Trump Orders

• The Pentagon has deployed approximately 2,000 soldiers from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, providing President Trump with additional military options while he pursues diplomatic efforts with Iran. • The troop movement occurs as the Trump administration has sent Iran a 15-point ceasefire plan through Pakistani intermediaries, according to officials briefed on the diplomacy. • The dual strategy reflects efforts to find an economic off-ramp from the Middle East conflict while maintaining military readiness, though Iran has given a negative response to the ceasefire proposal.

• President Trump ordered federal immigration agents to assist TSA at U.S. airports by guarding exit lanes and checking IDs amid a partial DHS shutdown causing hourslong traveler waits and unpaid screeners. • Democrats express concerns that adding ICE presence could escalate tensions, demanding changes to immigration operations following deaths of two U.S. citizens by agents in Minneapolis. • Senate advanced Sen. Markwayne Mullin's nomination as DHS secretary by 54-37 vote, potentially confirming him Monday after Kristi Noem's tenure; border czar Tom Homan leads the airport effort.

• President Trump directed federal immigration agents to assist TSA at US airports during a partial shutdown over Department of Homeland Security funding, with agents guarding exit lanes and checking passenger IDs unless Democrats agree to fund the agency. • White House border czar Tom Homan is leading the airport security effort and has been meeting with bipartisan senators, though negotiations have not yet reached total agreement on resolving the shutdown. • Democrats are demanding major changes to federal immigration operations and have stated willingness to fund TSA and most DHS components, citing concerns about escalated tensions among frustrated travelers and unpaid screeners.

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on March 13, 2026, directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds to lower home buying costs. The orders aim to limit financial institutions' ability to buy single-family homes and cap credit card interest rates, responding to median home prices hitting $398,000 in February—nearly five times the median household income. Housing affordability has become a pivotal issue threatening GOP midterm prospects, especially among voters under 40, amid a bipartisan Senate bill passed Thursday to boost construction. White House officials anticipate mortgage regulation changes could impact buyers within months.