Full Breakdown
Roger Stone Intervenes to Save Tulsi Gabbard's Position Amid Iran War Tensions
4/11/2026, 1:33:42 PM
Trump’s Consideration to Dismiss Gabbard
President Donald Trump was reportedly on the verge of firing Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, following her congressional testimony on March 18, where she refrained from fully endorsing military action against Iran. Trump's frustration grew after Gabbard's testimony, which he perceived as lacking enthusiasm for the war, especially after the resignation of Joe Kent, her former chief of staff, who publicly criticized the administration's stance on Iran. Sources indicated that Trump questioned Gabbard's loyalty and began consulting with cabinet members about her potential replacement.
Roger Stone's Intervention
Roger Stone, a longtime political adviser to Trump, intervened during this critical moment. Stone communicated with Trump, presenting four key arguments for retaining Gabbard: her loyalty, her professional conduct during testimony, her intention to remain in her position, and the potential media fallout from her dismissal. Stone warned that firing Gabbard could elevate her status among anti-war supporters and position her as a formidable candidate in the 2028 GOP presidential primaries, potentially complicating the path for Trump's preferred successor, Vice President J.D. Vance.
Official Statements & Responses
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed that Trump believes Gabbard is performing well in her role, describing her as a vital member of his national security team. Gabbard herself stated her commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to her by the President, emphasizing the importance of national security.
Criticism & Opposition
The situation has sparked internal conflict within Trump’s circle, particularly with far-right activist Laura Loomer, who criticized Gabbard's actions and accused her of disloyalty. Loomer claimed that Gabbard's failure to condemn Kent's resignation was "despicable" and suggested that Stone's defense of Gabbard was motivated by personal interests in her potential 2028 campaign. Stone, however, refuted these claims, asserting that he has no financial ties to Gabbard and would likely support Vance in the upcoming election.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While some sources reported that Trump scolded Gabbard during a private meeting, others characterized his remarks as friendly or sarcastic. The exact nature of Trump's concerns and the dynamics of his discussions with cabinet members remain somewhat unclear, with varying accounts of the internal deliberations surrounding Gabbard's position.
Conclusion
As of now, Gabbard remains in her role as Director of National Intelligence, with no official changes announced. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the Trump administration regarding foreign policy, particularly concerning the Iran conflict, and the influence of key figures like Roger Stone in shaping personnel decisions. The situation continues to evolve as the administration navigates the complexities of its national security strategy amid public dissent and internal disagreements.
