Welcome back to the Unify Brief, where we track the latest developments facing our nation.
Trump fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
On March 5, President Donald Trump announced that he was firing Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), amid mounting criticism of her handling of the department.
Tensions came to a head last week, when Noem faced scrutiny from both Democrats and Republicans at her first oversight hearing since the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Within this hearing, Noem faced criticism over allegations that under her leadership, immigration officers have abused the rights of both immigrants and American citizens, how DHS uses its funds from Congress inappropriately and dodging accountability.
President Trump announced his plans to nominate Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Noem. Mullin has been one of the president’s fiercest defenders in the United States Senate. President Trump stated that he’d like Mullin to be in the role by March 31.
In a Truth Social post, President Trump also said that Noem would be given a new role in his administration, titled “Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” a role associated with a new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere and was non-existent prior to these events.
Local: Trump says Noem to leave Homeland Security; Mullin tapped as replacement (Denver 7)
National: Kristi Noem’s ouster isn’t enough. Democrats say they want her to pay. (NBC News)
What other college campuses have to say: Noem’s land of survival (The Paisano)
Anti-Islamic protests near Gracie Mansion
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that there were improvised explosive devices thrown near the residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Saturday, March 7, during a heated protest. Tisch also reported that these devices were not hoaxes but could have possibly caused serious harm.
One of the protests was organized by far-right activist Jake Lang for a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” demonstration, which drew about 20 supporters. The counterprotest drew about 125 demonstrators at its peak.
Two suspects were arrested for their involvement with the devices. Emir Balat was the alleged counterprotester who threw the explosive device and another individual, while Ibrahim Nikk was accused of supplying one of the devices.
Mamdani addressed the incident, condemning the anti-Islamic protesters while also stating, “Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”
Local: Men who brought explosives to NYC protest cited Islamic State as inspiration, complaint says (The Denver Post)
National: Homemade explosive hurled near NYC mayor’s home during protests could have caused ‘serious injury or death,’ police say (CNN)
What other college campuses have to say: Homemade bomb hurled at mayor’s home and other top stories across NYC (Washington Square News)
Big takeaways from the first 2026 midterm elections
In Texas, Rep. James Talarico was elected by Democrats in the Senate primary. The 36-year-old representative won over Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who has gained national and viral fame for her unabashed antagonism of the Trump administration.
Republican Sen. John Cornyn will be running against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for the Republican nomination in a May 26 runoff.
In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper will face Republican Michael Whatley in a race crucial to deciding control of the Senate in November. Both parties are confident in their chances, as Cooper, a former two-term governor, has proven his ability to win statewide elections, while Whatley is backed by President Trump and has served as the former chair of the Republican National Committee.
Local: Activists pressure Colorado leaders for election safeguards following Trump nationalization calls (Denver 7)
National: Iran war could make affordability a bigger issue in 2026 elections (CNBC)
What other college campuses have to say: Talarico, Abbott, Hinojosa win, runoffs abound in Texas primary (The Daily Texan)
Take action:
On your own:
- Keep track of key 2026 midterm election dates
- Call your representatives
- Denver County Representative: Diane Degette
