President Donald Trump was on the verge of firing Tulsi Gabbard, the director of National Intelligence, until Roger Stone, a longtime ally, intervened, according to a new report. The president had grown frustrated with Gabbard after her March 18 congressional testimony, during which she stopped short of fully endorsing war with Iran, sources told Axios.
A day earlier, Joe Kent, Gabbard's counterterrorism director and former chief of staff, resigned in opposition to the war, claiming Trump had been duped into launching attacks. Trump subsequently scolded Gabbard and questioned her loyalty, though some advisers downplayed his remarks. The president then began asking whether he should replace her.
When Trump polled Cabinet officials, they were supportive of Gabbard, but it was Stone who tipped the balance. Stone reportedly gave Trump four reasons to keep her, including that she was loyal, had no intention of resigning, and that firing her would trigger a media firestorm. Stone confirmed his intervention on X, writing, 'Fortunately, I acted in time.'
Far-right activist Laura Loomer had allegedly tried to persuade Trump that Gabbard was about to resign, in an apparent effort to get her pre-emptively fired. Stone and Loomer have since engaged in a public spat on social media. Loomer claimed Stone had a financial interest in protecting Gabbard, but Stone denied this, saying he would likely support Vice President JD Vance in 2028.
The White House dismissed the discord, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that Trump believes Gabbard is doing an excellent job. A National Intelligence spokesperson said Gabbard remains committed to her responsibilities. The spat reflects a broader divide among MAGA figures over the Iran war, with some right-wing media personalities opposing the conflict and others supporting it.
