Full Breakdown
Roger Stone Intervenes to Save Tulsi Gabbard from Dismissal
4/12/2026, 1:18:13 AM
Tensions Rise Over Iran War Testimony
In a recent political episode, President Donald Trump was reportedly on the verge of firing Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, following her congressional testimony on March 18. Gabbard's reluctance to fully endorse military action against Iran during the hearing frustrated Trump, who subsequently questioned her loyalty and sought advice from his cabinet on whether to replace her. This situation escalated after the resignation of Joe Kent, Gabbard's former chief of staff, who publicly criticized the war, further complicating Gabbard's standing within the administration.
Roger Stone's Intervention
Roger Stone, a longtime political adviser to Trump, intervened to prevent Gabbard's dismissal. Stone communicated with Trump, presenting four key arguments for retaining Gabbard: her loyalty to the administration, her professional conduct during testimony, her intention to remain in her position, and the potential negative media fallout from her firing. Stone warned that dismissing Gabbard could elevate her status among anti-war factions within Trump's base, potentially positioning her as a formidable candidate in the 2028 GOP presidential primaries, which could undermine Trump's preferred successor, Vice President JD Vance.
Official Statements & Responses
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed that Trump believes Gabbard is performing excellently in her role, describing her as a vital member of his national security team. Gabbard herself expressed her commitment to fulfilling her responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of the President's role in determining national security threats.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Stone's defense of Gabbard, not all voices within the Trump coalition support her. Laura Loomer, a far-right activist, criticized Gabbard's actions and accused Stone of having ulterior motives, suggesting that he may have financial interests in Gabbard's potential 2028 campaign. Loomer claimed that Gabbard's failure to condemn Kent's resignation was "despicable," reflecting a broader divide among Trump supporters regarding foreign policy and personnel decisions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While some sources indicate that Trump was genuinely upset with Gabbard's testimony, others describe his remarks as sarcastic rather than aggressive. The internal dynamics surrounding Gabbard's position remain unclear, with conflicting accounts of her loyalty and the administration's stance on the Iran conflict. Additionally, the White House has not publicly addressed the discord between Stone and Loomer, nor has it clarified the implications of Gabbard's continued role amid ongoing tensions regarding U.S. military actions.
What's Next
As the situation evolves, Gabbard's position remains secure for now, but the internal conflicts within the Trump administration regarding the Iran war and personnel decisions may continue to influence future developments. The dynamics of the GOP primary landscape could also shift as potential candidates, including Gabbard, navigate their positions on foreign policy and national security in the lead-up to the 2028 elections.
