The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle Conflicting narratives on the Iran War as more U.S. troops head to the Middle East
Mar 25, 2026
Art Cullen, Pulitzer-winning editor offering Iowa farming perspective. Rohit Chopra, former CFPB director on consumer and economic impacts. Mychael Schnell, congressional reporter tracking DHS funding and Hill reactions. Tom Nichols, Naval War College professor on military strategy and national security. They discuss conflicting Iran narratives, troop deployments, funding fights in Congress, market and supply ripples.
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Wind Down Likely Best Realistic Outcome
- Best-case for the U.S. may be a face-saving wind-down rather than decisive victory, leaving Iran dominant in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Tom Nichols argues Trump could declare victory, walk away, and let diplomats clean up while Iran retains leverage.
Reopen DHS Services First Then Tackle ICE Funding
- Fund most of DHS now and address ICE through reconciliation to reopen TSA lines and paychecks quickly.
- Mychael Schnell explains Senate Republicans' offer funds DHS except ICE enforcement, aiming to bypass stalemate and force later action.
DHS Deal Depends On Trump And ICE Reform Concessions
- The GOP's ability to cut a DHS deal hinges on Donald Trump's approval and Democratic demands for ICE reforms.
- Sam Stein notes Trump has repeatedly rejected deals and Democrats insist on guardrails like warrants and body cameras, creating a negotiation impasse.