions about possible mission expansion.
  • Hegseth downplays concerns over a wider conflict, claiming Iran’s actions have instead unified America’s regional allies.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Our timeline is ours and ours alone to control as long as it takes to ensure the United States of America achieves these objectives.” – Pete Hegseth ([06:51])
  • “We want to be involved in the process of choosing the person who is going to lead Iran into the future...” – Donald Trump ([07:40])
  • “What Iran is doing by targeting allied countries...they’ve actually pulled them into the American orbit...it’s actually firming up unity.” – Pete Hegseth ([08:36])

3. Virginia v. ICE: Fight over Immigration Enforcement

Timestamps: [09:24] – [17:42]

• Summary:

  • Democrats in Virginia’s legislature have passed bills severely restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including barring local law enforcement assistance and ICE operations in certain public places.
  • The bill introduces requirements (judicial warrants) that ICE, by federal law, does not need, setting up a potential constitutional showdown.
  • These moves follow the killing of a local woman by an illegal immigrant with a lengthy arrest record, drawing intense debate.
  • Legal expert Mike Davis warns this could amount to “seditious conspiracy” by state officials and says the Trump administration could bring both civil and criminal cases.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “These states are not required to cooperate with federal law enforcement, but these states certainly cannot obstruct federal law enforcement...that is a federal crime. Governor Spamberger and these Democrats, they are engaging in a seditious conspiracy.” – Mike Davis ([14:22])
  • “This is Confederates light behavior...returning to their Confederates roots...Democrat officials in Virginia could face federal felony murder charges.” – Mike Davis ([15:36])
  • “Federal immigration law is written by Congress...There is not any requirements for an Article 3 court judicial warrant to enforce our federal immigration laws.” – Mike Davis ([16:44])

4. California's Democratic Divide: GOP Advances in Governor’s Race

Timestamps: [18:50] – [21:47]

• Summary:

  • California’s Democratic leadership, concerned two Republicans could win the state's top-two primary (due to Democrats' divided field), has urged low-polling candidates to withdraw.
  • GOP candidates Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton now lead in polling, while Democratic candidates splinter votes.
  • Several Democratic candidates of color resist calls to exit, accusing party leaders of bias.
  • No resolution in sight; the June 2nd primary looms without consolidating the Democratic vote.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Isn't it interesting that the candidates they're asking to get out of the race are the candidates of color? Shots fired.” – Javier Becerra, candidate ([19:58])
  • “Voters choose the next governor, not political gatekeepers.” – Betty Yee ([20:23])
  • “My letter is simply calling upon candidates to be thoughtful, to be responsible and honest with themselves...” – Rusty Hicks, Democratic Party Chair ([20:41])

Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• Mark Wayne Mullen on his Cabinet appointment: “Had to call my wife, to call my dad, both. And it's just, you know, pretty humbling when you start thinking about it. A little kid from Westville, Oklahoma.” ([05:38])
• Pete Hegseth on Iran’s strategic miscalculation: “Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation for the IRGC...” ([06:51])
• Mike Davis on Virginia’s legal jeopardy: “This is a very dangerous path that Governor Abigail Spamberger is going down. This is Confederates light behavior...conflict between the state of Virginia and the federal government.” ([15:36])

Important Segments (Timestamps)

• [00:38] - Opening headlines and DHS shakeup introduction
• [03:06] - Kristi Noem grilled on $220 million DHS ad campaign
• [05:38] - Mark Wayne Mullen on his nomination
• [06:51] - Pete Hegseth on Iran operation’s indefinite timeline
• [07:40] - Trump’s comments on Iran’s future leadership
• [09:24] - Breakdown of Virginia’s new anti-ICE bills
• [14:22] - Mike Davis legal analysis: “seditious conspiracy”
• [18:50] - California primary infighting and GOP polling lead
• [20:41] - State Democratic Chair responds to backlash

Episode Tone and Style

• Direct, hard-hitting, and urgent, with a “no-nonsense” news delivery.
• Frequent use of pointed quotes from officials and politicians.
• Heavy focus on behind-the-scenes political maneuvering and legal stakes.
• Language largely mirrors the formality and gravity of high-stakes policy reporting.

This comprehensive update delivers rapidly moving national political stories, giving listeners crucial context, sharp debate, and the latest inside details—even if they don’t catch the live program.